Box Score

Anyone who has doubted Colorado College's grit this season had best start believing.

The amazingly resilient Tigers, who have persevered through more than their share of tough times this 2012-13 season, are on their way to the WCHA Final Five.

Believe it.

After exploding for three goals within a span of 5:05 that wiped out a 2-0 deficit early in the second period on Sunday, CC used a fluke tally off the stick of sophomore right wing Charlie Taft midway through the third to claim a 4-3 victory over the University of Denver in Game 3 of their best-of-three opening-round playoff series at Magness Arena.

Colorado College, which came back to win twice after dropping a 5-3 decision in the series opener two nights earlier, meets the University of North Dakota next at 7:07 p.m. CT Thursday in the league quarterfinals at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.

Taft's game winner, which snapped a 3-3 tie after DU defenseman David Makowski pulled the Pioneers even at 3:39 of the final frame, came at the 9:49 mark when he skated across the blue line and lofted an innocent wrister that appeared to be heading wide of the net. With Taft's linemates Rylan Schwartz and Alexander Krushelnyski charging into the zone, Denver goaltender Juho Olkinuora attempted to knock the puck out of mid-air but instead defected it into the cage off his paddle.  

As in Saturday's 2-1 triumph in Game 2, senior netminder Joe Howe and his defensive corps were able to protect the lead and send the Tigers to the league's showcase event for the 14th time in pursuit of the ever-elusive Broadmoor Trophy and an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.  

Howe finished with 37 saves as CC improved to 16-18-5 for the season.

Three Colorado College forwards – Schwartz along with freshmen Cody Bradley and Hunter Fejes – picked up a goal and assist apiece in the victory while senior right wing Andrew Hamburg helped set up both red lighters by his rookie linemates. Schwartz's unassisted shorthanded tally broke a 2-2 deadlock at 8:56 of the middle stanza.  

The Tigers had good jump to start the contest, testing Oklinuora several times in the opening 10 minutes. But, during DU's second power play, Nick Shore's blast from the high slot found the empty net with Denver teammate Ty Loney lying on top of Howe to give the Pioneers, now 20-13-5, a 1-0 lead at 12:34.

Sophomore center Daniel Doremus converted off his own rebound 80 seconds later, and the visitors suddenly found themselves down 2-0.

Moments after Howe made a sensational sprawling save to rob Shore alone in front early in the second frame, Bradley converted on a rebound after Olkinuora kicked out a backhander by Fejes at 3:51. Hamburg kept the play alive by knocking down a Pioneers clearing attempt at the blue line and getting the puck to Fejes for a backhand attempt from between the circles.

The Tigers then failed to convert on their fourth power play of the night before CC's No. 3 line struck again to pull CC even at 6:55. This time it was Bradley springing a two-on-one rush that ended with Fejes banging Hamburg's centering pass from the right wing off the inside of the post on Olkinuora's stick side.


Final Five Ticket Information

Colorado College has ALL-SESSION TICKET PACKAGES ONLY available for purchase.

Beginning at 9 a.m. MT Monday, March 18, please call 719.389.6324 or 719.389.6336 to place your order. Packages are $165 each and will include one ticket to each of the five games.
 
Game 1 – Quarterfinal                   Thursday, March 21, 2 p.m. CT
Game 2 – Quarterfinal                   Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m. CT
Game 3 – Semifinal                         Friday, March 22, 2 p.m. CT
Game 4 – Semifinal                         Friday, March 22, 7 p.m. CT
Game 5 – Championship               Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m. CT
 
Colorado College packages are limited and priority will be given to Center Ice Club members, Tiger Pride Fund members, season-ticket holders, Colorado College alumni and Colorado College students.
 
If we are able to confirm your order, you will receive an email on Monday, March 18,  by 6 pm with details on your purchase.
 
WCHA Final Five single-game tickets:
By phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Again, Colorado College does not sell single-game tickets to the WCHA Final Five.