After a remarkable win in game one of the series against Denver, the Minutemen finished off a statement series, beating the Denver Pioneers 3-0 on home ice Saturday night. UMass goaltender Luke Pavicich stood on his head, saving all 30 Denver shots in a shutout bid against the Pioneers.

UMass came out swinging once again; UMass defenseman Scott Morrow opened the scoring only thirty-seven seconds into the game, his second goal in as many nights. Denver goalkeeper Magnus Chrona unknowingly kicked this puck into the net.

The Pioneers goalie has faltered throughout the series. Chrona saved 22 of 24 shots, with the third goal being an empty netter. Goaltending was the difference as Denver once again edged UMass in shots but had nothing to show for it in the end.

Shortly after the Morrow goal was a huge hit by UMass forward Jerry Harding on Denver forward Tristan Lemyre, igniting the Mullins Center. The intensity throughout the rest of the period picked up as Denver became frustrated with themselves.

Denver came out in the second period with momentum, logging more shots on net and zone time. But Pavicich stood tall, leading to UMass forward Matt Koopman scoring his first goal as a Minuteman, putting UMass up 2-0 in the second period.

The third period was back and forth, marked by good defense. Denver pulled Chrona out of the net late, where the Minutemen capitalized once again. UMass forward Cal Kiefiuk scored the empty netter, putting an exclamation point on the victory and a series sweep over the defending national champions.

UMass improves to 2-0-1 to start their young season in gutsy fashion. No one saw that coming. Next weekend, the Minutemen face off against Union College in a two game series at home. Union is 2-3-1 so far in their season and not ranked nationally.