The Colorado School of Mines Ice Hockey team wrapped up a two-game road series against Colorado Mesa University this weekend, falling 5–3 on Friday night before responding with a decisive 4–1 victory on Saturday afternoon at River City Sportsplex.

Friday, Nov. 7 – Colorado Mesa 5, Mines 3

Mines opened the series with a strong effort but came up short in a 5–3 loss despite outshooting the Mavericks 45–40.

After Mesa took a 1–0 lead into the first intermission, the Orediggers equalized early in the second on a power-play goal from Ripken Renner assisted by Brady Sorrentino. Colorado Mesa responded with three straight goals to extend the lead to 4–1 entering the third.

In the final frame, Nicholas Malaniuk and Nathan Cote both found the back of the net to narrow the gap, but the rally fell short. Goaltender Dylan Eldridge stopped 35 shots in the effort.

Saturday, Nov. 8 – Mines 4, Colorado Mesa 1

Mines rebounded in commanding fashion on Saturday, controlling play from start to finish and outshooting Mesa 47–35.

Nathan Cote opened the scoring on the power play midway through the first period, with Benjamin Lombardi providing the assist. In the second, Nicholas Malaniuk doubled the lead with help from Kaden Dorwart, and Nicholas Lombardi added a shorthanded tally late in the frame to make it 3–1 after Mesa briefly closed the gap.

The Orediggers sealed the win in the third when Matthew Mansfield scored off a setup from Malaniuk. Goaltender Gage Oyler was sharp between the pipes, recording 34 saves to earn the victory.

Mines will be on the road again next week as they head to Springfield, MO for the Route 66 Invitational.