Lowly Michigan Tech reached for the Magness Arena rafters Friday night.
The Huskies, looking for their first victory since Oct. 15, impressively took advantage of a slumbering University of Denver squad to stun the fourth-ranked Pioneers 3-2 and snap a 26-game winless streak (0-23-3).
Michigan Tech (4-23-4, 2-19-2 Western Collegiate Hockey Association) got two short-handed goals from freshmen and killed off all four DU power plays, limiting the Pioneers (18-8-5, 14-6-3 WCHA) to just two shots with the advantage.
The Huskies, who took a 3-1 lead into the third period, were playing with 15 underclassmen in their 20-player lineup, including nine frosh.
“They beat us to loose pucks. They won all the battles,” said defenseman John Ryder, who was DU’s best player. “They wanted it more than we did.”
It was the Pioneers’ second straight loss and third in their past five games. They were coming off a 7-3 loss last Saturday at Minnesota.
With a win, the Pioneers would have clinched home ice for the first round of the WCHA playoffs and tied North Dakota for first place in the standings. Just five games remain, including tonight’s series finale vs. Tech.
“Completely embarrassing,” said DU sophomore center Drew Shore, who scored with a long wrist shot 2:18 into the third period to make it 3-2. “It’s a second consecutive poor performance and it’s disappointing.”
“We have a number of guys who are really fighting it and confused as to how to handle the puck, when to pass it and when to shoot it,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said. “We’re a little bit in limbo right now.”
Freshmen Patrick McCadden and Ryan Furne scored Tech’s short-handed goals, the latter on a breakaway midway through the second period.
DU freshman goalie Sam Brittain (18 saves) struggled in his fourth consecutive start. McCadden’s goal, the first of the game, was soft and gave the Huskies the early momentum.
“That first goal gets us up and gets us going. It was huge,” Huskies defenseman Brad Stebner said.
Gwozdecky said sophomore goalie Adam Murray likely will replace Brittain tonight.
The Huskies snapped their eight-game losing streak to DU and 13-game unbeaten streak (0-12-1) against the Pioneers at Magness Arena.
“Finally,” Stebner said of the end of Tech’s winless drought. “It’s been a long time coming. We’ve had our hardships along the way. I think we’ve worked hard and come together, and finally, tonight, the bounces started to go our way and our hard work paid off.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
DU Recap
The Post’s three stars
1. Patrick McCadden.
Huskies freshman had two short-handed points, including a goal.
2. Ryan Furne.
Freshman had a short-handed breakaway goal for MTU.
3. John Ryder.
Rugged junior defenseman was one of DU’s only effective players.
What you might have missed
DU freshman defenseman David Makowski served a one-game suspension for fighting in the Pioneers’ previous game. He was replaced by Denver native and senior Jon Cook.
Up next
Michigan Tech, tonight at Magness Arena, 7 p.m.
