Varsity Reds edge Denver Pioneers 2-1 in exhibition play

DENVER – The University of Denver hockey team out-shot New Brunswick 38-21 in an exhibition contest but fell by a score of 2-1 on Sunday evening at Magness Arena. 

The Pioneers fell behind 2-0 early and despite controlling the play for the majority of the final two periods were unable to get the tying goal.

New Brunswick, which was playing in its second game in as many nights, got on the scoreboard first on a goal by Ben Shutron at the 12:13 mark of the opening period which beat Denver's Sam Brittain (Calgary, Alberta) to high on his glove side.

The Varsity Reds increased their first period advantage to 2-0 on another tally by Shutron just 3:27 later as he put away a blast from just inside the blue line at center ice while New Brunswick was on the power play.

Denver had numerous chances to answer in the opening frame as it had a total of four power play opportunities, but came away empty each time, totaling four shots while playing with the man advantage.

Junior Daniel Doremus (Aspen, Colo.) ended the drought for the Pioneers with a short-handed goal at 10:32 of the second as he turned a New Brunswick turnover into a breakaway opportunity to cut the margin to 2-1, ripping a shot that beat UNB goalie Charles Lavigne above his glove hand in the upper left corner.

Senior David Makowski (St. Louis, Mo.) gave the Pioneers their best chance for the equalizer with a one-timer from the top of the left circle that forced UNB's Lavigne to make a sprawling save to preserve the one-goal lead with 1:37 remaining in regulation.

At the conclusion of the contest, both teams participated in a practice shootout, which are being instituted into NCHC league games this season. Denver won the shootout 2-1.

Courtesy of Denver Atheletics