By: Kellen Gormley
The Colorado School of Mines Ice Hockey team delivered a perfect weekend at Apex Ice Arena, earning a 5–0 shutout on Friday night before closing the series with a 6–5 overtime victory on Senior Night Saturday against Arizona State.
Friday, Jan. 30 – Mines 5, Arizona State 0
Mines set the tone early in the series with a dominant first period, scoring five goals in the opening 20 minutes and never looking back.
The Orediggers opened the scoring on a power-play goal from Nicholas Malaniuk, assisted by Jordan Larese and Nathan Cote. Just over seven minutes later, Cote doubled the lead on the man advantage with helpers from Larese and Brady Sorrentino.
Mines continued to pour on the pressure as Nicholas Lombardi scored at even strength, followed by a power-play goal from Sorrentino, assisted by Benjamin Lombardi and Cote. Ripken Renner capped the scoring late in the period with a goal set up by Larese and Kaden Dorwart.
Despite no scoring in the final two periods, Mines maintained control throughout the game. Goaltender Gage Oyler was flawless in net, stopping all 41 shots he faced to earn the shutout.
Saturday, Jan. 31 – Mines 6, Arizona State 5 (OT)
Saturday's Senior Night contest featured one of the most dramatic games of the season, as Mines earned a thrilling overtime win in front of the home crowd.
Nathan Cote opened the scoring in the first period, finishing a play created by Brady Sorrentino and Nicholas Lombardi. In the second period, Jordan Larese restored the Mines lead with a goal assisted by Ripken Renner, before Kaden Dorwart added another tally later in the frame with helpers from Renner and Sorrentino.
After the visitors briefly took the lead in the third, Mines responded with a late surge. Larese scored twice in the final five minutes, completing a hat trick, with assists from Scott MacDonald, Sorrentino, and Nicholas Lombardi, forcing overtime.
In the extra frame, Cote delivered the game-winner at 4:01 of overtime, sealing the Senior Night victory. Oyler was outstanding once again, making 44 saves in the win.
Senior Night Highlights
Saturday's game also honored Mines' senior class, including Ben Lombardi, Nick Lombardi, Nathan Cote, Nicholas Malaniuk, Jordan Larese, Scott MacDonald, and Jake Fisher, who were recognized prior to puck drop for their contributions to the program.
