Michigan Tech traveled this weekend, the longest road trip of the year, and came up short, getting swept by a very good Denver Pioneer team, 5-1 and 5-2. Even though Michigan Tech out shot it’s opponent both nights, they could not get shots past the top goaltending duo the WCHA and struggled to stop the Pioneer offense. The Pioneers now have scored 5 or more goals in every game this year.
Friday
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The Huskies started the weekend outshooting Denver in the first period Friday, but Brittain held strong for the Pioneers except for a Justin Fillion blast from the point on the power play. The Huskies struggled to stay out of the box and win the one on one battles.
“I thought we started alright tonight,” said Head Coach Mel Pearson, “but they did a good job of keeping us on the exterior. We need to be more aggressive in getting players to the front of the net. We have to tighten up defensively and play better without the puck.”
Scoresheet
Coverage
- Denver Downs Husky Hockey – Daily Mining Gazette
- DU pounds Michigan Tech 5-1, Improve to 3-0 – Denver Post
- Huskies Fall at No. 5 Denver 5-1 – Michigan Tech Athletics
- Pioneers Open WCHA Play with 5-1 Win Over Michigan Tech – Denver Athletics
Saturday
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After a disappointing outing by the Huskies on Friday night, they attempted to come out and play a more aggressive game. However, Michigan Tech found themselves in penalty trouble from the beginning. Once again Denver scored the first goal in the Saturday’s game. Dennis Rix was able to answer shorthanded quickly. After killing off a number of penalties, the Huskies settled in and outshot the Pioneers 40-33 on the night, but struggled to find scoring opportunities.
In the third, it was Rix again who put in a rebound and gave the Huskies a glimmer of hope, but that would be all that the Huskies would get, eventually falling 5-2.
“First off, you have to give credit to Denver,” said Assistant Coach Bill Muckalt, “they are a very good hockey team. We battle hard, but we need to be better defensively. The bounces didn’t go our way, it surely was not from a lack of effort tonight.”
Scoresheet
Coverage
- DU Beats Michigan Tech 5-2 To Complete WCHA Sweep – Denver Post
- No. 5 Denver Posts 5-2 Win Over Huskies Saturday – Michigan Tech Athletics
- Denver Remains Undefeated After 5-2 Win Over Michigan Tech – Denver Athletics
Stick Salute
Dennis Rix gets the stick salute this weekend, he had both goals Saturday night and is the leader in points and goals for the team after six games. He continues his solid play, even on a weekend when the majority of the Huskies struggled to compete with the #5 ranked Denver Pioneers.
