Denver defeats Arizona State, advances to NCHC finals

The University of Denver hockey team is aiming for another conference title after a solid win in the NCHC semifinals. The No. 6-ranked Pioneers defeated No. 12 Arizona State 4-2 on Friday in St. Paul, Minnesota. Aidan Thompson, a junior forward, scored the game-winning goal in the third period. This goal came at 10:08, helping to secure the victory for Denver. This win also guarantees a place for the Pioneers in the NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship Game, scheduled for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The Pioneers will face top-seeded Western Michigan, who won their semifinal match against North Dakota 4-2. Thompson has now scored three game-winning goals this season and also recorded an assist in the game. Other contributors included Boston Buckberger and Sam Harris, who scored in the first period. Graduate student Connor Caponi capped off the game with an empty-net goal. Goaltender Matt Davis performed well, making 27 saves. He stopped all 12 shots in the first period and nine in the third period. Denver has a strong record in NCHC championship games and hopes to repeat as conference tournament champions this year.