Denver, Colo. – The Denver Pioneers (5-7-1) upset the No. 2 North Dakota Fighting Hawks 4-1 on Sunday at Magness Arena.

Turning Point
Jake Durflinger's first goal of the season came at 9:49 of the second period and put the Pioneers in front 3-0 at the halfway point of the game. Durflinger battled for the goal, absorbing a cross-check at the net before popping up to score on a rebound and give Denver another jolt of momentum.
 
First Period
Steven Jandric's defensive play led to the game's first goal. After a back-and-forth opening period, Jandric hit Riese Gaber as he was exiting the Fighting Hawks' zone, Jaakko Heikkinen fed the puck to Jandric and Ryan Barrow was patient with the last pass as he fired a shot around a sliding defenseman. Bobby Brink showed similar patience three minutes later as he carried the puck into the offensive zone and around a fallen defenseman before leaving a rebound at the back post for Reid Irwin to score.

Second Period
Two penalty kills to start the second period helped Denver hold its first-period momentum. The Pioneers added to their lead at 9:49 with Durflinger battling through a cross-check at the net to return to his feet, locate the rebound from Kyle Mayhew's point shot and score his first goal of the season. Justin Lee's blast from the right point made it 4-0 at 13:57.  

Third Period
Tyler Kleven's shot through traffic with 1:11 remaining marked the only goal of the final frame as Magnus Chrona held strong in net for the Pioneer victory. Denver killed two more penalties in the third to finish the night 6/6 on the penalty kill

Significant Stats
-Ryan Barrow had one goal and one assist
-Jaakko Heikkinen had two assists
-Magnus Chrona made 28 saves
-Denver went 0/2 on the power play and 6/6 on the penalty kill
 
Inside the Box Score
-Reid Irwin has three goals in his last two games

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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