College hockey fans, brace yourselves for a deep dive into the thrilling matchup between St. Cloud State and Denver on Friday, January 23, 2026—a game that had it all: strategic plays, standout performances, and a few moments that might just spark debate. But here’s where it gets controversial: Did St. Cloud State’s late-game surge truly outshine Denver’s early dominance, or was it a matter of capitalizing on key mistakes? Let’s break it down.
First, let’s set the stage. This wasn’t just any game—it was part of a packed day of college hockey action, with 23 other matchups across the nation. From Long Island’s 6-2 victory over Alaska-Anchorage to Michigan Tech’s commanding 8-2 win over Northern Michigan, the day was filled with highlights. And this is the part most people miss: While the St. Cloud State vs. Denver game ended 4-2 in favor of St. Cloud State, the advanced metrics tell a more nuanced story.
Game Summary
St. Cloud State (SCSU) emerged victorious with a 4-2 score, but Denver outshot them 35-26. Denver’s Cale Ashcroft opened the scoring in the first period, assisted by Tory Pitner and Kristian Epperson. Kristian Epperson extended Denver’s lead early in the second period, but SCSU’s Tyson Gross and Verner Miettinen quickly responded, tying the game. Gavyn Thoreson gave SCSU the lead in the third period, and Austin Burnevik sealed the deal with an empty-net goal.
Key Stats and Insights
- Shots on Goal: Denver dominated with 35 shots compared to SCSU’s 26, but SCSU’s Yan Shostak made 33 saves, proving to be the difference-maker.
- Penalties: Both teams had their fair share of infractions, with SCSU accumulating 6 penalty minutes and Denver 7. Samu Salminen’s 5-minute boarding penalty in the first period was a turning point, shifting momentum in SCSU’s favor.
- Advanced Metrics: SCSU’s expected goals (xG) were 2.9, while Denver’s were 3.6. This raises the question: Did SCSU simply execute better, or did Denver miss crucial opportunities?
Player Performances
- Kristian Epperson (Denver): Scored 1 goal, 1 assist, and had a +2 rating, showcasing his offensive prowess.
- Gavyn Thoreson (SCSU): Scored 1 goal, 1 assist, and had a +1 rating, playing a pivotal role in SCSU’s comeback.
- Yan Shostak (SCSU): His 33 saves were critical in securing the win, despite facing heavy pressure.
Controversial Take
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Did Denver’s inability to convert on their 35 shots expose a weakness in their finishing ability, or was it a testament to SCSU’s defensive resilience? Some might argue that Denver’s early lead should have been insurmountable, while others could point to SCSU’s strategic adjustments as the game-changer. What do you think?
Full Game Day Results
For context, here’s a quick rundown of the day’s other games:
- Long Island 6, Alaska-Anchorage 2
- Quinnipiac 5, Sacred Heart 1
- Canisius 4, Mercyhurst 3
- ... [Full list of games as provided]
Final Thoughts
This game was a masterclass in momentum shifts and clutch performances. Whether you’re Team Denver or Team St. Cloud State, one thing’s for sure: college hockey never fails to deliver drama. What’s your take on the game? Did SCSU deserve the win, or did Denver let it slip away? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
