Cale Ashcroft’s Heroics Propel No. 6 DU to 2-1 Victory Over No. 7 Maine

ORONO, Maine – Goaltender Matt Davis accomplished 29 saves, and defenseman Cale Ashcroft netted the game-winning goal in the final minute of regulation to propel the No. 6 Denver Pioneers hockey squad to a 2-1 triumph over the No. 7 Maine Black Bears before a packed audience at Alfond Sports Arena on Friday evening.
 
Denver and Maine each conclude their non-conference schedule for the year on Saturday in Orono. The series finale kicks off at 4:30 p.m. MT, and it will be available on ESPN+.
 
The Pioneers achieved their first road victory in Maine since 1985 after Ashcroft’s shot from the high slot found the back of the net with 20 seconds left in the third period. Junior Rieger Lorenz provided a screen in the low slot to assist the sophomore defenseman in scoring his third game-winning goal of the season and his career—Ashcroft also scored the pivotal goal in the Pios’ previous regular-season game on Dec. 14 against Colorado College.
 
Senior forward Carter King initiated the scoring in the match with a power-play goal 2:53 into the second period. Sophomore defenseman Eric Pohlkamp provided two assists, while senior forward Aidan Thompson and sophomore forward Kieran Cebrian each contributed a helper.
 
King’s team-leading 12th goal of the year came just five seconds into a 5-on-3 power play for DU after Sully Scholle was penalized for tripping at 2:28, and Taylor Makar received a boarding penalty at 2:48.
 
The Black Bears leveled the contest on their single power-play opportunity. Frank Djurasevic scored eight seconds into UM’s advantage with 83 seconds remaining in the second period.
 
Maine outshot Denver 30-24 overall, with Davis stopping all 10 shots he faced in the first period and every one of the 11 shots in the third period. Black Bears goaltender Albin Boija made 22 saves in the defeat.
 
Maine blocked 20 shots throughout the game, with 11 of them occurring in the third period.
 
UP NEXT: The Pioneers finish their series at Maine on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. MT. DU resumes NCHC competition next weekend, Jan. 8-9, when it welcomes the Miami RedHawks at Magness Arena.
 
 
POSTGAME NOTES

• Junior Rieger Lorenz competed in his 100th career game. He is the first DU player to hit the century mark this season.
• Denver improved to 9-2-0 when scoring first, 6-1-0 when tied after the first period, and 5-0-0 when tied after the second period.
• The Pioneers have participated in five consecutive one-goal matches and their second straight 2-1 contest. The Pios’ only such 2-1 games last season occurred in three straight during the NCAA Tournament.
• DU is now 5-2-0 in the last seven matchups against Maine and 10-12 overall.
• The Pioneers currently have a 3-6-0 all-time record in games played in Orono, ending a six-game losing streak in Maine. Their last victories were on Dec. 11 and 12, 1985.
• Cale Ashcroft’s three game-winning goals are second on the team.
• Eric Pohlkamp achieved his third multi-point game and second multi-assist game of the season.

 
GOAL SUMMARY
1st Period
No Scoring
 
2nd Period
2:53 DU (1-0) – PPG, Carter King scored from the left side just five seconds into a 5-on-3 man advantage after Aidan Thompson’s shot from the right circle bounced off the end wall directly to his stick.
18:37 Maine (1-1) – PPG, Frank Djurasevic scored from the left circle after the puck arrived to him eight seconds into the power play.
 
3rd Period
19:40 DU (2-1) – Cale Ashcroft’s shot from the high slot pushed through traffic and into the net while Rieger Lorenz was screening the Maine netminder.

QUOTABLES

Senior Goaltender Matt Davis

On the arena atmosphere: “It’s an incredibly entertaining atmosphere. The supporters are amazing. It’s intense, but that’s how we enjoy it. It’s fantastic. I relish it.”

 

On handling the puck: “I’ve always considered myself someone who can manage the puck effectively and assist the guys in any way I can. I aim to clear the puck from our zone as quickly and as seamlessly as possible. It’s something I’ve practiced my entire life.”

 

On the victory: “It took me back to (NCAA) regionals last year in Springfield. It was just a battle. Everyone was engaged. Both sides played excellent hockey, in my opinion. It came down to us desiring it more, I suppose. It was a thrilling match to be part of. Kudos to them.”

 

Sophomore Defenseman Cale Ashcroft

On the Pioneers’ game-winning goal: “It’s about maintaining that shot-first approach. That was our focus all evening, to direct pucks towards the net. I identified a lane, took my shot, and it found the back of the net.”

 

On Maine blocking shots: “The main objective was to get it past that first layer. Their player was coming out, and we did a commendable job having forwards positioned at the net. That was our goal throughout the night, to get pucks towards the net.”

 

On the playoff-type intensity of the game: “I think competing in contests like this after the Christmas break is crucial. Having a game like this to get us back on track is very significant for us, and I believe it sets us up for success.”

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