ST. PAUL, Minn. — Freshman Zac Larraza's first career goal propelled Denver University to a 4-3 double-overtime win against Minnesota Duluth on Friday in the first semifinal of the WCHA Final Five tournament at the Xcel Energy Center.
Larraza, who was playing the game as an extra forward with the Pioneers going with just five defenseman, scored 8:14 into the second overtime, picking up a rebound off a shot by Josiah Didier that hit the crossbar. Larraza skated across the crease and ended the game with a back-handed flip past Bulldogs goaltender Kenny Reiter.
Shawn Ostrow, Jason Zucker and Dustin Jackson also scored for third-seed Denver and goaltender Sam Brittain made 67 saves for the Pioneers (25-12-4), who were outshot 70-49 in the longest game in Final Five tournament history. Denver will face the winner of Friday's second semifinal between top-seed Minnesota and fourth-seed North Dakota in Saturday's championship game at 7 p.m. The winner of the tournament wins the Broadmoor Trophy.
Mike Seidel scored twice for Minnesota Duluth (24-9-6), the defending national champions, and Jack Connolly added the game-tying goal for the Bulldogs, who came back for a 3-0 deficit to force overtime.
Denver and Minnesota Duluth are both likely to qualify for the NCAA tournament, which starts next week. The NCAA West Regional is also being held at the Xcel Energy Center.
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