Where good news shines

The Pios are on the way up.

The Denver Pioneers rose two spots to No. 4 in the USA Hockey poll Monday ahead of their matchup with No. 6 Minnesota Duluth on Saturday at Magness Arena. Puck drop for the NCHC championship is scheduled for 6 p.m. (NCHC.tv).

Denver advanced to the title game by virtue of a 2-1 overtime win over Western Michigan. Samu Salminen scored the game-winning goal in OT.

Denver won both games against Minnesota Duluth during the regular season.

(“Colorado Sunshine” celebrates the good news in sports. Suggestions are encouraged through sports editor Paul Klee at [email protected].)