A few observations from Friday night’s Pioneers loss at Air Force.

Turning Point: Not long after DU had taken its first lead of the game with 5:22 left in the second period on sophomore right wing Danton Heinen‘s goal, Air Force re-tied the score at 3 on a goal by A.J. Reid that was reviewed. After the Falcons had blitzed the Pioneers in the first period, leading in goals (2-1) and shots (12-7), DU carried the play during much of the second. The Pioneers won the period and outshot the Falcons, 11-4, but the late Air Force tally seemed to turn the tide again. The result was Air Force’s first victory over DU since Jan. 18, 2008.

How Air Force Won: In a nutshell, the Falcons came hard at the Pioneers right away, particularly their defense with a strong forecheck. Air Force established a cycle, and the wear and tear on the Pioneers’ D eventually took a toll. Air Force also didn’t give much ground in the neutral zone and seemed intent on clogging it as much as possible to slow DU’s transition game.

Line Changes: Freshman center Troy Terry began the game between Heinen and junior Trevor Moore, but senior Quentin Shore replaced him after three shifts for the rest of the game. Shore scored two goals, Heinen added another and Moore had three assists. … The rest of the lines shuffled quite a bit, though senior Gabe Levin centered juniors Emil Romig and Matt Marcinew quite a bit down the stretch. Romig scored the Pioneers’ first goal off a rush.

Short Bench: Sophomore Brad Hawkinson began the game on defense but did not play after two shifts in the second period. He did not appear to be on the bench in the third, forcing the Pioneers to rotate five defensemen for more than half of regulation, plus overtime.

Debuts: In addition to Terry, three other DU freshmen forwards made their Division I debuts — Dylan Gambrell, Jarid Lukosevicius and Logan O’Connor. As advertised, their speed and skill were apparent. … Air Force got points from five of its freshmen and rode the play of a sixth, Billy Christopoulos, in net.

Round 2: 7 p.m. Saturday night at Magness Arena.