Denver, Colo. – The Denver Pioneers hockey team (4-8-1) fell 5-1 to the No. 3 North Dakota Fighting Hawks on Monday at Magness Arena.

Turning Point
North Dakota's 2:00 five-on-three penalty kill just past the midway point of the third period thwarted the Pioneers' best chance for a comeback.  The Fighting Hawks went 7/7 on the penalty kill.
 
First Period
North Dakota took charge early with a 2-0 lead only 3:20 into the game. Matt Kiersted scored 24 seconds into the period on a long rebound to the left circle, then Jordan Kawaguchi was left unattended on the backdoor to make it 2-0.

Second Period
Kawaguchi's snipe off the rush at 3:54 of the frame gave North Dakota a comfortable three-goal lead, while Denver's bid to score continued through three second-period power plays. Pioneer scoring chances became more frequent, but goals weren't included. Denver outshot the Fighting Hawks 16-7 in the period, cranked two shots off the post and failed to convert on an odd-man rush with Bobby Brink & Carter Savoie.

Third Period
North Dakota limited the Pioneers' offense early in the period before Grant Mismash's 5:00 major for charging and Jacob Bernard-Docker's cross-check put Denver on a 2:00 five-on-three power play. Savoie and Cole Guttman each clanked shots off the post on the extended man advantage. Slava Demin eventually wired a shot though traffic to put the Pioneers on the board at 17:08, but Gavin Hain's goal 30 seconds later re-established North Dakota's three-goal lead and Josh Reiger added an empty netter with 16 seconds left to seal the win. Corbin Kaczperski replaced Magnus Chrona at 10:58 after Mismash collided with Chrona for the charging penalty.

Significant Stats
-Denver is 2-2-0 against North Dakota this season
-Savoie led all players with nine shots on goal
-The Pioneers outshot the Fighting Hawks, 33-26

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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