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The University of Denver opened Western Collegiate Hockey Association play on Friday night with an impressive 5-1 win over Michigan Tech at Magness Arena.
Junior defenseman Dakota Mermis started the scoring for the Pioneers with a first-period goal to give DU a 1-0 lead at the first break. The Pioneers then scored two goals in the second period. Another defenseman, junior David Makowski, scored the in the second period and then freshman forward Quentin Shore put the DU up 3-1 after two periods.
Denver put the game away in the fifth period thanks to goals from sophomore defenseman Joey LaLeggia and junior forward Nick Shore. In all, the Pioneers had three goals scored by defensemen.
Junior goaltender Sam Brittan had a strong start between the pipes for the Pioneers with 27 saves, only allowing one power play goal by the Huskies, a second-period score by Justin Fillion.
The Pioneers are now 3-0 on the season and 1-0 in WCHA play. The two teams will play again on Saturday night to complete their two-game series to open conference play.