No. 3 Denver edged Omaha 2-1 in the NCHC opener, with Kristian Epperson scoring the go-ahead goal late in the third period. Freshman Jack Pridham scored his first collegiate goal, and goalie Johnny Hicks made 20 saves in his first home start since Denver’s 2026 NCHC Frozen Faceoff title run.

By the Numbers
  • Denver outshot Omaha 39-21.
  • Hicks stopped 20 of 21 shots and improved his career record to 18-0-1.
  • Epperson scored with 6:07 left in regulation; Pridham opened the scoring 1:32 into the second period.
Yes, But

Denver controlled the shot count but couldn’t convert on five power plays. Omaha’s William Lacelle made 37 saves, and the Mavericks tied the game in the third before Epperson answered less than two minutes later.

State of Play
  • Denver is 4-2-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play; Omaha is 2-3-0 and 0-1.
  • The Pioneers have gone 7-0-1 in their last eight meetings with Omaha.
What's Next

The teams close the series Saturday at 6 p.m. MT at Magness Arena, with Denver seeking a weekend sweep.

Bottom Line

Denver’s depth and late-game execution made the difference in a tight conference opener—but Omaha’s goaltending kept the outcome in doubt until the final minutes.