Pitones makes history as D2 Buffs demolish rival Nebraska

Colorado defender Luke Dow faces the ice on Oct. 19. (Photo by Aspen Doust/Sko Buffs Sports)

The Colorado Division 2 men’s hockey team (11-3) faced off against the school rival Nebraska Cornhuskers (0-15) this Saturday and established their dominance, dominating in an 18-0 shutout.

The pace for the game was set early, as forward Nowell Sinicki would score off the opening face-off, putting Colorado up 1-0 just nine seconds into the game. By the end of the first period, the Buffaloes already held an 8-0 lead with hardly any shots on goal allowed by their defense. This scoring pace would continue throughout the following two periods with team captain forward Diego Pitones leading the way. 

Pitones’ historic day

Pitones was the spark for the Buffaloes, as he recorded a hat-trick in the game. To go along with this already impressive feat, he would become the all-time leader in points for men’s D-2 hockey. After the game, Pitones spoke on his history-making moment. 

“It feels great, I’m truly blessed to have this team… I’m so glad to have them as a family,” Pitones said.

The Buffs have been on an offensive tear lately, as with this game under their belt they have averaged over seven goals per game during their nine-game win streak, and when asked about it, Pitones would continue.

“The biggest key has just been riding the wave, we have so much depth, so many good players,” Pitones added. “We’ve worked so hard on our systems and that’s been our key to success.”

Colorado D2 hockey players skate around during a stoppage of play on Saturday. (Photo by Liam Howard/Sko Buffs Sports)

Physicality with tempers flaring

The rivalry was out in full force during this game, as its physical nature was a common theme from start to finish. Two separate physical confrontations took place in the first and the third period. Officials were able to control the players before too much escalation, but by game’s end, players had spent a combined 37 minutes in the penalty box, 33 minutes of which was served by Nebraska. This theme was present from about halfway into the first period, as there were hard checks and scuffles after the play on a regular basis.

Colorado will have its win streak tested in their upcoming games, with their next one taking place on Friday, December 6th at 5:00 PM against the Wyoming Cowboys right back at the CU Rec Center.