OMAHA — Aspen native Daniel Doremus scored with 2:25 left in overtime to complete the University of Denver’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Nebraska Omaha to sweep the regular-season-ending series at CenturyLine Center.
Doremus, a freshman who was called up from the fourth line because of an injury to junior Chris Knowlton, took a cross-ice pass from Jason Zucker a ripped a wrist shot past senior goalie John Faulkner.
The Pioneers (21-11-4, 16-8-4 WCHA) forced OT with Luke Salazar’s goal with 38 seconds remaining in regulation, during a 6-on-4 power play with goalie Sam Brittain pulled for a sixth attacker.
DU will open the WCHA Tournament Friday as the No. 3 seed, hosting a to-be-determined No. 8 seed in a best-of-three, consecutive-night series at Magness Arena.
Salazar was the player of the game, assisting and scoring on DU’s first two goals. Linemate Drew Shore gave DU a 1-0 lead with his team-high 21st goal 1:48 into the second period. Salazar did the dirty work, winning a puck battle behind the net on the forecheck and dishing it in front to Shore, who one-time it past Faulkner.
The Pioneers were 0-of-5 on the power play through 20 minutes and allowed a short-handed goal that tied it 1-1 at 14:12 of the second period. Matt White took advantage of a turnover and sprung Jayson Megna free on a breakaway, and Megna beat Brittain on the forehand after deking to the left.
Mavericks’ 6-foot-8 defensman Andrej Sustr made it 2-1 at 10:42 of the third period. Brittain made a career-high 38 saves.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
DU Recap
The Post’s three stars
1. Luke Salazar. DU senior wing from Thornton had two points, including the game-tying goal.
2. Nick Shore. Sophomore center assisted on the game-tying and winning goals.
3. Sam Brittain. Career-high 38 saves for the sophomore goalie.
What you might have missed
Freshman goalie Dayn Belfour was scheduled to start for UNO, but the son of Hockey Hall of Famer Ed Belfour was replaced by senior John Faulkner just before the start of the game.
Up next
WCHA first-round playoffs at Magness Arena, opponent TBD, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (if necessary)
