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The fierce rivalry between Colorado College and Denver University lived up to the hype over the weekend at Colorado Springs World Arena. Denver won the Golden Pan with a 1-1 tie on Friday night to clinch the four-game season series. Colorado had the last laugh, however, winning a 6-5 overtime thriller on Saturday night.
The Pioneers would have preferred to win the Golden Pan outright. Players admitted after the game that the tie was "bittersweet." They had the early lead on a Larkin Jacobson snap shot from the top right circle as he left the penalty box late in the first period. Jordan DiGiando scored the equalizer from nearly the exact same spot as Jacobson in the second period. The Tigers appeared to score the game winner in the third period, but the goal was waved off when replay showed that David Makowski interfered with goaltender Joe Howe.
Colorado got their revenge on Saturday, but it was tight. The Tigers led 5-2 with just six minutes remaining in regulation, but then Denver went on a tear, scoring three goals to force overtime. The Pioneers seemed to have all the momentum on their side when Zac Larraza tied the game with 2:42 left to play. Hunter Fejes scored his second goal of the game with 11 seconds left in overtime to give the Tigers the much-needed victory.
After the weekend, Denver is now 15-9-5 on the season, and could fall from the No. 9 overall ranking. Colorado College improved to 11-14-5 on the year.