ARVADA, Colo. / USAF Academy, Colo. — #21 Colorado School of Mines Ice Hockey wrapped up a challenging two-game series against the #2 Ranked United States Air Force Academy over the weekend, falling in a tight home contest on Saturday before dropping a high-scoring road matchup on Sunday.

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Air Force 3, Mines 2

Mines opened the weekend at Apex Ice Arena and battled through a physical contest, ultimately falling 3–2 despite strong defensive efforts and late pressure.

After Air Force scored shorthanded in the first period, Mines responded midway through the second when Nick Lombardi buried an unassisted goal to even the game. Air Force regained the lead later in the period, but Mines stayed within striking distance.

Early in the third, Ripken Renner tied the game at 2–2, finishing a play set up by Brady Sorrentino and Jordan Larese. Despite continued pressure and multiple penalty kills, Mines was unable to find the equalizer after Air Force took the lead earlier in the frame.

Goaltender Gage Oyler turned in a standout performance, stopping 53 of 56 shots to keep Mines within reach throughout the contest.

Sunday, Feb. 8 – Air Force 8, Mines 6

The series finale at the USAF Academy featured end-to-end action and special teams scoring, with Mines netting six goals but coming up just short.

Nathan Cote opened the scoring for Mines on the power play in the first period, assisted by Renner and Scott MacDonald. Later in the frame, MacDonald added a power-play goal of his own off an assist from Cote, before Sorrentino gave Mines a 3–2 lead with help from Cote and Larese.

Mines continued to push in the second period, as Larese scored early and Cote added his second goal of the game on the power play, assisted by Renner.

In the third period, MacDonald completed his two-goal night with another power-play tally, but Air Force responded with multiple goals down the stretch to secure the win.

Cote finished the game with two goals and three assists, while Macdonald added two goals from the blue line. Renner recorded multiple assists, and Sorrentino and Larese each found the back of the net.

Goaltender Dylan Eldridge made 37 saves in the contest.