The DBU ice hockey team opened the new year by sweeping the Nuclear Shootout in Los Alamos, New Mexico. After taking several weeks off, there was no sign of rust as the Patriots carved though the field of participants, going 4-0 en route to a championship that was played outdoors in the elements.
DBU opened the tournament by knocking off the Lobos of New Mexico, 6-2. The Patriots led from the very start, jumping out to a 4-0 lead before New Mexico could fire their first salvo. It was the perfect way to begin the four-game weekend.
Missouri State was the next opponent and gave the Patriots their closest contest of the weekend. DBU took a 4-2 lead in the first period, but the Bears slowly reeled them in, drawing within a lone goal twice during the game. In the end, a four-goal effort from Cowand was the difference in the contest and the Patriots skated away with a 7-5 win.
Game three featured Northern Arizona University as the Patriots' next matchup. DBU once again controlled the game from the opening puck drop. Brett Stevens, Arturo Garcia, and Trenton Lee all notched first period goals to give DBU a prompt 3-0 lead. NAU would score once in the second and twice in the third, but it wouldn't be nearly enough as the Patriots never stopped firing. Four more goals would find the back of the net for DBU resulting in a 7-3 victory, their third of the trip.
Finally, it was time for the Nuclear Shootout Championship. The Patriots once again matched up with the New Mexico Lobos. The Patriots queued up the sequel to their opening round meeting, dominating the game and earning a 9-1 win in the title round.
DBU will return to the Lone star state where they will finish the campaign by playing UNT and TCU on the road, January 23-25th.
