By: Kellen Gormley
The Colorado School of Mines Men's Club Ice Hockey team fell 8–2 to the United States Air Force Academy on Monday night at the Cadet Ice Arena. Despite a strong second and third period push, the Orediggers were unable to overcome an early deficit against the high-paced Falcons.
Air Force jumped out to a 3–0 lead in the opening frame, capitalizing on early opportunities before Mines settled into its rhythm. The Orediggers found life early in the second period when Nicholas Malaniuk buried a power-play goal assisted by Ripken Renner at the 2:50 mark, cutting into the deficit.
Malaniuk struck again in the third period—his eighth goal of the season—off a setup from Jordan Larese, giving Mines its second tally of the night. Goaltender Gage Oyler faced heavy pressure throughout the contest, turning aside 37 of 45 shots in a determined effort between the pipes.
Mines showed resilience as the game progressed finishing 1-for-2 on the power play. Despite the result, the Orediggers displayed solid puck movement and offensive composure in stretches against one of the division's strongest opponents.
