The University of Denver hockey team lost to the University of North Dakota on Thursday night, falling 4-2 in the NCAA Semifinal at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. Defensemen Will Butcher and Matt VanVoorhis provided the offense for the Pioneers, erasing a two-goal deficit in the third period, while starting goaltender Tanner Jaillet made 19 saves in the loss.
“It was a great college hockey game,” head coach Jim Montgomery said after the season-ending defeat. “It’s what we expected. When North Dakota and Denver play, it’s great hockey. I said two days ago that the team that’s going to win is the team that makes the last play, and North Dakota made the last play. They’re a great team, and I wish them luck. I hope the NCHC brings home its first national title.
“That being said, I can’t be more proud of our group,” Montgomery continued. “I think what you saw from the fight in us all year long and in this game exemplifies the great leadership we have, and I think it shows what’s inside of us to be able to keep fighting and to keep believing, no matter what the score was or how we were playing. I’m very proud to have coached this group.”
Read more about the game at DenverPioneers.com.