Omaha, Neb. – The No. 4 Denver Pioneers hockey team (0-3-0, 0-3-0-0) dropped its third one-goal game in four nights with a 4-3 loss to St. Cloud State on Saturday at Baxter Arena.

Quotable
"Stick together. Don't point fingers. Accept the truth & look in the mirror" - Richard and Kitzia Goodman Head Coach David Carle

Turning Point
The Huskies' penalty kill midway through the third period was a key difference maker as it provided them an opportunity to extend their one-goal lead. At 11:41 of the period and forty-two seconds after the expiration of the Pioneers' power play, Nolan Walker received a pass from Easton Brodzinski, shifted the puck to his backhand and lifted a shot over Magnus Chrona's shoulder to make it 4-2.

First Period
The start was less than ideal for the Pioneers. Only 33 seconds into the first period Justin Lee's blocked shot from the point led to a two-on-one for the Huskies. Zach Okabe slid a pass to Sam Hentges who followed his own rebound to make it 1-0. Denver settled in and squared the game at 3:51, scoring on its first power play of the night for the second straight game. Carter Savoie picked up his fourth goal of the season with a short-side shot on Hrenak to tie the game.

Second Period
It was Denver's turn to start quickly in the second period. Playing with carry-over power-play time from the first period, Cole Guttman buried a rebound from Savoie's shot only 58 seconds into the frame to give the Pioneers their only lead of the night. Guttman nearly extended that lead minutes later with his second breakaway chance of the game, but David Hrenak made what proved to be a crucial save. On the next play, Kevin Fitzgerald raced up the ice, chipped the puck behind Denver's defense and tied the game. St. Cloud later took its second lead of the game at 7:19 with Spencer Meier's shot off the post from the left circle moments after the expiration of Husky power play.
 
Third Period
Hrenak and the Husky defense was the story of the third period as the Pioneers had three chances on the power play, including 1:37 of a five-on-three advantage, but were unable to score despite outshooting St. Cloud State 19-4. Steven Jandric was denied on back-to-back scoring chances during Denver's first power play of the period at 8:59. St. Cloud State responded and capitalized with Walker's play in transition. Down by two with 7:23 left, the Pioneers went on a five-on-three power play for 1:37 but Savoie's shot off the post was as close as Denver came to scoring. Bobby Brink later found Brett Stapley for a tap-in at the net with 4:54 left.
 
Significant Stats
-Mike Benning had three assists. He has five assists in two games
-Savoie had one goal and one assist and is riding a three-game goal streak
-Benning & Savoie have each had back-to-back multi-point games
 
Inside the Box Score
- Savoie is the first Pioneer to score in the first three games of the season since Drew Shore (2011)
 
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

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: For the latest University of Denver updates on the coronavirus, click here.

DONATE: Fans interested in making a donation to the Pioneers Athletic Fund can do so by clicking here. Your gift will transform the lives of our student-athletes by giving them the first-class resources needed to excel in the classroom, in the classroom and beyond. Thank you for Building Pioneers for Life!
 
-5280 TOGETHER- 
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 17 of DU's NCAA Division I sports
Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Hockey on Facebook
Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_Hockey on Twitter
Follow @DenverPioneers and @DU_Hockey on Instagram