Pioneers extend unbeaten streak to 13, defeating Tigers

NO. 2 DENVER 3, COLO. COLLEGE 1

colorado springs» The second-ranked University of Denver hockey team extended its unbeaten streak to 13 Friday night with a 3-1 victory over Colorado College at the Broadmoor World Arena.

The Pioneers also won their ninth consecutive victory over the Tigers in improving to 10-2-3 overall, 4-0-3-2 in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

The two teams meet again Saturday night, this time at DU’s Magness Arena. The Pioneers need one win in the final three games of the series to retain the Gold Pan trophy.

“I thought we managed the puck well and did a good job of protecting our net tonight,” DU coach Jim Montgomery said in a news release. “It was a good team effort for us in a tough arena to play in on an (Olympic-sized) ice surface we’re not accustomed to. The Tigers played hard and were very physical against us in this one and we expect more of the same from them (Saturday).”

Troy Terry gave Denver a 1-0 lead 7:26 into the second period, scoring for the fifth consecutive game. Jarid Lukosevicius made it 2-0 at 10:46. The Tigers (3-10-0, 14-0-0) got on the board to make it 2-1 on Sam Rothstein’s goal at 12:16.

Tariq Hammond’s first goal of the season at 6:22 of the third gave the Pioneers breathing room.

Tanner Jaillet finished with 20 saves for the Pioneers.

Denver’s winning streak against Colorado College is the third-longest in program history while its 13-game unbeaten run is tied for the fourth-best in program history.

Will Butcher finished with two assists for the Pioneers.