edpaffjr.comThis past Saturday I finally made it out to University of Denver hockey game. I think the season is already two-thirds over, so I am definitely behind. Part of the problem is that they don’t have a very strong home game schedule. For example, the Pioneers’ opponent for this weekend was the University of Northern Michigan Wildcats. The Wildcats are not in the top twenty teams nationally, so there isn’t as big of drawl than if they were playing against North Dakota for instance. They did play the Fighting Sioux earlier this year, but it was up in Grand Forks. And they’ve also played or will play at Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota, both top twenty teams.
Despite the below average schedule, this is still one of the best values in town. Tickets are as cheap as $18, and with the small arena there is no need to spend more than that. Plus we were able to score two seats for $18 total from a couple of students outside of the arena. That’s about the same price as going out to see a movie! Not only is it cheap, it is also really good hockey. I prefer college hockey over the professional level, since it is often more of a team game. I guess this can be true with most college sports.
Anyway, the game on Saturday started off a little rough for Denver. Northern Michigan was able to take a quick 2-0 lead through the end of the first period. From there on it was all Denver, as the Pioneers outshot the Wildcats 47-13. Unfortunately the Wildcat goalie played very well and only let in two goals for Denver. Even with an extra five-minute overtime period, the game ended up in a 2-2 tie. Denver is now 13-5-4 and may be able to move up in the top twenty from their previously ranked seventh position.