Feb. 20, 2004

Box Score

The 10th-ranked Denver Pioneers ran into a hot goaltender and tied the Michigan Tech Huskies, 1-1, tonight in WCHA action at MacInnes Student Ice Arena. The goaltender was Tech's Cam Ellsworth, who stopped 36 shots, including 19 in the third period. Denver's record goes to 18-10-5 overall and 8-10-5 in the WCHA, while Michigan Tech goes to 7-19-5, 5-15-3 in league play. Both teams earn one WCHA point before 2,004 fans in Houghton.

Junior Kevin Ulanski (Madison, Wis.) rang the bell for Denver at 4:21 of the first period. Ulanski's first goal since Jan. 10 beat Tech goaltender Cam Ellsworth to the short side. The Pioneers carried a 1-0 lead into the first intermission after a quick period that saw the Huskies outshoot Denver, 9-8.

Tech's Brett Engelhardt tied the game at 1-1 with a score from the slot at 14:33 of the second period. Engelhardt took a pass from Taggart Desmet and buried a wrist shot pass Denver goaltender Adam Berkhoel (Woodbury, Minn.). Denver outshot Tech, 8-7, and failed to score on their only power-play attempt.

The Pioneers had two golden opportunities to take a 2-1 lead on their first power-play of the third period. Senior Lukas Dora (Lednice, Czech Republic) was denied by Ellsworth from the slot and Ulanski hit the left pipe. Denver peppered Ellsworth with 19 shots, but the junior from Leamington, Ontario, was outstanding in net with 19 saves. Berkhoel turned away all seven shots for Denver.

Senior Connor James (Calgary, Alberta) hit the post in overtime and Berkhoel made a huge save with two seconds remaining as Denver settles for the 1-1 tie. The Pioneers won the shot battle 37-24, but went 0-of-4 on the power play. Denver killed off all three Tech power-play opportunites and Berkhoel finished with 23 saves.

Denver and Tech will play game two of the series tomorrow night at 5:05 p.m. MT.