Friday, November 20, 2009

DU 1 - UND 0 Final

(above) North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol gets "Booned" during the 2nd period on the FCS-Rocky Mountain broadcast

There's nothing wrong with the Chevy. Marc Cheverie recorded his fourth shutout of the season in just his sixth start as the University of Denver defeated North Dakota 1-0.

Drew Shore scored the game winner in the second period on a beautiful pass from Joe Colborne.
Box Score

LetsGoDU Game Recap


Denver Post Game Recap


Grand Forks Herald Game Recap


(above) UND's über-punk Brett Hextall tumbles over Matt Donovan on Friday night

DU 1 - North Dakota 0 FINAL.... Go DU .... Arrive Early & Be LOUD .... Beat The Sioux

Follow Live @ www.duClarion.com

UND

22 Brad Malone--29 Chris VandeVelde--18 David Toews
17 Jason Gregoire--19 Evan Trupp--26 Brett Hextall
9 Mario Lamoureux--11 Darcy Zajac--27 Carter Rowney
8 Mike Cichy--10 Corban Knight--7 Danny Kristo

3 Derrick LaPoint--25 Jake Marto
24 Ben Blood--20 Joe Gleason
2 Andrew MacWilliam--4 Corey Fienhage

31 Brad Eidsness
32 Aaron Dell

DU

9 Rhett Rakhshani--12 Joe Colborne--19 Kyle Ostrow
16 Anthony Maiani--15 Tyler Ruegsegger--14 Jesse Martin
17 Matt Glasser--22 Brian Gifford--27 Brandon Vossberg
26 Shawn Ostrow--23 Drew Shore--37 Nate Dewhurst

24 John Ryder--21 William Wrenn
4 Matt Donovan--6 Chris Nutini
7 Paul Phillips--5 John Lee

1 Marc Cheverie
33 Adam Murray
35 Lars Paulgaard

DU vs. UND - "We Hate Them & They Hate Us"

"We hate them, and they hate us."
-Brandon Vossberg
Chambers (Denver Post) pregame article plays up the "Hatfields vs. McCoys" angle of the rivalry while Schlossman (GF Herald) takes the high road and talks about both programs maintaining a level of excellence in uncertain times for college hockey programs.
Denver Post Game Preview

Grand Forks Herald Game Preview

Jason Zucker Signs Letter Of Intent With DU

(above) Jason Zucker will play for DU next season

From: DenverPioneers.com

Jason Zucker committed to the University of Denver in April, 2008 but he formalized the commitment by signing a National Letter of Intent this week. Zucker committed to DU when he was just 16 years-old and was one of the youngest players ever recruited by Coach Gwozdecky.

Zucker is considered to be a potential first or second round draft choice in the NHL Draft next summer.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Zucker played in 64 games for the U.S. National Under-17 and Under-18 Teams last season. Zucker tallied 19-11=40 in 48 games for the Under-18 Team and 2-6=8 for the Under-17 Team. He helped Team USA to the gold medal at the 2009 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Fargo, N.D., and Moorhead, Minn.

"We are excited to add a highly-competitive forward in Jason Zucker to our program," Gwozdecky said. "He's also very skilled and is a great skater. Jason is also willing to make the unselfish play for his team."

Zucker has netted 8-6=14 in 20 games for the US National Under-18 Team this season. In addition to playing against collegiate teams, the Under-18 Team is competing in the United States Hockey League this season as well.
2010 Recruiting Class
F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-18)
D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)
F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-18)

2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)

LetsGoDU Orders A "Boone-Out" Against UND

Thursday, November 19, 2009

UND's Top Defenseman "Out Indefinitely"

(left) UND's Chay Genoway is one of the top defensemen in the WCHA

From: Grand Forks Herald

by Brad Schlossman


The University of North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol said Wednesday that there were no new updates on reigning Western Collegiate Hockey Association defensive player of the year Chay Genoway, who was injured during last Friday’s game against St. Cloud State.

Genoway appeared to suffer an upper-body injury when he was checked from behind into the boards and was listed as “out indefinitely,” by Hakstol after the game.

“There’s nothing different from Friday night, there’s nothing more to go on,” Hakstol said. “I don’t mean to be difficult, but that’s the simple fact. That’s where we’re at.”

The injury to Genoway has landed UND defenseman Corey Fienhage in the lineup. Fienhage was a healthy scratch at the start of the season, but the Sioux are expecting him to show continued progress. Fienhage is the team’s highest-drafted defenseman (third round).

A Few Tickets Remain For UND Series

According to Ticketmaster a few extra tickets for the DU-UND Series have come on-line. Additional tickets may become available on game day as well.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Attend Hoops Games & Get Free Hockey Ticket

University of Denver students who attend both the women's basketball game on Wed., Nov. 18 and the men's game on Thurs., Nov. 19 will be eligible to win a FREE Denver hockey ticket against North Dakota this Friday or Saturday night. Both basketball games start at 7 p.m., and a total of 100 hockey tickets will be given away.

The Border Bar Near DU "For Sale"

Looking for a little excitement in your life? Have we got a deal for you. Buy the world famous Border Restaurant & Bar near DU for pennies on the dollar. (Read the entire article in DU Today.com)

The 30-day suspension for a liquor law violation that closed The Border Restaurant and Lounge expires Nov. 18, but the business’ owner is hoping the familiar watering hole near DU doesn’t have to reopen.

The goal is to sell the business, says listing agent Shawn Sanborn of Sanborn & Co., which specializes in restaurants, hotels, bars and liquor stores.

Border owner REM Capital Corp. of Parker, Colo., is seeking $195,000 for the bar and kitchen equipment in its 3,886-square-foot location at 2014 S. University Blvd. The business is tucked into the elbow of a 1960s-era wing of businesses that include Subway, Jason’s Thai and Floyd’s Barbershop.

REM’s decision to sell is part of a formal agreement the corporation reached with the city and county of Denver. It came after The Border was accused of selling alcohol to an underage individual during an undercover police operation in July, according to Assistant City Attorney John Poley (JD ’85). It was The Border’s fourth violation since Feb. 12, 2006, Poley says.

“Every graduate and undergraduate who ever thought he wanted to be in the bar business is calling me,” Sanborn says. “On a slow day, I get from three to six or eight calls from students.”

Sanborn says REM has a “good long-term lease” to go with its equipment, a location in “one of the best bar and restaurant markets in Denver,” and a hotel-restaurant-class-dance-cabaret liquor license that is “difficult to get” and transferrable.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

DU vs. UND Official Promotional Video


Rhett Rakhshani fires up Pioneer Nation and promotes "Coach Gwozdecky March"

Coach Gwozdecky's March


In 1957 Bridge Over The River Kwai won the Academy Award for Best Picture

Denver Post: DU Injury Update & Report

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has the latest updates on Marc Cheverie and Patrick Wiercioch. We also learned that DU freshman defenseman Matt Donovan broke his middle finger against Minnesota State and missed practice last week.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Hakstol Tells UND Students To Drop The "F-Bombs"

(above) Dave "The Bird" Hakstol flipping off WCHA referee Don Adam back in his younger days in 2008

From: Grand Forks Herald
by Ryan Bakken

University of North Dakota Coach Dave "the Bird" Hakstol said "knock off the dirty language" at a UND student forum last week. The Hakstol Glare can melt granite and he's even been known to shoot "the bird" at WCHA referees. But those day are apparently now over and a kinder gentler Bird is flying in a new direction.

"Sportsmanship" is the new buzzword around Grand Forks due to a fan almost losing his life in a parking lot altercation after a Fighting Sioux hockey game earlier in the season.

Having Dave Hakstol teach the kids about sportsmanship is like having Michael Jackson teaching at a daycare center, but hey, even Bill Belichick makes mistakes.

“He definitely commanded the room,” said UND student Austin Dhuyvetter, who attended the Forum. “He opened my eyes.”

The eye-opening wasn’t about its naughtiness but its bottom line. “Our games are now on the Fox Network, and the chants can be heard on the TV,” Dhuyvetter said. “If the games are no longer on TV, we won’t get the top recruits. And if we don’t get the top recruits, our team won’t be as good.”

Junior Samantha Dhuyvetter, Austin’s sister, agreed. “When Hakstol says it’s disrespectful, we need to tone it down. He’s a big guy in our university, and everyone respects him."

The Dhuyvetter siblings combined to produce the night’s best sign, which had defenseman Chay Genoway’s head pasted atop Superman’s body, with the words, “Up, up and Genoway.”

100 FREE Student Tix for Saturday Night

So for some odd reason ($$$), the University of Denver did not include this weekend's huge rivalry games against the University of North Dakota in the Student Season Ticket Package.

The Crimson Creatures student organization ponied up $500 to give away 100 FREE Tickets for Saturday night. The first 100 students who arrive at the Ritchie Center Box Office starting at Noon MST Monday will get the FREE tickets! Students will still be able to purchase $5 tix to Friday & Saturday's games until Thursday at 5 PM.

DU is hosting Fall Quarter Finals this weekend.

Denver Post Profiles Rhett Rakhshani

(above) DU's Rhett Rakhshani is Captain of the Pioneers

If DU is going to defeat North Dakota this weekend, Rhett Rakhshani will play a large role. Rakhshani is a college hockey player of Iranian descent, with football playing relatives and was born in California. Oh yeah, he might just win the Hobey Baker Award and lead DU to the National Championship this season. Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has all the details.

William Wrenn Interviewed By San Jose Blog

(above) Fear The Fin blog in San Jose interviewed DU defenseman William Wrenn

From: Fear The Fin Blog

Fear The Fin: Growing up in Alaska, did you play a lot of outdoor hockey, or was more of an emphasis placed on the indoor rinks?

William Wrenn: When I was a kid we would have practice outside every once in a while. When I left for LA my freshman year my Dad built a rink in our backyard, so I'd come home from school every day and do my homework and then skate until dinner, and sometimes we'd even go back out there again at night. I skated outside a lot, actually.

Fear The Fin: You mentioned your dad. Some players say their biggest influence was their parents-- others say a specific coach, or the competition amongst their peers. Who was your biggest influence and why?

William Wrenn: I'd probably say my dad, because he always supported me no matter what I wanted to do. He doesn't know very much about hockey as I'm the only person in my family so far with any kind of a hockey background. Seeing the time that he would put into the outdoor rink, he'd be out there hours trying to build it and get the ice ready, I really looked up to that and I took advantage of the fact that he worked so hard on it. I try to make him proud.

Fear The Fin: Like you said earlier, you moved to Los Angeles at the age of 14 to play for the Los Angeles Selects. What were the reasons behind this?

William Wrenn: High school hockey in Alaska was slowly starting to go downhill, and kids were leaving at an earlier age. I came up with the opportunity, and every kid always wonders what LA is like, especially being from Alaska. I figured I'd give it a shot, and of course it was a great program and we were going to have a really good team. It wasn't that hard of a decision, the only hard part was having to leaving my family and friends. I knew that they'd still be there for me whenever though.

Fear The Fin:Many projected you to be selected in the third to fifth round of the NHL draft, but you were taken by the San Jose Sharks 43rd overall. Did you know that the Sharks were interested in you? Why do think you were drafted so early?

William Wrenn: I think that my playing style might fit the team and they liked what they saw and what I could become in the future. I really had no idea where I would be drafted. At the combine, my interview with the Sharks was actually, what I thought, one of my worst ones. They drilled me with my flaws and then asked me some tough questions about my skating and my style of play. I really had no idea that they were going to be the team that drafted me.

Fear The Fin: Do you remember what any of those questions were?

William Wrenn: Things like, "You're not the best skater, how do you think you're going to make it in the NHL?". Stuff like that, what they thought I could improve on, and if I thought I was good enough to to make it eventually. They picked apart my game. Other interviews were more generic, they didn't really point out any flaws or anything that I really struggled with. I didn't think it went that well, but obviously they really liked me.

Fear The Fin:Since being drafted by the Sharks, what have they asked you to improve on?

William Wrenn: Skating. Skating was a big part. They think my skating can be a little bit better. You can always become faster, especially with the game and how it is today. They definitely emphasized that I really need to keep working on my skating and not give up on that.

Fear The Fin:A few weeks ago, you played the University of Minnesota, a team that features fellow Sharks prospect Patrick White. Do you ever think about the fact that the players in your league could be your eventual teammate in the AHL or NHL?

William Wrenn: Not really. I guess I don't look too much into that because I'm focused on our team and what we can do. We're a team with really high expectations, so I'm really worried about that right now (laughs).

Fear The Fin: What's the biggest difference between the college game and the junior game? What was the hardest part about making that transition?

William Wrenn: It's definitely faster. You don't have nearly as much time to make decisions with the puck and you have to get stronger. A lot stronger than you have to be in juniors. You have to be prepared to play every night, you can't take a night off, you have to be ready to go at any point in the game.

Fear The Fin: You captained the US Under-18 team to a 2009 World Championship gold medal in your second year in the National Team Development Program. What was that experience like for you? Do you see yourself being a leader throughout your career?

William Wrenn: I've always prided myself on being a leader. I'm not the most vocal guy but I try really hard and try to lead by example. My experience with that was unbelievable, I loved every part of it. My friends that I got with that team, I'll always be really good friends with them. The road that we took and how hard it was, that was great. I really enjoyed it.

Fear The Fin: What have you been working on this year to improve that?

William Wrenn: Again, skating. They gave me some drills so that I could be faster with the puck if I want to rush up into the play or follow the play up. I'll also go out before practice and work on my shot. I'm also just concentrating when I'm out on the power play to make the right decisions and make good plays.

Fear The Fin: Do you see yourself as a power play defenseman going forward?

William Wrenn: I think it's a definite possibility. If I don't, that's fine. Whatever team I end up on or wherever I'm at, it's whatever that team needs to make them the best that they can be. Wherever they need me.

Fear The Fin: Favorite thing to do in Denver.

William Wrenn: Hang out with the boys from the team.

Fear The Fin: Will we see the Pioneers in the Frozen Four?

William Wrenn: Oh, man... yes (laughs). Tough question, but I'm not gonna say no (laughs). Yeah. Potentially, yes.

Fear The Fin: Thanks so much for speaking with us, Will. When is your next game?

William Wrenn: Next weekend against North Dakota.

Fear The Fin: How are you preparing for that? How do they look?

William Wrenn: They're good, hard hard practices this week. We have an off weekend this weekend this weekend so practices have been real tough. Just getting prepared for them.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Puck Daddy's College Coverage Features LetsGoDU

(above) Puck Daddy on Yahoo is considered to be one of the best hockey websites

When Puck Daddy was putting together its feature on the five best college hockey traditions they mentioned the Denver Cup as one of the best regular season tournaments. They also featured one of our most avid young fans in their feature (photo left).

Finally, they asked LetsGoDU five questions about the DU hockey team. We were only too happy to oblige.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Marc Cheverie Wallpaper

(above) Will he be ready next weekend?

North Dakota Series Almost Sold Out

According to Ticketmaster only individual seats remain for the DU-UND Series on Nov. 20-21. Additional tickets may become available if the student allotment is not sold out.

North Dakota: Least Visited State Video

Chambers Blog Has Latest DU Injury Updates

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has the latest injury updates on Marc Cheverie and Patrick Wiercioch. He spoke to both players about their injuries and when they expect to return to practice. Needless to say with a bye week this weekend, the North Dakota series is on everyone's mind.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

UND Adopts "Code Of Conduct" For Its Fans


LetsGoDU
called for improvements in fan safety at Ralph Engelstad Arena two weeks ago and the arena management and administration came through with a comprehensive plan that was unveiled today. UND & Ralph Engelstad Arena have laid the groundwork.

Now its time for the other nine WCHA Arenas (including DU) to follow suit. Sportsmanship is important and the WCHA needs to adopt or exceed the NCAA policy guidelines.
  • Abusive language or disorderly conduct is unacceptable and unwelcome. Profanity, racial or sexist comments or intimidating actions directed at the student-athletes, coaches or officials will not be tolerated.
  • Fans shall not interfere unduly with anyone else's right and opportunity to enjoy the event.
  • Fans shall refrain from throwing objects and/or possessing prohibited items.
  • Fans who consume alcoholic beverages shall do so in a responsible manner. Intervention with an intoxicated or underage guest will be handled in a prompt and safe manner. Fans appearing intoxicated will be denied entry and/or subject to ejection.
  • Offensive or obscene messages on signs or clothing will not be permitted.
  • Fans will be courteous to visiting teams and guests. We will cheer for the Sioux, not against our opponents.
  • Fans shall comply with the directions and instructions of Ralph Engelstad Arena staff regarding Arena operations and emergency response procedures.
  • Season ticket holders are responsible for their conduct as well as the conduct of their guests and/or persons occupying their seats.

NHL.com Profiles Marc Cheverie & His Injury

(above) Marc Cheverie is recovering from a skate inflicted wound
"I got to play with Marc over the summer and yeah, he's a really good goalie," Pittsburgh Penguins captain and fellow Cole Harbour native Sidney Crosby told NHL.com recently. "He's a great kid and I think he's got a bright future."
University of Denver goaltender Marc Cheverie is off to an outstanding start this season, with a 4-0-0 record, 1.27 goals-against average, .959 save percentage and three shutouts. He is the national leader in wins, GAA and save percentage, and is a surprise early-season Hobey Baker candidate. Headed into this weekend's action, he and the Pioneers were ranked No. 3 in the NHL.com Top 10 Poll and sat in a three-way tie atop the WCHA, with archrival Colorado College and North Dakota.

Instead of getting ready to help his team try and take over first place in the WCHA with a two-game set against the Fighting Sioux, however, Cheverie is at home nursing what thankfully wasn't a career-ending injury. (read rest of article)

UMD Student Section Lands On Bad Boyz Team

(left) College hockey's rouge student section has been busted dropping "F bombs" and anti-homosexual slurs

From: Duluth News Tribune
by Jana Hollingsworth

A repeat of student fan behavior that included bigoted and offensive chants during a University of Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey game will result in removal from the game and possible revocation of season tickets, UMD officials say.

A group of fans in the UMD student section at the Oct. 17 game against Minnesota State Mankato were heard across the arena shouting a chant that included an anti-homosexual slur ("F******") and another chant that included a vulgar insult ("F***") during the game.

“I couldn’t believe that I heard it,” said Alyssa Longley, a UMD freshman who attended the game with her parents. “There’s not one person that couldn’t have heard it.”

Longley was seated across the arena from where the chants originated.

“Group mentality took over; they ended up portraying UMD as a vulgar and clearly not open-minded place to be, where I feel very comfortable on this campus being a lesbian,” Longley said. “I am treated really, really well here. They didn’t show that … at that instance.”

Longley’s mother, Kathy Longley, sent an e-mail to several UMD administrators complaining of the incident, but a response from UMD was already in motion, athletic director Bob Nielson said.

He arrived at the game toward its end and heard part of the final chant.

“It caught me: ‘Are they saying what I think they’re saying? If they are, that’s an issue,’ ” he said.

A written apology was sent to Kathy Longley, and an e-mail from Nielson went out to UMD student season ticket-holders, who make up the majority of students attending the men’s games, Nielson said.

The e-mail warns students that those who violate Western Collegiate Hockey Association, National Collegiate Athletics Association and university policies regarding fan behavior — including racist and sexist language and profanity — won’t be tolerated. Violators — and possibly the entire fan section — will be removed from the game and they could have their season tickets revoked, Nielson said. The student chants at the Mankato game were cited.

Police who staff the games will be more attentive to the student section, said Bill Wade, vice chancellor for university relations and development, who oversees athletics.

No one has admitted to starting the chant, Nielson said, but a meeting was held with several student season ticket-holders to talk about the behavior and what students can do at games to prevent it.

Wade said this is the third incident related to offensive chants in the 12 years he’s been in his position. This controversy has been been brewing for several weeks according to the umd Penalty Box.com Message Board.

“It’s not a frequent occasion, but a serious one,” he said. “It bowled me over.”

About 450 UMD students have season tickets to the UMD men’s hockey games.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Boone Merchandise Available Online

(above) Boone baseball jersey

Boone caps, mugs, shirts and merchandise is available on the "Boonetown" page on Cafepress. We've heard sales on the site benefit the DU Club Hockey Team.

DU Recruits Lead USA To Four Nations Cup

From: USA Hockey.com

PORI, Finland – DU recruits Nick Shore & Jason Zucker played a major role in helping Team USA win the Four Nations Cup. Shore scored a pair of goals in the first period as the U.S. National Under-18 Team dropped Switzerland, 3-2, here tonight in the finale of the 2009 Under-18 Four Nations Cup. Team USA finished with a perfect 3-0-0-0 record to capture the tournament title.

"This was a good week for us," said Kurt Kleinendorst, head coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team. "Playing three games in three nights is always tough. Switzerland battled hard the whole way tonight, but we did what we had to do to win. We're definitely happy to come out of this tournament on top."

Switzerland stunned the U.S. just 10 seconds into the game when Joel Vermin put the puck past Andy Iles. Just 13 seconds after falling behind, 1-0, Jason Zucker's feed from behind the net found Shore who fired the puck into the top corner to knot the score. In a similar style as Team USA's first goal, Brandon Saad's pass from behind the Finland cage found Shore who put the puck past netminder Dennis Saikkonen at 12:06 to give the U.S. a 2-1 lead.

With just seven seconds to play in a hotly contested second stanza, Stephen Johns (Wampum, Pa.) collected a rebound in front of the net and slid the puck to Charlie Coyle (East Weymouth, Mass.) who wired a shot past Saikkonen from the high slot to give Team USA a 3-1 advantage.

Switzerland battled hard throughout the third period and was able to get back within a goal when Kaj Leuenberger scored with just 3:49 to play in regulation. Iles and the defensive unit held strong the rest of the way, however, to allow Team USA to earn the 3-2 victory.

Nick Shore was named Team USA's Player of the Game.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

DU Hockey Fan & Poker Superstar

(above) DU hockey fan CO14ers & Poker's newest superstar Darvin Moon share a resemblance

What is Darvin Moon going to do with his new fortune? "Put it in the bank," said the lumberjack who came in second place at the World Series of Poker.

It was a characteristically plain-spoken response from the 46-year-old from rural Maryland who had never flown in a jet plane before coming to Las Vegas in July to play -- and eventually beat -- many of the world's greatest poker players.

Hitler Moves To North Dakota

Bye Week News & Notes From The Denver Post

Mike Chambers and the Denver Post have an update on the team, additional notes on Cheverie, Colborne & Wiercioch's injuries, Adam Murray's stats and a flu update. Not much good news flowing out of the Pioneer Camp these days.

Monday, November 09, 2009

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hits CO. Jr. Team

(above) Carbon monoxide can build up in poorly ventilated hockey rinks from Zamboni machines leading to poisoning or long term lung problems like Asthma. Zamboni machines that run on either propane or natural gas emit carbon monoxide.

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers


Fifteen members of the teenage Colorado Thunderbirds triple-A midget-minor hockey team were hospitalized from carbon monoxide poisoning Saturday while playing in a tournament in suburban Chicago.

The Chicago Tribune reported that the poisoning occurred in a hockey rink near Glen Ellyn.

"We had 13 kids in the hospital, plus my manager and myself," Thunderbirds coach Angelo Ricci said. "We played our first game (Saturday) and kids were feeling pretty bad and we didn't know what was going on.

Minnesota, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are the only states with laws regulating air quality at indoor ice rinks. (read rest of article)

Sunday, November 08, 2009

DU Womens Soccer Makes NCAA Tourney

(above) DU's Lizzy Carlson & Bria Beardsley celebrate DU's Sunbelt Championship

From: Denver Post

The University of Denver women's soccer team defeated Arkansas-Little Rock 1-0 in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in Boca Raton, Fla., on Saturday to win its fourth consecutive conference championship.

DU's Jessie Rogers, a junior from Poudre High School, scored the lone goal in the 21st minute, and the Pioneers didn't allow the Trojans a shot on goal during the second half. DU freshman goalkeeper Lara Campbell finished the shutout with four saves.

It's the seventh time in the last nine years DU has won the Sun Belt Tournament. Saturday's win puts the Pioneers back in the NCAA Tournament. The 64-team bracket will be announced Monday.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

UAA 7 - DU 3 Final

(above) UAA's 6th goal against DU

DU was cruising along clinging to a 2-1 lead in the second period when the wheels fell off the wagon. A couple of minutes later, DU had given up three goals in less than two minutes of playing time and the game was essentially over.

Goaltender Adam Murray was pulled from the game in the third period after giving up 6 goals on 15 shots and Patrick Wiercioch was injured on a knee to knee hit.
LetsGoDU.com Game Recap

Box Score

WCHA Standings

Anchorage Daily News Game Recap

Photos Of Friday Night's Game Against UAA

(above) William Wrenn and Drew Shore watch as Adam Murray gets the worst of it from a UAA player

(above) Rhett Rakhshani from above

Matt Carle's Development In The NHL

(above) DU Alum Matt Carle is having a great season with the Philadelphia Flyers

From: Dallas Morning Herald
By Mike Heika


As a lesson for all of us who are impatient with young players, I offer up today the curious case of DU Alum Matt Carle.

Drafted in the second round by San Jose in 2003, Carle went through the U.S. National Development program and three years at the University of Denver before being moved up to the NHL. He played on the Sharks for three seasons, and simply wasn't that good when given top-level responsibility. He's a skilled player who can lug the puck, but he had breakdowns in his own end, and proved a source of frustration for fans and coaches alike.

So, the Sharks moved him to Tampa Bay in 2008 with Ty Wishart and a first-round pick for Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich. Carle was clearly a big part of that deal for the Lightning, but then they either tired of him or really felt they needed to make a move for financial reasons when they traded him to Philadelphia for Steve Eminger and Steve Downey after just 12 games.

So if you were a sportswriter who saw Carle more than a few times, including in the playoffs, you would have reasoned that he was a bust. Two teams gave up on him, and he just didn't seem to have what it took.

Which brings us to this season. Carle, at 25, has proved to be the perfect fit with Chris Pronger on the Flyers. He is playing 24:47 a game, he has two goals and 10 assists, and he is plus-11. Is he better because he is playing with Chris Pronger? Well, yeah. Is he better because he has played 230-something NHL games? That too. Is he better because he was knocked down a few pegs by being traded? Maybe so.

But the bottom line is Carle found a way to get better ... at least for now. He is the perfect fit on the Flyers, and he seems to be fulfilling what many thought was impressive potential.

So be careful what you wish for in trying to figure out the development of NHL players. You could be seeing them having pretty good futures on another team.

Murray Leads DU Past UAA 3-2

(above) DU goaltender Adam Murray made a triumphant return to Anchorage on Friday night

Freshman goaltender Adam Murray recorded his first complete game victory in his hometown as Denver rolled to a 3-2 win over the University of Alaska-Anchorage. Rhett Rakhshani scored two goals and Jesse Martin notched a shorthanded goal for DU.

Minnesota-Duluth came from behind to defeat Colorado College 4-3 in Colorado Springs tonight. CC's loss moved DU into sole possession of first place in the WCHA.

DU's Lineup
Rakhshani - Ruegsegger - Colborne
Maiani - Shore - Ostrow
Glasser - Martin - Salazar
Dewhurst - Gifford - Vossberg

Wiercioch - Wrenn
Donovan - Lee
Phillips - Nutini

Murray
Paulgaard
LetsGoDU.com Game Recap

Box Score

WCHA Standings

DenverPioneers.com Game Recap

Anchorage Daily News Game Recap

Friday, November 06, 2009

Viewing Tonight's Game On The Internet

For those with PioneerVision tonight's game will feature the radio broadcast only. There was a possibility that the game will be videocast on UAA's Cable Partner Website. The Game starts at 9 PM MST.

The LetsGoDU.com Website has a pregame story on the weekend series.

Marc Cheverie has been named National Division I Player of the Month.

Inside College Hockey Profiles Rakhshani

(above) Rhett Rakhshani will lead the Pioneers against the Seawolves this weekend

To say a hockey player has “great wheels” is to compliment his speed on the ice. But if you were to tell Rhett Rakhshani that he had great wheels while he was learning the game on the outdoor rinks of Southern California in the mid 1990s, all you’d have been telling him is that he was properly outfitted for hockey.

The Denver senior started playing at age five, but was nearly twice that age before he tried the game on a sheet of ice. (read rest of article)

DU's Alaskan Trio Return Home This Weekend

(left) David Carle returns home to Anchorage this weekend with two other Pioneer players

From: Anchorage Daily News
by Doyle Woody

"DU student assistant coach David Carle had a defibrillator inserted in his chest at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. last month"
Homecomings are nothing new for David Carle, William Wrenn and Adam Murray, not after years of periodic returns to their hometown from the distant outposts where they pursued their hockey dreams.

After all, Carle left Anchorage as a high school sophomore in 2005 to play three seasons at Shattuck-St. Mary's in Faribault, Minn.

Wrenn headed out in 2005 too, just as he entered high school, and Murray shipped out the next season. Wrenn played two seasons for the LA Selects in California, then skated two seasons in USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Murray logged two-plus seasons with the national program.

Still, this weekend presents a special hockey homecoming for this crew. All three guys are back, all three wearing University of Denver colors as the nationally ranked Pioneers open a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series against UAA at Sullivan Arena.

Carle, his promising playing career cut short by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart that has been cited in the sudden death of young athletes, is Denver's student assistant coach for the second season.

Wrenn, a second-round NHL draft pick last summer, is a freshman defenseman. And Murray, another freshman, will be in goal this weekend.

All three spent early Thursday afternoon at Sullivan, where the Pioneers practiced.

"This opportunity to be able to play in front of all my buddies I grew up with and in front of my family is a real treat for me,'' Wrenn said.

Tonight will mark the first time Wrenn has played in Sullivan. Carle never played there. And Murray played one junior varsity game there for South.

Murray comes into the series as Denver's No. 1 goalie -- for the moment. That's because Marc Cheverie, the Pioneers' star junior netminder, suffered a deep cut to his left calf in a third-period, goal-mouth collision last Friday against Minnesota State-Mankato, and 30 stitches were required to close the wound. Cheverie was injured soon after racking a school- record shutout streak of 223 minutes, 51 seconds, the equivalent of three full games and two-plus periods.

With Cheverie shelved for at least a few weeks, Murray is the man. He picked up the win in the Pioneers' 4-3 victory over the Mavericks the night Cheverie was injured, and backstopped a 4-4 tie in Saturday's series finale.

"It was an unfortunate situation,'' said Murray, 18. "But coming in cold, the team really picked me up. (Coaches) told me from the start I'd be getting chances as well. It just turns out I'll have a few more chances.''

Since arriving at Denver, Murray said, Cheverie has helped him find his way.

"Right off the bat, he took me under his wing,'' Murray said. "He's a great friend and a leader on the team. He doesn't have a letter on his chest, but everyone looks up to him.''

Wrenn, 18, who was drafted by the San Jose Sharks last summer, said attending Denver and playing for the Pioneers has been everything he imagined. Denver is ranked No. 2 in one national poll, No. 3 in another. Wrenn has furnished three assists and a team-best plus-6 rating in seven games.

"The weather's great, school's difficult -- I expected that -- and the team is doing well,'' Wrenn said. "I like the boys and the facilities are first-class. Everything's great.''

Carle, who turned 20 earlier this week and enjoyed a birthday dinner with his family Wednesday, attends Pioneers practices and workouts, and serves as the club's eye-in-the-sky during home games. He doesn't usually travel with the team but, hey, this was a trip to his hometown.

The tiny hope Carle harbored in the back of his mind that he might one day be able to resume his playing career was "extinguished,'' he said, when he recently suffered a couple of episodes of abnormal heart rhythm.

Carle last month had a defibrillator inserted in his chest at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Carle said he enjoys coaching -- Denver honored his scholarship after his diagnosis, and he is taking business classes -- but he is still looking for something that stokes him like playing hockey did.

"I've developed more interest in this (coaching) direction, but it's still not something I'm fully committed to,'' he said. "The challenge now is to find something I have the same passion for (as playing).

"That's been hard to do, but hopefully I find that. I'm not one to rush into decisions. When you put so much time and effort into something, it's hard to find something to replace it.

"With school, I don't think I've found that thing yet that makes me tick, that sparks the same passion, but hopefully I will.''

DU Women's Soccer Reaches Sunbelt Final

(above) DU will play in the Sunbelt Championship game on Saturday with an NCAA Tournament berth on the line

From: Denver Post

The University of Denver women's soccer team advanced to its fourth straight Sun Belt Conference tournament championship game with a 3-1 win over sixth-seeded Arkansas State on Thursday in Boca Raton, Fla.

Bria Beardsley got DU on the scoreboard in the fifth minute, firing a shot from 40 yards out that curved over a defender and under the crossbar. Katy Van Lieshout got the assist.

Lizzy Carlson put the Pioneers up 2-0 in the 16th minute off an assist from fellow senior Mariah Johnston. In the 32nd minute, Kaitlin Bast took a crossing pass from Megan Flannery and headed it in.

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Seawolves Recent Woes Against DU

From: Examiner.com

The University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves schedule doesn't get any easier as the 2nd ranked University of Denver Pioneers come to the Sullivan Arena this weekend for a pair of games. This will be the second time in only four WCHA series so far this year that the Seawolves have faced the 2nd ranked team nationally.

In the regular season last year the Seawolves managed to get a split with the Pioneers, then faced them again in the first round of the WCHA playoffs and lost both games by a single goal.

Denver has been an extremely tough team for the Seawolves to face recently as they are 1-9 against Denver in their last ten meetings. The Seawolves haven't beat the Pioneers at home since January 29th, 2000. (read rest of article)

Club Hockey: CSU-CU In Pepsi Center Tonight

(left) CSU & CU will faceoff tonight in the 18,000 seat Pepsi Center in Denver

From: Denver Post

by Natalie Meisler


Max Myers went all the way to New York for collarbone surgery when three Denver-area doctors said it was too risky. Injuries, a huge financial commitment and scarce recognition never could keep him off the ice.

A.J. Hau was living the teenage hockey dream. He played junior league in Alaska, then at a small college school in Minnesota. When he learned his mother, Sandra, a pioneering youth hockey organizer, was battling terminal cancer, Hau rushed back home to Fort Collins.

Tonight, Myers and Hau collide at the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver at 7 p.m. for Colorado-Colorado State: The Club Hockey Rivalry.

"The CSU games are some of the funnest hockey games of my career," said Myers, a Buffs forward. "They are the most intense games of the year. Every time is hard, fast-paced hockey. There are usually more injuries, more penalties and more after-the-whistle shoving."

Hau, a CSU wing, said: "The hockey world (in Colorado) is a small world, so everyone grew up playing with and against everyone else. It's even bigger for us (to play at the Pepsi Center) than for football to play at Invesco. (The football teams) already have phenomenal facilities."

The game is the top fundraiser for the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II West rivals. CSU (8-3) is in third place. CU (6-2) is ninth in the 35-school division.

Each team gets a cut of every $20 ticket, which includes a choice of Nov. 11 or March 6 upper-level seats to an Avalanche game.The rivals play four times a season, with one neutral-site fundraiser. Last year's benefit at the Budweiser Center in Loveland drew 4,200.

CU players pay about $1,800 a season in dues. CSU skaters contribute $2,500 each because the team rents off-campus ice time. Additionally, players spend hundreds on sticks, skates and pads.

"We had 80 guys try out and could only keep 26," said CSU coach Kelly Newton, who commutes four times a week between Fort Collins and his home in Monument. He said the dedication is in his Canadian blood.

All parties involved place the rivalry as the club version of the Avs and Red Wings, or the University of Denver and Colorado College. Fundraisers and sponsorships help defray the cost of the games.

"It's a love, at this point," Hau said. "It's coming out of our pockets because we love the sport."

Myers broke the part of his collarbone closest to his throat in a game before his junior year at Niwot High School.

"It ended the dream of making the NHL that most hockey players have. I'm still having fun," Myers said. "It's the passion for the sport. The thought of leaving hockey is a sad thing, and I'm not looking forward to hanging up the skates."

He hopes to parlay his selection to an ACHA all-star touring team into a European pro contract.

Hau is almost ready to move on, having had the 2 4/7 thrill of playing junior league hockey. Then before his third year in Alaska, he had an epiphany. Never a serious student at Fort Collins High School, he decided it was time to go to college. He didn't hesitate to come home from Minneapolis a year ago. Sandy Hau passed away July 4, and the Rams dedicated their season to her.

Her spirit will be at the Pepsi Center tonight.

"Every night, I begged my parents to let me stay up and finish listening to the Avs game," Hau said.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Chevy's Injury Timeline Revised

Edit: In the Interview link above Chevy claims to be aiming to return in time for the North Dakota series.

Starting University of Denver goaltender Marc Cheverie is expected to be out "four to five weeks." That means he may miss the huge series at Magness Arena against the University of North Dakota on November 20-21.

A more conservative timeline might be for Cheverie to heal through Christmas and come back in the second half of the season.

Obviously any type of an infection in or around the wound could delay the injury further.
DU's Upcoming Schedule
11/6 @ Alaska-Anchorage
11/7 @ Alaska-Anchorage
BYE
11/20 North Dakota
11/21 North Dakota
11/27 St. Cloud <---- Chevy's four week window
11/28 St. Cloud
12/4 @ Colorado College <---- Chevy's five week window
12/5 Colorado College
12/11 @ Minnesota Duluth
12/12@ Minnesota Duluth
1/1 Denver Cup - DU vs. UNO
1/2 Denver Cup - DU vs. BC

Channel 4 Profiled DU Hockey's Flu Outbreak

(above) DU forward Rhett Rakhshani was interviewed about the flu outbreak that stuck the team over the past few weeks


From: Channel 4 Website

DENVER (CBS4) ― You get it, you feel lousy -- really lousy. Just ask the University of Denver's powerhouse hockey team. At the beginning of the year, they were picked to be tops in the country, but came out slowly. You might point at the flu. About a dozen players and coach George Gwozdecky were all laid out by a cross-check hit from behind -- the swine.

It came up quickly, said captain Rhett Rakhshani, and he was in no shape to do much of anything worthwhile during practice.

"By that point I felt terrible during the workout and just had no energy," Rakhshani said.

Off he was sent to recover.

What we all want is the right stuff to help our bodies chew up the virus and spit it out. You might call it a survival kit. Coach Gwozdecky didn't have much but some over-the-counter meds and rest. He was on his back for 5 days straight experiencing something he said he's never been through before.

"The body aches and the cough and the congestion and just the energy levels were brutal," Gwozdecky said.

The energy drops as your body fights. That fever is what can really make the flu the flu. If you feel like every cell in your body hurts with the H1N1 -- or any flu, you're right. Viruses invade just about every cell, unlike bacterial infections, which typically take up residence in certain areas. Viruses are proteins that invade to live. Your hypothalamus gland responds by firing up the boilers to decrease the activity of the virus.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Surfin' USA

50,000 Phillies Fans Agree; "CC Sucks"


Maybe the Phillies fans were talking about Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia during the World Series? Maybe they were talking about Colorado College?

Either way its sweet music to DU hockey fans.

DU Today Profiles Coach Gwozdecky

The Online Magazine "DU Today" features an excellent article on University of Denver head hockey coach George Gwozdecky. Most of the article is centered on his off the ice persona and the important role that his family has played in his career. Its a great read, so check it out.
“The numbers to me are insignificant. The person who deserves the most credit is my wife, Bonnie. This is a very difficult profession for marriages. We’ve had many occasions where Bonnie has sat down with me and said ‘OK, enough hockey, we’ve got to get a better balance in this thing.’"
- George Gwozdecky

DU Remains #2 In USCHO Poll

(above) Click on photo to enlarge

The top three spots remain unchanged in the USCHO.com Poll, with Miami, Denver and North Dakota staying put.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Boone's Homecoming Slideshow

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Halloween Fun At Magness Arena

(above) The Johnson twins had a blast at Magness on Halloween night

It was the Johnson twins first real trip to see a DU game this weekend (they went as infants last year but slept through the whole game). Since it was Halloween, they broke out their Thing 1 and Thing 2 costume's.

The twins had fun running around the concourses.

Complete strangers asked to take pictures of the girls. Father Bill said, "It is a testament to the great family atmosphere that DU has created. I look forward to bringing them to more games."

DU's Student Section Receives Fan Praise

DU fans are starting to notice the enthusiasm and spirit on campus. DU hockey fan Carrie Fellman-Gustin commented on Boone's Facebook Page.
"Great game last night! i just want to mention that we have been going to the games since Magness opened and this is one of the best student sections ever! Keep up the great enthusiasm! And get well chevy!"

Magness' Halloween Fire Delays 3rd Period

(above) DU student Kali Smith was on hand on Saturday night to put out the Fire in Magness Arena's Lobby

The third period of Saturday nights game was delayed for 15 minutes when the fire alarm went off in Magness Arena. Fans were instructed to leave the building.

Unconfirmed reports cited a Donut Machine in the Lobby caught fire.

About a quarter of the fans exited the arena and the teams vacated the ice except for the goaltenders who continued to warm-up and stretch.

The DU student section lustily chanted, "We're on Fire."

There's no truth to the rumor that Coach Gwozdecky pulled the fire alarm in hope of delaying the game until Chevy has recovered.

Denver Post: Chevy To Miss 2-4 Weeks

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

(left) Marc Cheverie & his mother during the Parents Weekend ceremony

Marc Cheverie didn't know he was bleeding profusely. Lying on his stomach and eyes closed, he felt only pain.

"I just wanted to get to the hospital and have the pain end," the University of Denver goalie said Saturday, less than 24 hours after suffering a frightening leg injury at Magness Arena. "I was trying not to panic." (read rest of article)

Saturday, October 31, 2009

DU Ties Minnesota State on Saturday 4-4

(above) Adam Murray getting run over by Justin Jokinen in OT

DU took 3 of a possible 4 WCHA points from MSU this weekend with a win last night and tie tonight at Magness Arena. DU and Colorado College are tied for 1st place in the WCHA with identical 3-0-1 league records and 7 points. DU has an overall record of 5-2-1 and will head to Anchorage, Alaska next weekend to face UAA in another league series.

After falling beind 2-0 early in the first period on goals by MSU's Joe Schiller (Ev) and Tyler Pitlick (PP), DU came back with goals by Drew Shore (Ev) and Tyler Ruegsegger (PP) to end the period tied at 2. DU went ahead 3-2 on a second period goal by Anthony Maiani (EV). MSU tied it up late in the period on Tyler Pitlick's (PP) second goal of the night and the second period finished with the team tied at 3. MSU took a 4-3 third period lead on a goal by Kael Mouillierat (PP). DU tied the game late on a goal by Kyle Ostrow (Ev). Neither team could score in the OT even though both had power plays during the OT period. Patrick Wiercioch had 2 assists for DU tonight. DU goalie Adam Murray had 30 saves and MSU goalie Kevin Murdock had 40 saves.

First Star: Kyle Ostrow (Denver)
Second Star: Patrick Wiercioch (Denver)
Third Star: Ben Youds (Minnesota State)

LetsGoDU.com Recap




Happy Halloween

Denver Post: Latest Chevy Injury Report

(above) The Magness crowd chanted "Chevy" as DU's goaltender was wheeled from the ice

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Record-setting University of Denver goalie Marc Cheverie left the ice amid chants of "Chevy, Chevy" from the Magness Arena crowd Friday night, but it wasn't the exit anyone anticipated after the junior broke Peter Mannino's program shutout streak record.

Cheverie
was carried off on a stretcher after being cut in the back of the leg by the skate blade of Minnesota State's Justin Jokinen. At 2:31 of the third period and the game tied 2-2, Cheverie and Jokinen became tangled in the crease after Jokinen missed a tap-in bid from the doorstep.

Cheverie
, bleeding profusely, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. (read rest of article)

Photo Gallery Of Friday Nights DU Game

(above) Chevy & Nutini
photo credit: Leanna Lofte

(above) Matt Glasser (#17) provided a much needed spark
photo credit: Leanna Lofte

(above) Patrick Wiercioch is back to last year's form
photo credit: Leanna Lofte

(above) Kyle Ostrow defies gravity
photo credit: Leanna Lofte

(above) The puck now belongs to Freshman goaltender Adam Murray
photo credit: Leanna Lofte

Friday, October 30, 2009

Chevy Injured In 4-3 Victory Over MSU-M

Earlier in the evening University of Denver goaltender Marc Cheverie broke the longest consecutive shutout streak in DU history. Two periods later is was severely injured on a cut to his calf by an opponents skate.

Cheverie was taken to a nearby hospital where the cut and injury will be assessed by the doctors. The cut was described as deep. Coach Gwozdecky said the injury will be at least a couple of weeks.

DU won the game with two third period goals immediately after Cheverie's injury. Goaltender Adam Murray came in and earned the victory.
Box Score

LetsGoDU.com Game Recap


Denver Post Game Recap


Mankato Free Press Game Recap


USCHO.com Game Recap


Leanna Lofte Photo Gallery


Minnesota State-Mankato @ DU This Weekend .... Wear Halloween Costumes Saturday Night .... Go DU

Check Out Our New Website: www.LetsGoDU.com

ATTENTION STUDENTS: Due to storm $5 Tickets can be purchased all weekend at Ticket Office

Friday Night DU Lineup
Rhett Rakhshani - Tyler Ruegsegger - Joe Colborne
Anthony Maiani - Drew Shore - Kyle Ostrow
Matt Glasser - Jesse Martin - Luke Salazar
Chris Knowlton - Brian Gifford - Brandon Vossberg

Patrick Wiercioch - William Wrenn
Matt Donovan - John Lee
Paul Phillips - Chris Nutini

Marc Cheverie
Adam Murray
Lars Paulgaard

Scratches
Jackson (out for season)
S. Ostrow (healthy)
Dewhurst (healthy)
Brookwell (healthy)
Ryder (healthy)
Brehm (healthy)
Cook (healthy)

Rakhshani Wants LOUD Screaming Fans In Magness



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News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

One of the major reasons why Patrick Wiercioch returned to DU this season is that the Ottawa Senators signed first round draft choice Erik Karlsson from Sweden to run their power play. Now after nine games they've sent Karlsson down to the minors. Things could get real interesting for Wiercioch if he makes the Canadian National Junior team and has another great season with DU. The article also mentions that Brian Lee, older brother of DU defenseman John Lee, will be Karlsson's teammate in Binghampton after spending a majority of his young career in the NHL.

Mike Chambers' Blog reports that Joe Colborne looked good in practice on Wednesday, despite wearing an orange "no contact" jersey.

Bruce Ciske features DU goaltender Marc Cheverie in his Fanhouse.com hockey blog this week. The WCHA portion of the season is just underway, but Western College Hockey Blog thinks Cheverie is one of the league's best players. The Denver Post has a very good article on Cheverie today talking about the shiutout streak and Peter Mannino.

Minnesota State is winless in their last ten games at Magness Arena (0-9-1). The Mankato Free Press has some interesting tidbits about the weekend series including the Mavericks forward lines.

Minnesota State Forward Lines on Friday Night
Louwesr - Galiardi - Stewart
Zuck - Harrison - Jokinen
Mouillierat - Sackrison - Hayes
Gaulrapp - Pitlick - Thompson