Pios prepare for post-season with weekend sweep over Omaha

DENVER – The Denver Pioneers took on the UNO Mavericks on Saturday after clinching the Penrose Cup on Friday. The game was practically meaningless to the Pioneers but it did matter to the Mavs who are right on the bubble of the Pairwise rankings, the system used to pick the NCAA tournament.

The Pios were able to diminish UNO’s tournament hopes a little bit with a 3-0 victory to complete the weekend sweep.

“We didn’t have our ‘A’ game at any point this weekend but we stayed composed and found a way to win on both nights,” Denver head coach Jim Montgomery said. “This is a resilient group we have here and we definitely feel good about where we’re at collectively as we head into the best part of the season, the playoffs.”

It took a little over 35 minutes for any scoring in the hockey game, but it was worth the wait. Henrik Borgström toe-dragged and put the puck between the legs of the UNO defenseman and then into the top right corner of the net. That was his 20th goal of the season, he now leads NCAA freshmen in goals.

The Pioneers were able to extend their lead early in the third period. Emil Romig scored his 7th goal of the season while his linemates, Matt Marcinew and Colin Staub picked up the helpers. Borgström scored his 21st goal of the season late in the third period, capping off the game for the Pioneers.

Tanner Jaillet stayed on the bench in order to rest for the post-season, so Montgomery started Florida Panthers prospect Evan Cowley who was able to pickup a 28-save shutout in the contest.

“I’ve said all year that we have the two best goalies in the conference,” coach Montgomery said after the game. “And Evan Cowley proved that tonight, he was spectacular.”

THREE STARS:

First star:Henrik Borgström (Denver)
Second star: Evan Cowley (Denver)
Third star: Emil Romig (Denver)

BY THE NUMBERS:

TURNING POINT OF THE GAME:

Borgström’s goal in the second period the put the Pioneers up 1-0.

WHAT’S NEXT:

The Pioneers will face the Colorado College Tigers in the first round of the NCHC tournament. It will be a best 2 out of 3 series and all games will take place at Magness Arena.