DU downs Colorado College in historic ‘Battle on Blake’

The University of Denver hockey team defeated Colorado College 4-1 Saturday night at the historic “Battle on Blake,” an outdoor game played at Coors Field in downtown Denver in front of an announced crowd of 35,144 — a new record for any University of Denver sporting event.

Freshmen Jarid Lukosevicius, Colin Staub and Dylan Gambrell led the offense for the Pioneers, while starting netminder Tanner Jaillet made 19 saves in the victory.

“I thought we were good tonight,” head coach Jim Montgomery said after the win. “I don’t think we were as good as we have been in the past four games, but nonetheless our team’s ability to focus and execute the game plan and play with great emotion has been really incredible. It’s a tribute to how well the team is gelling together and the leadership we have on this team.”

Denver scored two goals with less than five minutes remaining in the opening frame to take a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission. The Tigers cut Denver’s lead to 2-1 at 15:03 of the second period, but the Pioneers registered two quick power-play goals early in the third period to extend their lead to 4-1. Danton Heinen’s slap shot from the top of the right circle found its way to the back of the net before Gambrell tallied his 11th goal of the season. Colorado Avalanche prospect Will Butcher assisted on both man-up markers. Denver was able to hold CC at bay from there on out, ultimately taking the decision by a 4-1 final.

“It was very special for me,” senior and team captain Grant Arnold said of the outdoor game experience. “When we saw this game on the schedule, all four seniors knew this was a great opportunity. When we went out there for the first period and you see over 35,000 people, it was such a special experience. I can say that it was an honor to wear the Denver jersey tonight and just an honor to be a part of this program because they took such good care of us all week. Coaches, staff, administration — everything was unbelievable.”

With the win, DU also secured home ice advantage for the first round of the NCHC playoffs, March 11–13.