GRAND FORKS, N.D.—Denver lost its coach, but hung onto first place in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Saturday with a 2-2 overtime tie against North Dakota.
The point allowed the Pioneers (15-7-3 overall, 11-5-2 in the WCHA) to remain one point ahead of second-place UND (15-10-3, 10-5-3).
Denver coach George Gwozdecky was ejected in the second period after several arguments with the officials, one while standing on the boards. After he was ejected, he walked across the ice for another chat with an official before heading to the locker room.
There was no scoring in the third period or five-minute overtime, although the Pioneers had the majority of the chances. Denver had five power plays and UND none after Gwozdecky’s ejection. The best overtime scoring opportunity was by Jesse Martin, who hit the post with a wrist shot from point-blank range.
Goalie Brad Eidsness saved the Sioux, making 38 saves, including four in overtime. Marc Cheverie had 23 stops for the Pioneers.
UND took a lead on its first shot on net. Chris VandeVelde freed the puck along the boards with a big check and then delivered a pass to Matt Frattin cutting to the net. Frattin scored from the top of the crease with less than five minutes gone.
The Pioneers gained a 1-1 tie after one period when a Chris Nutini slapshot from the blue line deflected into the net off the bodies of UND defenseman Chay Genoway and then teammate Anthony Maiani, who was credited with the goal.
The teams also swapped goals in the second period. UND’s Evan Trupp scored on a breakaway after being sent in alone by Darcy Zajac’s pass. The Pioneers tied it in the last minute of the period on Patrick Wiercioch’s slapshot while on the power play. Eidsness made 16 saves in the second period.
