The Denver Pioneers needed a victory on Saturday night to retain the Gold Pan over the Colorado College Tigers for the third straight years, but that failed to come true. The Pioneers had a 2-0 lead after the first period and saw it turn into a 2-2 tie by the middle of the second period. The game ended with that same score, securing the Gold Pan for the Tigers. The Tigers won the season series, 2-1-1.
Nate Dewhurst put the Pioneers on the board at 2:34 into the first period with his first goal of the season. Drew Shore scored his 17th goal of the season on the power play about six minutes later. Jason Zucker and Joey LaLeggia each picked up their 19th assists on that goal.
Colorado College struck back in the second with Jaden Schwartz's 10th goal coming at 7:29 in the second period. About three minutes later, Jeff Collett tied the game at two with a power play goal. The teams then skated to a 2-2 tie.
Juho Olkinuora started the second game in place of Sam Brittain. He made 33 saves on 35 shots. Josh Thorimbert and Joe Howe split time in the net for the Tigers, stopping 31 of 33 shots.
The Pioneers are now 15-9-4 (10-6-4 WCHA) and will welcome the Minnesota Gophers to Magness Arena next week.