Air Force Academy – Two-time defending NCAA hockey champion Denver got its first win Friday night, surviving a third-period scare to defeat host Air Force 4-2 at the Cadet Ice Arena.
The still struggling Pioneers (1-2), who play Notre Dame on Saturday night in their home opener at Magness Arena, beat the Falcons (1-4) for the 18th consecutive time behind goals from two freshmen and two second-year players.
Otherwise, Air Force appeared to be the better team.
“Until they figure a new way to decide games, you have to score more goals than the other team,” said Air Force coach Frank Serratore, whose team held a 25-23 shots advantage. “To be honest with you, the only thing I thought Denver outdid us in was outscore us.”
Sophomore Ryan Dingle of Steamboat Springs scored on a rebound in the third period to give DU a 3-1 lead.
Freshman Patrick Mullen made it 4-1 with his first career goal with 7:01 to play.Freshman Brock Trotter and second-year junior Zach Blom also notched their first career tallies.
Staff writer Mike Chambers can be reached at 303-820-5453 or mchambers@denverpost.com
