The Lindenwood men's hockey team (4-11-0) dropped its series opener to No. 1 University of Denver (15-4-0, 8-2-0 NCHC) by a score of 5-0 on Friday night from Denver, Colo.

GAME OVERVIEW
Roni Salmenkangas was strong between the pipes, making 11 saves in the opening period, as the native of Finland denied attempts by Denver from key areas of the ice. The Pioneers got on the board at the 12:51 mark of the period, finding the back of the net on the man advantage, grabbing a 1-0 lead. Lindenwood blocked nine shots in the opening frame, with Kieran Ruschienski and Aiden Yakimchuk leading the way with two apiece.

Lindenwood opened the second period with three of the first four shot attempts of the frame, but the Pioneers would add to their lead at the 4:15 mark, taking a 2-0 lead. The Lions settled into the middle frame shortly after, generating some quality scoring chances, as Ryan Finnegan and Drew Kuzma each had good looks at net, but they were denied. Denver extended its lead to 3-0 late in the period, as the Pioneers took that advantage into the locker room.

Denver added two more goals in the final period to take a 5-0 lead. The Lions had a great chance late in the game, but a shot from Andy Willis somehow stayed out of the net as the Pioneers secured the victory.

GAME LEADERS
Hunter Johannes (five shots, one SOG)
Kabore Dunn (four shots, two SOG, four blocked shots)
Yakimchuk (six shots, three SOG, two blocked shots)

UP NEXT
Lindenwood will close out its series with Denver tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. CT from Denver, Colo.