U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The No. 5 University of Denver hockey team fired 59 shots on goal in the season opener on Friday night adn freshman Clarke Caswell scored the tying goal in the final five minutes of the third period in a 1-1 tie against the Air Force Falcons at Cadet Ice Arena.

The game remained scoreless through the five-minute, 3-on-3 overtime before rookie Kyle Chyzowski and junior Sam Harris each scored in the shootout for DU to take the end-of-game competition 2-1, but the result will officially go down as a tie for both teams.

The Pioneers return to denver on Saturday and host the bentley University Falcons in their home opener. Game time is at 7 p.m. MT and it will be broadcast on NCHC.tv.

DU outshot AFA 59-24 with the Pios holding an 18-8 advantage in the frist period, 15-7 in the second and 22-8 in the third. they had four shots in overtime, including Eric Pohlkamp hitting the post in the final minute.

Pioneers freshman goaltender Quentin Miller made his NCAA debut in net and made 23 saves, including all 16 he faced in the final 45 minutes.

Will Dawson scored for the Falcons with 3:16 remaining in the first period and the game stayed that way until the puck redirected off Caswell’s skate and across the goal line with 4:07 to play in the third frame.

Both Chyzowski and Harris tallied in the shootout on backhand shots, with Harris’ just slipping his past the goal line before Air Force goalie carter Clafton could get his pad on it. Clafton finished with 58 saves.

Pohlkamp and James Reeder

Air Force and Denver Hockey Battle to a Tie

Publication Date: 2025/10/11 11:01:13

Game Overview

The Air Force Falcons and the Denver Pioneers played to a 1-1 tie after a hard-fought contest on [date of Game – *Please insert date hear*]. The game featured strong goaltending and a scoreless second period, ultimately requiring a shootout to determine the outcome, which ended without a winner.

First Period Action

The first period saw a single goal scored by Air Force. Will Dawson found the back of the net with a snapshot from the top of the left circle, assisted by Nick Sajevic from below the goal line. The goal gave Air Force an early 1-0 lead.

Dawson’s Goal details

• Scorer: Will Dawson (AFA)
• Assist: Nick Sajevic (AFA)
• Time: 16:44
• Description: Snapshot from the top of the left circle.

Second Period – A Defensive Stalemate

The second period was a defensive battle, with both teams failing to score. Goaltenders stood tall,turning away all opportunities and keeping the score at 1-0 in favor of Air Force.

Third Period – Denver responds

Denver managed to tie the game in the third period, though the goal was somewhat controversial. The puck deflected off Clarke Caswell’s skate during a scramble in front of the Air Force net. Air Force challenged the goal, citing potential goalie interference, but the challenge was unsuccessful, and the goal stood, tying the game at 1-1.

Caswell’s Goal details

• Scorer: Own Goal (credited to Clarke Caswell – DU)
• Time: 15:53
• Description: Puck deflected off skate during a scramble.

Overtime and Shootout – No Resolution

Neither team could break the deadlock during the overtime period,leading to a shootout. The shootout proved equally competitive, with both Nick Sajevic (AFA) and Clarke Caswell (DU) having their shots saved. Ultimately, the shootout ended without a winner, resulting in a 1-1 tie.

Shootout Summary

• Round 1 – AFA: Nick Sajevic – Saved
• Round 1 – DU: Clarke Caswell – Saved

Key takeaways

• Both teams demonstrated strong defensive play throughout the game.
• Goaltending was a key factor, with both netminders making crucial saves.
• the game was closely contested, highlighting the competitive nature of college hockey.