The no. 3 ranked University of Denver Pioneers knew what to expect from the Western Michigan University Broncos, they were going to be one of the most improved teams in the NCHC and were a great test for the Pioneers to open up conference play in the NCHC gauntlet. Western Michigan lived up to those expectations as they were certainly competitive with the Pioneers throughout.

The surprise of the game was Dylan Gambrell, mostly because he wasn’t expected to be back from injury until at least the North Dakota series in two weeks. He tested himself during warmups and was able to take Liam Finlay’s spot in the lineup and start for the Denver Pioneers.

Gambrell got Denver on the board first in the second period with a wrist shot in the slot that he was able to put it away top shelf.  Evan Janssen found a gift-wrapped puck behind the net and was able to put it in the wide open net to make the score 2-0 in the second period.

In the third period, Will Butcher would pick-up DU’s third goal after a great play by Jarid Lukosevicious to find Butcher at the point. The Pioneers would stay steady throughout and end up getting the much-needed first conference game of the season and winning the game 3-1.

THREE STARS

First Star: Dylan Gambrell

Second Star: Tanner Jaillet

Third Star: Emil Romig

TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
The turning point was when Gambrell was able to put the Denver Pioneers up 1-0. The Pios played a really good first period but had nothing to show for it, once Gambrell was able to pick up that first goal it took almost all of the steam out of the Broncos.

BY THE NUMBERS

Denver-Western Michigan
Shots: 35-26

Faceoffs: 25-31

Power Plays: 5-4

Power Play Goals: 1-0

WHAT’S NEXT
The Pioneers will be taking on the Western Michigan Broncos again Saturday night at Magness Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:37 PM MST.