The No. 3 Denver Pioneers return to Magness Arena to start their 2011-12 season schedule with a weekend series against the Minnesota St. Mavericks. The Pioneers split their opening weekend series in Massachusetts with a 4-2 victory over the then No. 1 Boston College Eagles and a 4-3 loss to the Boston U. Terriers.
This series against the Mavericks is the start of conference play for both teams. The Mavericks are 1-3 this season after splitting a series with Rennselaer and dropping a two-game set to Massachusetts-Lowell last weekend. Justin Jokinen leads the Mavericks with one goal and one assist. However, Jokinen might be one of six players missing from the Mavericks lineup in this series, reports the Mankato Free Press. Austin Lee and Phil Cook have each played two games, but Lee has had the early success by allowing just four goals in two games. Cook has allowed eight.
Jason Zucker leads the Pioneers offensive attack with one goal and three points, but Drew Shore is right there with two goals already. Six different skaters have already scored at least one goal through the first two games of the season. The team is still looking for its first power play goal, going 0-for-10 last weekend. Junior goaltender Adam Murray allowed two power play and two shorthanded goals over the first weekend.
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