Brad Bowes- UCO Hockey
September 30, 2023, Fort Collins, CO
The Bronchos passed their first test of the season against divisional opponent, Colorado State. The Rams, when at home, have a raucous fan base that love to feed energy into the building. Their team entered Friday’s game with a perfect 2-0 start to their season. Only to be spoiled by a heavy hitting UCO team that is firing on all cylinders.
In Friday’s matchup, the Bronchos comfortably handled the CSU Rams. It was a physical, heavy hitting game with a lot of penalties for both teams, however no goals on the powerplay for either side. The ‘Chos won by a final score of 5-2 and handed Colorado State their first loss of the season.
UCO subsequently handed Colorado State their second loss the next night in a 3-2 game. The Rams pulled their goalie late in the game after Ondrej gave the Bronchos a 3-1 lead. It somewhat paid off as they were able to bring themselves back to within one given the extra attacker, but it was just a little too late, and the final result ended with the Bronchos victorious in both battles.
This weekend the UCO Bronchos returned injured freshman Robby Rabroker to the lineup. He was slotted on a line with Sebastian Doucet and Jamison St. Clair. Rabroker didn’t take long to introduce himself, notching the primary assist on UCO’s fifth and final goal by way of Doucet in Friday’s game.
UCO hockey will be busy this upcoming week as they prepare for a quick turnaround against a tough #11 Maryville University squad. They will hit the road to St. Louis on Thursday, before playing on Friday and Saturday. Last year these two teams split the season series, with UCO having the last laugh in a lopsided 8-nothing affair.