The No. 4 Denver Pioneers earned a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota State Mavericks tonight before 6,031 fans at Magness Arena, with all three of the game’s goals coming within a 1:25 span in the first period. Kyle Ostrow (Calgary, Alberta) and Brandon Vossberg (St. Paul, Minn.) scored for DU, while Peter Mannino (Farmington Hills, Mich.) made 28 saves as the Pioneers improved to 7-2-0 on the season.

“Minnesota State played really well. They gave us everything we could handle and more,” Denver head coach George Gwozdecky said. “We were a little out of sync tonight, but this was the type of game where you’re not playing well offensively and still find a way to win.”

Trevor Bruess opened the scoring for the Mavericks with a shorthanded tally at the 15:29 mark of the first period, but DU struck back with two quick goals before the end of the frame.

Ostrow tipped home a point shot by Brian Gifford (Moorhead, Minn.) at 16:32 to even the game just after a Minnesota State penalty had expired.

Only 22 seconds later, Vossberg put a shot on net from the right boards that slipped between the goal post and Maverick netminder Mike Zacharias’ (26 saves) left pad for the eventual game-winner.

Mannino was solid throughout the contest and made several key stops in the waning seconds of the game to keep the Mavericks at bay.

The Mavericks outshot the Pioneers by a 29-28 margin. DU went 0-for-4 on the power play, while Minnesota State was held scoreless on two chances.

The teams will play the second game of the weekend series tomorrow at 7:07 p.m. at Magness Arena.