Omaha, Neb. – The No. 8 Denver Pioneers (3-4-0, 3-4-0-0) defeated the Western Michigan Broncos 3-2 on Tuesday afternoon at Baxter Arena.
 
Turning Point
The Pioneers withstood an onslaught of Western Michigan pressure in the final minutes to hold onto their one-goal lead. The Broncos pulled their goalie with 1:59 on the clock. Cole Guttman's final faceoff win with four seconds remaining sealed the game.

First Period
The Pioneers made short work of their first power play of the game with a goal only five seconds into an early man advantage. Cole Guttman won the faceoff back to Antti Tuomisto, who slid a pass to Carter Savoie. Savoie found Guttman alone on the backdoor for a tap-in to make it 1-0 at 2:59. Western Michigan tied the game four minutes later with Ethen Frank's one-timer from the left circle. Moments after the Broncos' goal, Kohen Olischefski's shot was robbed at the net front and Slava Demin cranked a shot from the point off the post. Denver's go-ahead goal eventually came at 17:07 when Kyle Mayhew took the puck from Jack Doremus, dropped down the right-wing boards and cut to the net for a chip shot that glanced off the skate of Hank Crone and past Austin Cain's blocker.

Second Period
Denver was stingy in the second, killing two 5-on-4 power plays and a 4-on-3 to retain its one-goal lead and keep an 18-8 lead in shots through 40 minutes. Savoie had the Pioneers' best chance to extend the lead late in the frame as he took a stretch pass through the neutral zone and tried to beat Cain five-hole.

Third Period
Paul Washe made good on a breakaway from the blue line 33 seconds into the 3^rd period to make it 2-2, but the tie was short-lived as Olischefski put Denver back in front less than three minutes later as he stuffed Cain's attempt to clear the puck after a Broncos' defensive-zone faceoff win. Western Michigan brought its most offense of the game in the final minutes but were unable to solve Corbin Kaczperski in his Pioneer debut.

Significant Stats
-Corbin Kaczperski made 12 saves in his Pioneer debut
-Mayhew recorded his first goal of the season

VIRTUAL SEASON TICKET: Activate exclusive virtual benefits for the 2020-21 season! Denver Athletics & Recreation is committed to making the best out of an unprecedented situation and, if we are not able to be together in person at Magness Arena, then we will do our very best to bring Denver Hockey to you! When you opt-in to be a Virtual Season Ticket Holder you gain access to exclusive season-long benefits including:

• 5280 TOGETHER limited-edition commemorative poster
• Access to individual home game tickets based upon availability and guidelines set forth by the NCAA, DU, and local and state health officials
• Exclusive invitation to the weekly coaches "chalk talk"
• Complimentary NCHC.TV & Pioneer Vision subscriptions
• Official tailgate package delivered to your home

 
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