Pioneers show turnaround, going 3-of-9 on PP
By Mike Chambers Denver Post Staff Writer
Oxford, Ohio - This was no ordinary consolation game. It felt like a preview.
After absorbing an opening-night loss Friday to fired-up Miami (Ohio), No. 9 Denver positively identified itself Saturday in a 3-2 victory over No. 14 Colgate.
The IceBreaker Invitational third-place game didn't seem like a one-goal affair - the much-quicker Pioneers dominated in every area except finishing.
At even strength, DU failed to convert on countless odd-man rushes, but the Pioneers' power play produced three second-period goals, plus a fourth that was disallowed because of a faulty peg that dislodged the net to keep the Raiders alive.
The Pioneers (1-1) finished 3-of-9 on the power play after going 1-of-15 in Friday's 5-2 loss to tournament host Miami. Chris Butler, Ryan Dingle and Patrick Mullen got the goals Saturday, and senior goalie Glenn Fisher (24 saves) spearheaded a solid defensive effort.
"The power play was our big weapon, and after (Friday's) debacle, to have it turn around and be effective was a good sign," DU coach George Gwozdecky said. "I really believe the capability and potential of this team is huge."
Butler tied it at 1 early in the second period with his second rising wrist shot in as many games. After Adrian Veideman's 5-on-3 power-play goal was waved off at 8:59, Dingle gave DU the lead at 9:48, stuffing in a rebound.
Mullen's game-winner was a between-the-circles redirect from a shot by freshman defenseman Keith Seabrook at 18:52.
Colgate (0-2) got within 3-2 with 3:20 remaining by capitalizing on a tripping penalty by DU freshman forward Brian Gifford, but the Pioneers hung on.
Afterward, their only concern was the lack of success with finishing in transition. The Pioneers created turnovers and made breakout passes that led to oddman rushes, but their creativity in front of the net was weak.
"This weekend we had our ups and downs, but we need to focus on the good," Dingle said. "As long as we get the transition game going we're going to be good."
Dingle centered the No. 1 line with freshmen Brock Trotter and Rhett Rakhshani. Freshman Tyler Ruegsegger centered the second line with sophomore Mullen and senior J.D. Corbin. Seniors Mike Handza and Steven Cook played on the checking line with Gifford, and junior Geoff Paukovich and senior Ryan Helgason spot-shifted.
DU used seven defensemen and 11 forwards to gain more experience for its deep blue-line corps. Freshman Cody Brookwell was the extra defenseman, making his collegiate debut, and freshman Matt Glasser was scratched.
DENVER POST THREE STARS
1. Chris Butler - The sophomore defenseman got DU's second-period rally going with his second goal in as many games.
2. Tyler Burton - Had both goals for the Raiders.
3. Glenn Fisher - Pioneers' senior goalie was solid throughout.
WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
The goal-peg malfunction that disallowed Adrian Veideman's goal also forced two stoppages of play and nearly disallowed DU's ensuing goal before officials ordered up a power tool to drill deeper holes in the ice to stabilize the south net.
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DU Lineup vs. Colgate
Offense
Steven Cook - Michael Handza - Brian Gifford
Steven Cook - Michael Handza - Brian Gifford
Brock Trotter - Ryan Dingle - Rhett Rakhshani
Patrick Mullen - Tyler Ruegsegger - J.D. Corbin
Geoff Paukovich - Ryan Helgason
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Defense
T.J. Fast - Keith Seabrook
Adrian Veideman - Andrew Thomas
Adrian Veideman - Andrew Thomas
J.P. Testwuide - Chris Butler
Cody Brookwell
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Goaltender
Glenn Fisher
Glenn Fisher
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