Friday, March 12, 2010
DU Expects Michigan Tech To Be Playoff Ready
From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers
Three weeks ago, Michigan Tech entered Magness Arena with five victories. The Huskies left Denver with five victories. They still have only five victories.
Among 58 Division I teams, they are tied with American International and Bowling Green for the fewest wins.
So how does the top-ranked University of Denver, which has won 25 games, get up for its first-round Western Collegiate Hockey Association series against the visiting Huskies? (read rest of article)
by Mike Chambers
Three weeks ago, Michigan Tech entered Magness Arena with five victories. The Huskies left Denver with five victories. They still have only five victories.
Among 58 Division I teams, they are tied with American International and Bowling Green for the fewest wins.
So how does the top-ranked University of Denver, which has won 25 games, get up for its first-round Western Collegiate Hockey Association series against the visiting Huskies? (read rest of article)
NCAA Skiing Championships Under The Lights
(above) DU's NCAA Giant Slalom champion Leif Kristian Haugen will lead the DU team tonight under the lights in SteamboatToday: Slalom
Men, 5:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
Women, 6:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Saturday: Cross Country
Men's 20K freestyle, 10 a.m.
Women's 15K freestyle, noon
Men, 5:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
Women, 6:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Saturday: Cross Country
Men's 20K freestyle, 10 a.m.
Women's 15K freestyle, noon
DU Alum Tyler Bozak Leads Leafs Comeback
(above) DU Alum Tyler Bozak scored with less than four minutes remaining last night to send the Maple Leafs-Lightening game to Overtime. He then assisted on Phil Kessel's OT goal.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
2nd Day - DU Leads NCAA Skiing Championships
(above) DU cross country skiers Antja Maempel & Mari Elden on the podium on Thursday
(above) DU's Lief-Krista Haugen won the Men's Giant Slalom on Wednesday
Day Two of the four-day NCAA Skiing Championships kicked off this morning in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The University of Denver was even more dominant in the morning session than yesterday, with two Pioneers on the podium in Nordic Cross Country Skiing. In the Men's Cross County event the University of Colorado moved back into contention, but DU finishes of 18th, 19th & 23rd kept the Pioneers safely out in front of the CU.
Friday, March 12thMen's Cross Country - DU skiers Kristian Soerlund finished 18th, Andrew Doughtery came in 19th and Harald Loevenskioldr crossed the line 23rd.
5:15 PM MST - Men’s Slalom (first run) – Howelsen Hill
6:30 PM MST - Women’s Slalom (first run) - Howelsen Hill
(left) DU's Golden Girl Antje Maepel won the NCAA 5K Classical Cross Country Skiing Championship for the second year in a rowWomen's Nordic Cross Country - The University of Denver ski team is making a mockery of the NCAA Skiing Championships in Steamboat Springs Colorado. DU's Antje Maempel won the Women's Nordic Cross Country Championship for the second year in a row. She has also now won three consecutive NCAA cross country championships in a row. DU's Mari Elden finished third and Kate Dolan came 13th.
Maemple's margin of victory this morning was by an astounding 43 seconds. In a sport winning is sometimes by a tenth of a second and ties have occurred, 43 seconds is massive margin in a 5K race.
(left) DU's Lief-Krista Haugen, who skied in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics for Norway, won the NCAA Giant Slalom Championship yesterday in SteamboatThe Men's Giant Slalom yesterday - DU's Lief-Krista Haugen won the Men's Giant Slalom to pace the University of Denver's ski team to a massive opening day at the NCAA skiing Championships in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Haugen's teammates A.J. Arvin & Andreas Kilde finished 5th and 8th respectively.
(left) DU's Lindsey Cone finished 2nd in the Giant Slalom yesterdayWomen's Giant Slalom - The University of Denver Skiing Team was in 1st place after the Women's Giant Slalom yesterday morning. Lindsey Cone paced the DU skiers with a 2nd place overall finish, while her teammates Ida Dillingoen and Jennifer Vanwagner finished 5th and 9th. Dillingoen's performance was particularly impressive since she was seeded 23rd in the event.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
DU Hockey Fans Take Over CC's World Arena
Evil Empire Of The North National Anthem
Sweet Caroline/CC Sucks Remix
DU Leads At NCAA Skiing Championships
The Men's Giant Slalom was contested this afternoon. DU's Lief-Krista Haugen won the Men's Giant Slalom today to pace the University of Denver's ski team to a massive opening day at the NCAA skiing Championships in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Haugen's teammates A.J. Arvin & Andreas Kilde finished 5th and 8th respectively.
The University of Denver Skiing Team was in 1st place after the Women's Giant Slalom in the morning. Lindsey Cone paced the DU skiers with a 2nd place overall finish, while her teammates Ida Dillingoen and Jennifer Vanwagner finished 5th and 9th. Dillingoen's performance was particularly impressive since she was seeded 23rd in the event.
Three days remain in the Championships with skiing and cross county events still to go.
Why Do Colorado College Fans Hate America?
(above) Shhhhhh. The CC fans want to hear the choirReading the Colorado College Tiger Hockey message board (cctigerhockey.yuku.com) is always good for a laugh. Now they are accusing DU hockey fans of singing the National Anthem too loudly on Saturday night in World Arena.
NCAA Skiing Championship Begins Today
(above) DU's Antje Maempel is the defending National Champion in Feestyle & Nordic cross country skiingThe two-time defending champion University of Denver ski team looks to win its 21st national championship, when they head to Steamboat Springs, Colo., for the NCAA Championships from March 10-13. The Pioneers have won an NCAA-record 20 team championships, including two-straight and six since 2000.
DU is sending the maximum 12 skiers to compete in the 2010 NCAA Championships. Teams can qualify up to three men and three women from both alpine and Nordic to compete. Colorado and Utah are the only other RMISA teams sending 12 skiers, along with Dartmouth from the EISA, followed by 11 from both Alaska Anchorage and New Mexico, and 10 from Vermont.
DU is sending the maximum 12 skiers to compete in the 2010 NCAA Championships. Teams can qualify up to three men and three women from both alpine and Nordic to compete. Colorado and Utah are the only other RMISA teams sending 12 skiers, along with Dartmouth from the EISA, followed by 11 from both Alaska Anchorage and New Mexico, and 10 from Vermont.
DU Must Pass Michigan Tech On Way To Detroit
(above) The month long drive to Detroit begins this weekend against Michigan TechFrom: Minnesota Daily.com
by Max Sanders
#1 Denver (25-7-4, 19-5-4) vs. #10 Michigan Tech (5-28-1, 4-24-0)
Denver, the nation’s top-ranked team, is led by Hobey Baker favorite Marc Cheverie, who is tied for the national lead in save percentage (.937). He also leads the nation in shutouts (6) and finished the year allowing less than two goals per game .
The Pioneers, though, are not just a defensive powerhouse. They boast the nation’s fourth-leading point scorer in senior forward Rhett Rakhshani, who has 48 points on one of the top-scoring lines in the country. Rakhshani also lead the WCHA in scoring this season.
Paul Stastny (2005-06) was the last Pioneer to win the league scoring title and Wade Dubielewicz (2001-02) was the last DU player to win the goaltending crown.
Denver will be hosting a Michigan Tech team that won just four games in conference play all season and scored a paltry 59 goals in league action.
The two teams met twice this regular season, with the Pioneers winning both matchups, 5-2 and 5-3.
It would be an upset of major proportions if the Huskies even manage to take one game from a Denver team that is among the favorites to win the NCAA Tournament.
The Pioneers, though, are not just a defensive powerhouse. They boast the nation’s fourth-leading point scorer in senior forward Rhett Rakhshani, who has 48 points on one of the top-scoring lines in the country. Rakhshani also lead the WCHA in scoring this season.
Paul Stastny (2005-06) was the last Pioneer to win the league scoring title and Wade Dubielewicz (2001-02) was the last DU player to win the goaltending crown.
Denver will be hosting a Michigan Tech team that won just four games in conference play all season and scored a paltry 59 goals in league action.
The two teams met twice this regular season, with the Pioneers winning both matchups, 5-2 and 5-3.
It would be an upset of major proportions if the Huskies even manage to take one game from a Denver team that is among the favorites to win the NCAA Tournament.
Recruit To Visit DU North Dakota & Notre Dame
(above) Rocco Grimaldi from California will visit three schools including DU this summer
2011 Recruit Rocco Grimaldi talks about playing for the U.S. National Development Program. He was recently promoted from the Under-17 team to the Under-18 team and is playing with future Pioneers Jason Zucker and Nick Shore.
Grimaldi may be the #1 college recruit in the country for 2011. Needless to say recruiting coordinators will be nervously watching his "Road Trip" back to California with keen interest.
Grimaldi may be the #1 college recruit in the country for 2011. Needless to say recruiting coordinators will be nervously watching his "Road Trip" back to California with keen interest.
DU Recruit Beau Bennett Had Epic BCHL Season
(above) Beau Bennett will be a familiar sight in Magness Arena next seasonFrom: BCHL Website
by Chad Klassen
Every Batman needs his Robin. For the BCHL Penticton Vees, this couldn’t be more true when it comes to the superstar tandem of Denver Manderson and University of Denver recruit Beau Bennett. Bennett will play for DU next season.
Bennett had been close to selecting Boston College and Colorado College, before finally selecting DU. It was after his verbal commitment to DU that he went on a scoring tear and drew the attention of NHL scouts.
The high-scoring duo were electric together during a season in which both players finished in the top-three in British Columbia Hockey League scoring. Bennett ended up tying for the BCHL's scoring title with Salmon Arm’s Mark Zengerle 120 points, while Manderson finished the season as the most productive player in the BCHL with 113 points in just 50 games.
"They’re both very driven individuals and they both want to play hockey for quite some time," says Vees head coach and GM Fred Harbinson. "Denver’s obviously our captain and has been a big key to our success this year, and Beau’s had one of the best rookie seasons in a long, long time in this league."
Bennett is projected to be an early second-round selection in the upcoming NHL Draft.
“He sees a lot of plays that other players don’t see, and he’s a good passer and a good finisher. It’s been good to play with him,” says Masterson about Bennett.
Bennett recently moved from the wing to center and went on a tear. The California native was already red-hot, having put up 30 points in 11 games to kick off 2010, but he upped his game down the stretch with 26 points and five four-point games in the month of February.
It was an opportunity for Bennett to shine as a solo act and receive some much-deserved attention from around the hockey world, according to Harbinson.
“Beau did an outstanding job in those 10 games when Masterson was injuried,” he says. “Everybody knew what Denver could do, because he’s been in the league for the last couple years. Maybe it was easy for certain critics to pick apart and say ‘Beau’s production had a lot to do with Denver.’ I think he silenced a lot of those critics very quickly in those 10 games.”
The time apart also proved that Manderson and Bennett don’t necessarily need each other to create offense.
“Both players are great players on their own. Denver Manderson doesn’t need Beau Bennett to make him a player, and Beau Bennett doesn’t need Denver Manderson. They’re both outstanding. So obviously when you have two players on your team, it definitely doesn’t hurt,” their coach adds.
Indeed, when the two are together on Penticton’s top line, it makes for offensive fireworks on most nights.
“They can make plays that a lot of guys at any level can’t. Both would tell you that when there’s no play to be made, either one of them can find a way to make a play and create offense,” says Harbinson.
After a sweep over the Centennials, the two will lead the Vees into battle against the Westside Warriors in the second round of the BCHL playoffs – an Interior semi-final series that begins Tuesday at the South Okanagan Centre.
Beyond that, many are looking to a potential Vernon-Penticton series in the Interior Finals, particularly after an epic regular season battle for conference supremacy. The Vees missed out on first place by five points. However, while one might be waiting in anticipation for that matchup, Harbinson says anyone overlooking the Westside Warriors hasn’t done their homework.
“I don’t think anybody in this area is taking Westside lightly. They’re a very dynamic hockey club, they work hard, they’ve got great goaltending. You’ve got [Trevor] Bailey, who had over 40 goals, Cam Reid who’s an NHL draft pick to Nashville, and kids like [Grayson] Downing, who is off to a great playoff start (five goals, two assists), then Alex Grieve is one of the better defensive forwards in the league,” he warns.
In that semi-final meeting with the Warriors, Bennett and Manderson will be relied upon to put up similar numbers, but a balanced attack offensively is an absolute must if the Vees are to take the playoff series.
Bennett had been close to selecting Boston College and Colorado College, before finally selecting DU. It was after his verbal commitment to DU that he went on a scoring tear and drew the attention of NHL scouts.
The high-scoring duo were electric together during a season in which both players finished in the top-three in British Columbia Hockey League scoring. Bennett ended up tying for the BCHL's scoring title with Salmon Arm’s Mark Zengerle 120 points, while Manderson finished the season as the most productive player in the BCHL with 113 points in just 50 games.
"They’re both very driven individuals and they both want to play hockey for quite some time," says Vees head coach and GM Fred Harbinson. "Denver’s obviously our captain and has been a big key to our success this year, and Beau’s had one of the best rookie seasons in a long, long time in this league."
Bennett is projected to be an early second-round selection in the upcoming NHL Draft.
“He sees a lot of plays that other players don’t see, and he’s a good passer and a good finisher. It’s been good to play with him,” says Masterson about Bennett.
Bennett recently moved from the wing to center and went on a tear. The California native was already red-hot, having put up 30 points in 11 games to kick off 2010, but he upped his game down the stretch with 26 points and five four-point games in the month of February.
It was an opportunity for Bennett to shine as a solo act and receive some much-deserved attention from around the hockey world, according to Harbinson.
“Beau did an outstanding job in those 10 games when Masterson was injuried,” he says. “Everybody knew what Denver could do, because he’s been in the league for the last couple years. Maybe it was easy for certain critics to pick apart and say ‘Beau’s production had a lot to do with Denver.’ I think he silenced a lot of those critics very quickly in those 10 games.”
The time apart also proved that Manderson and Bennett don’t necessarily need each other to create offense.
“Both players are great players on their own. Denver Manderson doesn’t need Beau Bennett to make him a player, and Beau Bennett doesn’t need Denver Manderson. They’re both outstanding. So obviously when you have two players on your team, it definitely doesn’t hurt,” their coach adds.
Indeed, when the two are together on Penticton’s top line, it makes for offensive fireworks on most nights.
“They can make plays that a lot of guys at any level can’t. Both would tell you that when there’s no play to be made, either one of them can find a way to make a play and create offense,” says Harbinson.
After a sweep over the Centennials, the two will lead the Vees into battle against the Westside Warriors in the second round of the BCHL playoffs – an Interior semi-final series that begins Tuesday at the South Okanagan Centre.
Beyond that, many are looking to a potential Vernon-Penticton series in the Interior Finals, particularly after an epic regular season battle for conference supremacy. The Vees missed out on first place by five points. However, while one might be waiting in anticipation for that matchup, Harbinson says anyone overlooking the Westside Warriors hasn’t done their homework.
“I don’t think anybody in this area is taking Westside lightly. They’re a very dynamic hockey club, they work hard, they’ve got great goaltending. You’ve got [Trevor] Bailey, who had over 40 goals, Cam Reid who’s an NHL draft pick to Nashville, and kids like [Grayson] Downing, who is off to a great playoff start (five goals, two assists), then Alex Grieve is one of the better defensive forwards in the league,” he warns.
In that semi-final meeting with the Warriors, Bennett and Manderson will be relied upon to put up similar numbers, but a balanced attack offensively is an absolute must if the Vees are to take the playoff series.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Colorado College Coach Owens Blasts DU Fans
(above) DU fans turn their backs to the ice as Colorado College players are introduced
From: Denver Postby Mike Chambers
Some DU fans attending Saturday's regular-season finale at Colorado Springs were criticized for inappropriate behavior before the game. They screamed obscenities and booed while the public-address announcer introduced the Tigers' nine seniors in their final appearance at the World Arena.
"It was embarrassing, to be honest with you," Tigers coach Scott Owens said. "I would have been embarrassed if it (happened) up there. Kids that have been here four years and put their heart and soul in — I was extremely unimpressed."
Coach George Gwozdecky was in the DU locker room at the time, but upon being made aware of what happened, he said: "That's totally uncalled for. What a shame."
"It was embarrassing, to be honest with you," Tigers coach Scott Owens said. "I would have been embarrassed if it (happened) up there. Kids that have been here four years and put their heart and soul in — I was extremely unimpressed."
Coach George Gwozdecky was in the DU locker room at the time, but upon being made aware of what happened, he said: "That's totally uncalled for. What a shame."
Dakota Mermis Commits To DU
(above) Reports have Dakota Mermis committing to DU last weekThere is no official confirmation yet from any of the usual sources, but LetsGoDU has reports that defenseman Dakota Mermis (5'10 170 lbs) committed to the University of Denver last week. Most likely on the same day that his older brother, Jarrod said he would attend DU next Fall. While this must still be classified as a rumor, we're fairly certain that its a firm verbal agreement.
Dakota just turned 16 in January and is a Sophomore in high school in Alton, IL. He is considered to be an elite recruit and will most likely play for the U.S. National Development Program in Ann Arbor next season if he is selected. He would attend DU in the Fall of 2012.
Dakota is a very talented defenseman who was being watched by several OHL Major Junior teams for their upcoming OHL Draft. He is described by scouts as a smooth skater with a rocket for a shot. The best news is that he is yet another hockey playing honor student with a 4.0 GPA.
Dakota played two games for the Lincoln Stars in the USHL this season despite being just 15 years old at the time (players in the USHL can be as old as 20). He also attended the Stars Try-Out Camp before the season to gain additional experience. The Black & Blue Blog reported at the time that could have easily made the team, but perhaps his parents felt he was too young to endure the rigors of a USHL season. He would have been one of the two or three youngest players in the league.
Needless to say that if its true, and we have a second hand confirmation that it is, its a big commitment.
Dakota just turned 16 in January and is a Sophomore in high school in Alton, IL. He is considered to be an elite recruit and will most likely play for the U.S. National Development Program in Ann Arbor next season if he is selected. He would attend DU in the Fall of 2012.
Dakota is a very talented defenseman who was being watched by several OHL Major Junior teams for their upcoming OHL Draft. He is described by scouts as a smooth skater with a rocket for a shot. The best news is that he is yet another hockey playing honor student with a 4.0 GPA.
Dakota played two games for the Lincoln Stars in the USHL this season despite being just 15 years old at the time (players in the USHL can be as old as 20). He also attended the Stars Try-Out Camp before the season to gain additional experience. The Black & Blue Blog reported at the time that could have easily made the team, but perhaps his parents felt he was too young to endure the rigors of a USHL season. He would have been one of the two or three youngest players in the league.
Needless to say that if its true, and we have a second hand confirmation that it is, its a big commitment.
2010 Recruiting Class
F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-18)
D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)
F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-18)
F Beau Bennett (Penticton, BCHL)
F Dan Olszewski (St. Louis, NAHL)
F Jarrod Mermis (Lincoln, USHL)
2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-17)
G Sam Brittain (Canmore, AJHL)
F Garrett Allen (Fargo, USHL)
D Matt Van Voorhis (U.S. Under-17)
D Daniel Doremus (Colorado Thunderbirds, AAA)
2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Team Illinios)
D Dakota Mermis (St. Louis Jr. Blues, AAA)
W.T.F.G.P.?
(above) DU Students gather by the glass to see the Gold PanThe idiots that run World Arena in Colorado Springs wouldn't let the University of Denver hockey team skate with the Gold Pan on Saturday night. Frustrated DU hockey fans, students and parents were left hanging.
Needless to say the Colorado College Zamboni drivers will be booed mercilessly next year.
Needless to say the Colorado College Zamboni drivers will be booed mercilessly next year.
Monday, March 08, 2010
2010 Magness White-Out Slideshow (updated)
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| Slideshow generated with Smilebox |
(above) Updated Slideshow from Friday Night's White-Out including Stastny video
Stastny Brings His Silver Medal To Magness
(above) Former DU hockey star Paul Stastny showed off his Silver Medal earned at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. He then ripped off his USA jersey to reveal his University of Denver jerseyMermis Brothers Both Won Youth Titles In 2007
(above) Jarrod Mermis is DU's newest recruitIn the past week Jerrod Mermis committed to attend the University of Denver next Fall. There are unconfirmed rumors that his younger brother, Dakota, may be in DU's pipeline as well. We found this story online from April 2007 about the Mermis family. Its a great read.
From: The Alton Telegraph
by Peter Hayes
April 16, 2007
These sorts of things are supposed to happen just once in a lifetime - if they happen at all. Winning a championship can elude even the best teams and athletes, no matter what sport. But for the Mermis family of Alton, Illinois once-in-a-lifetime is becoming routine.
Jarrod Mermis and his younger brother, Dakota, played key roles in helping their respective club hockey teams capture national championships recently. In fact, they did it on the same weekend - more than 300 miles apart.
“It’s definitely been a roller-coaster ride, to say the least - a good way,” said Jolene Mermis, the boys’ mother. “I think this could be a first.”
Indeed. But that’s not all - the national title was the second straight for Jarrod Mermis and the fourth consecutive for his team, the St. Louis Junior Blues, who captured their Junior B crown April 1 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
While Jarrod was helping his team stage a dramatic comeback en route to a national title, kid brother Dakota was in Buffalo, N.Y. helping his Affton Americans skate to the USA Hockey 12-and-under Tier III national championship.
And what about the boys’ dad, Bil Mermis? Even though he coaches Dakota’s Affton team, Bil Mermis was able to catch his older son’s title-game win.
“(Affton’s) championship game was Sunday and Jarrod’s team played Monday,” Bil Mermis said. “I was able to rent a car in Buffalo, go up and around through Canada and back to Grand Rapids. We got there before the third period their semifinal game.
“It was a phenomenal experience.”
Winning a tournament, a conference or a state championship is difficult enough - just ask any coach or player. Just winning games is difficult, period.
“We set some really high goals for our team this year,” said Bil Mermis, who is a fourth-grade social studies and math teacher at Forsythe School in Clayton as well as the head coach of the Alton High hockey club.
“It was just a question of whether we’d put the pieces together and be playing our best at the right time.”
The Americans defeated the Phoenix Firebirds 2-1 in the national championship game. Dakota Mermis scored the game’s first goal just 1:53 into the first period. In the semifinals, they defeated the San Jose Junior Sharks 4-2. Other wins were over Saratoga, N.Y., Indianapolis and Hatfield, Pa.
To advance to the tournament, Affton grabbed two wins in the Missouri Amateur Hockey playoffs and four more in the USA Hockey Central District qualifier. In all, the Americans won 12 consecutive games to win their national crown.
Meanwhile, back in Michigan, the Junior Blues actually came close to seeing their string of national titles end at three. Facing elimination after a second-round defeat, they found themselves needing to defeat Boston Junior Bruins by at least 10 goals to stay alive.
Final Score: Blues 11, Bruins 1.
Jarrod Mermis, a junior at Alton High School, scored a pair of goals in the Junior Blues’ dramatic victory. After the rout over Boston, they defeated Suffolk, Mass 6-2 to advance to the national championship showdown with the New Hampshire Monarchs. St. Louis skated to a 4-0 win on four first-period goals, including one by Mermis.
In the national tourney, Mermis had seven points on four goals and three assists.
Jarrod Mermis, an MVCHA All-Star and two-time Telegraph All-Area selection, had 25 goals and 31 assists for the Junior Blues and had three game-winning goals.
Any sibling rivalry at the Mermis home when it comes to hockey?
“Not overtly,” Bil Mermis said. “If any, it’s more of a positive thing. I think they’re happy for each other.
“Dakota went with me to watch Jarrod’s games and when the (Blues’) coach found out we were there, he had somebody bring Dakota down to the dressing room with his national championship medal. He laid the medal out for all the players to see and said, ‘Here’s one national championship medal - now you guys do out and win another one.’”
They did.
DU's Latest Recruit May Come With A Bonus
(left) Jarrod Mermis will attend the University of Denver next season as a "recruited walk-on"Several internet recruiting sites are now confirming that Lincoln Stars forward Jarrod Mermis (5'7-165 lbs) from Alton, Illinios will attend the University of Denver next Fall. It is believed that Mermis is a recruited "walk-on."
Jarrod Mermis has 3 goals and 6 assists for the Stars this season. This is his third year in the USHL and will be yet another recruit with great speed. DU is really loading up on forwards with quick feet in the upcoming recruiting classes. Black & Blue Blog has more info on Mermis' season with the Lincoln Stars.
It turns out that Jarrod isn't the only hockey player in the Mermis family stable. Younger brother Dakota Mermis (5'10-170lbs) is one of the top 16 year old defensive prospects in the country. It is believed that he will join the USNDT-Under 17 Program next season in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dakota will play college hockey in 2012.
Many major college hockey programs will be after Dakota, but it believed that DU will have the inside track enabling the parents to see both sons play on weekend visits. There is even some online chatter that Dakota may have already verbally committed or is about to commit to the University of Denver.
The Mermis brothers would join the Ostrow and Shore brothers as sibling hockey players at DU. There have been several others back in the day.
2010 Recruiting Class
F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-18)
D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)
F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-18)
F Beau Bennett (Penticton, BCHL)
F Dan Olszewski (St. Louis, NAHL)
F Jarrod Mermis (Lincoln, USHL)
2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-17)
G Sam Brittain (Canmore, AJHL)
F Garrett Allen (Fargo, USHL)
D Matt Van Voorhis (U.S. Under-17)
D Daniel Doremus (Colorado Thunderbirds, Tier I)
2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Team Illinios)
Sunday, March 07, 2010
FSN - Rocky Mountain Adds DU Sidekick
(above) Tom Helmer & Boone provided the highlights on Friday nightThe battle between Fox Sports North & FSN-Rocky Mountain to become the highest rated college hockey network took an unusual twist on Friday night. Boone was brought in by Rocky Mountain to counter Doug Woog at Fox Sports North. The overnight ratings were sensational.
Springs Columnist Rips CC's Performance
From: Colorado Springs Gazette
by David Ramsey
This isn’t what Colorado College needed.
Top-ranked Denver trashed the Tigers on Saturday night while a bewildered crowd watched at World Arena.
The Evil Empire of the North manhandled the Tigers, 7-3. The Tigers surrendered six goals in the first 30 minutes. In one long blur of humiliation, CC was buried by its archrival.
The Tigers listened most of the night while Denver fans chanted nice things about the Pioneers and mean things about CC.
It was ugly.
No, let me correct that. This game traveled to realms far beyond mere ugly.
CC captain Mike Testwuide shook his head.
“Down 6-0 in your own building,” he said in a quiet voice, “that’s pretty embarrassing, to say the least.”
It was, more than anything, bizarre. One night after the Tigers played their best game of the season, they delivered their worst game of the 21st century.
“I feel bad for our fans who were here,” CC coach Scott Owens said. “I feel bad for our seniors.”
The Tigers have five days to recover as they seek to salvage their season. They battle at Minnesota-Duluth on Friday night in the opening round of the WCHA playoffs.
CC will journey to Minnesota hoping for resurrection, and, yes, I know death is associated with resurrection. This Tigers have been on life-support in recent weeks, losing five of their last six by a combined score of 24-12.
Perhaps the Tigers began that resurrection on Saturday. After falling hopelessly behind, CC rallied with three unanswered, if meaningless, goals.
Maybe the Tigers can give meaning to those goals. Maybe they take a touch of momentum on the trip to Duluth.
But taking anything worthwhile from this defeat will be a challenge.
With 15 minutes left in the second period, the Tigers had a brief glimpse of happiness. The Pioneers were down two men, and CC seemed certain to brighten the gloomy night.
Instead, this turned into some of the worst minutes of the game. The Tigers never made a serious attempt at scoring.
The DU crowd roared, mocking those CC fans wondering if it could get any worse.
And, yes, it could have been worse. In 1960-61, the Tigers lost all five meetings with the Pioneers while allowing 47 goals. On March 4, 1960, just over 50 years ago, the Tigers lost at home to DU, 13-3.
That loss is among the four or five worst nights in CC history.
This loss wasn’t that bad. It was only almost that bad.
“We have to put this game behind us,” Testwuide said. “It’s over.”
The Tigers have been tumbling since late November. They’ve been unpredictable. They’ve often baffled their fans.
Saturday night, the Tigers hit bottom.
Let’s see how they respond after sinking to the depths.
Top-ranked Denver trashed the Tigers on Saturday night while a bewildered crowd watched at World Arena.
The Evil Empire of the North manhandled the Tigers, 7-3. The Tigers surrendered six goals in the first 30 minutes. In one long blur of humiliation, CC was buried by its archrival.
The Tigers listened most of the night while Denver fans chanted nice things about the Pioneers and mean things about CC.
It was ugly.
No, let me correct that. This game traveled to realms far beyond mere ugly.
CC captain Mike Testwuide shook his head.
“Down 6-0 in your own building,” he said in a quiet voice, “that’s pretty embarrassing, to say the least.”
It was, more than anything, bizarre. One night after the Tigers played their best game of the season, they delivered their worst game of the 21st century.
“I feel bad for our fans who were here,” CC coach Scott Owens said. “I feel bad for our seniors.”
The Tigers have five days to recover as they seek to salvage their season. They battle at Minnesota-Duluth on Friday night in the opening round of the WCHA playoffs.
CC will journey to Minnesota hoping for resurrection, and, yes, I know death is associated with resurrection. This Tigers have been on life-support in recent weeks, losing five of their last six by a combined score of 24-12.
Perhaps the Tigers began that resurrection on Saturday. After falling hopelessly behind, CC rallied with three unanswered, if meaningless, goals.
Maybe the Tigers can give meaning to those goals. Maybe they take a touch of momentum on the trip to Duluth.
But taking anything worthwhile from this defeat will be a challenge.
With 15 minutes left in the second period, the Tigers had a brief glimpse of happiness. The Pioneers were down two men, and CC seemed certain to brighten the gloomy night.
Instead, this turned into some of the worst minutes of the game. The Tigers never made a serious attempt at scoring.
The DU crowd roared, mocking those CC fans wondering if it could get any worse.
And, yes, it could have been worse. In 1960-61, the Tigers lost all five meetings with the Pioneers while allowing 47 goals. On March 4, 1960, just over 50 years ago, the Tigers lost at home to DU, 13-3.
That loss is among the four or five worst nights in CC history.
This loss wasn’t that bad. It was only almost that bad.
“We have to put this game behind us,” Testwuide said. “It’s over.”
The Tigers have been tumbling since late November. They’ve been unpredictable. They’ve often baffled their fans.
Saturday night, the Tigers hit bottom.
Let’s see how they respond after sinking to the depths.
Gold Pan Rivalry Belongs To The Fans
(above) Rhett Rakhshani celebrates his birthday with the Gold Pan & several DU fans Outside World ArenaThank You Seniors Wallpaper
(above) DU's WCHA Champion, Gold Pan winning, Denver Cup victor Senior ClassColorado College Road Trip Photos
(above) Pregaming at Outback
(above) Even we had to admit this was pretty cute
(above) Ouch!
(above) DU students enjoy "The Slaughter In The Springs"
(above) Next Road Trip - Detroit
(above) Rhett Rakhshani's Dad took a photo of me taking a photo of him
(above) How sweet it is
(above) DU students were still jacked up after the game on the bus ride homeDU 7 - Colorado College 3 FINAL
(above) Kyle Ostrow's two goals led the Pioneers
(above) Some prankster posted pictures of DU's seven National Championship teams next to CC's 1957 National Championship TrophyThe schedule may have said that the University of Denver hockey team was playing on the road on Saturday night, but the Denver fans turned out in force and the game felt like a home game. Led by a busload of DU students the Pioneer contingent numbered between 300-400 strong.
The DU team responded with one of their best performances of the season in a lopsided 7-3 victory. The game wasn't that close. It was a throttling.
The Maiani-Martin-Ostrow line was +3 for the evening led by Kyle Ostrow's two goals.
With the victory, DU secured the Gold Pan for the first time since the 2005 National Championship season.
DU is also back on top of the Pairwise Rankings by the slimmest of margins over Miami.
The DU team responded with one of their best performances of the season in a lopsided 7-3 victory. The game wasn't that close. It was a throttling.
The Maiani-Martin-Ostrow line was +3 for the evening led by Kyle Ostrow's two goals.
With the victory, DU secured the Gold Pan for the first time since the 2005 National Championship season.
DU is also back on top of the Pairwise Rankings by the slimmest of margins over Miami.
Pairwise Rankings
Box Score
WCHA Standings
Denver Post Game Recap
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Denver Fox 31 To Air Segment On Boone
(above) Boone being interviewed pregame by Fox 31If you noticed Boone being followed around by a cameraman on Friday, that was Fox 31. He spent five hours collecting footage,filming the "White-Out," interviewing students, alumni and Scott Fuson.
Not sure when its going to be televied but it most likely be in the upcoming week. There is a chance that they might break the footage into two segments. We'll keep you posted when its going to air.
Not sure when its going to be televied but it most likely be in the upcoming week. There is a chance that they might break the footage into two segments. We'll keep you posted when its going to air.
Friday, March 05, 2010
CC 2 DU 1 Final
(above) Brian Gifford introduces himself to the Colorado College TigersCC eked out a 2-1 win at Magness this evening. DU opened the game with a 2 minute flurry but CC goalie Joe Howe kept them off of the scoresheet. Nick Dineen put CC ahead 1-0 at the 8:22 mark of the 1st period.
DU came out with energy in the 2nd period and Patrick Wiercioch tied the game at 1 at the 1:05 mark of the period. Rhett Rakhshani and Marc Cheverie got assists on the Wiercioch goal. DU took a penalty and Bill Sweatt put CC ahead 2-1 on the PP at the 16:03 mark of the period.
The 3rd period was scoreless and DU pulled Marc Cheverie with 1:25 left. DU had a number of chances in the last minute and Joe Howe stopped all of the shots.
DU came out with energy in the 2nd period and Patrick Wiercioch tied the game at 1 at the 1:05 mark of the period. Rhett Rakhshani and Marc Cheverie got assists on the Wiercioch goal. DU took a penalty and Bill Sweatt put CC ahead 2-1 on the PP at the 16:03 mark of the period.
The 3rd period was scoreless and DU pulled Marc Cheverie with 1:25 left. DU had a number of chances in the last minute and Joe Howe stopped all of the shots.
The game was an exciting close fough battle between two archrivals. DU had a number of chances to tie the game but couldn't. Both goalies played well and the difference was CC's power play goal which Chevy had no chance on.
Even through DU lost the game, the team was presented with the MacNaughton Trophy for winning the WCHA Championship. The winner of tomorrow night's game wins the Gold Pan. With tonight's loss DU drops to #2 in the Pairwise.
Even through DU lost the game, the team was presented with the MacNaughton Trophy for winning the WCHA Championship. The winner of tomorrow night's game wins the Gold Pan. With tonight's loss DU drops to #2 in the Pairwise.
What you might have missed; Paul Stastny was ushered onto the ice during a 1st period break in the action. He was wearing his USA jersey and Silver Medal from the Olympics. He removed the USA jersey to reveal his 60th anniversary DU jersey. Very cool.
News & Notes from Around PioNation
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has a story on Tyler Ruegsegger. Ruegsegger has combined stellar hockey statistics at DU with excellent grades and a religious faith that you don't always see in a top flight college athletes.
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LetsGoDU is checking out a posted rumor that Lincoln Stars forward Jarrod Mermis has committed to DU. He's a 5'7 160 forward from Illinois and is in his third season in the USHL.---------
Why is the University of Denver hockey team so good this season? Out of DU's Senior Class, the only player not to finish four years at DU was defenseman Keith Seabrook. It certainly was a shock when Seabrook jumped ship for major juniors in Canada, but he was replaced on the roster the following season and now DU is loaded with upperclassmen.---------
Current Air Force & former DU coach Frank Serratore's son Tom will play for the Minnesota Gophers starting next season. Best of luck to Tom as he pursues his dream of playing college hockey.---------
The Colorado Springs Gazette has an article on Colorado College Senior defenseman Kris Fredheim.---------
Last night was the 2010 University of Denver Founder's Day Gala at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the 36th chief of staff for the U.S. Army, received the University of Denver Alumni Association's highest honor, the Evans Award, Thursday in the Seawell Grand Ballroom. Ty Miller, Cindy Courville, Meyer Saltzman, Mike St. John and Nora Heitmann also received awards at this commemoration of DU's founding.Colorado College Player's Mom Went To DU
(above) Mom's who went to DU are always hotter than their Colorado College counterpartsby Joe Paisley
Colorado College freshman Andrew Hamburg has been stoking the friendly CC-Denver rivalry within his family since he committed to the Tigers.
The forward was even nice enough to give his mother, Donna, a Denver graduate, a “You can’t spell dumb without DU” sweatshirt for Christmas.
She took it well, knowing his teasing sense of humor. She’s even worn it a few times to CC games.
“She sort of has to. She’s my mom,” he said. “She’ll always be a Pioneer; unfortunately. She still had her 'CC Sucks' shirt from when she went to school there and that was a long time ago.”
As you can tell, this week has never been about diplomacy for the Hamburgs or the state's college hockey fans.
The forward was even nice enough to give his mother, Donna, a Denver graduate, a “You can’t spell dumb without DU” sweatshirt for Christmas.
She took it well, knowing his teasing sense of humor. She’s even worn it a few times to CC games.
“She sort of has to. She’s my mom,” he said. “She’ll always be a Pioneer; unfortunately. She still had her 'CC Sucks' shirt from when she went to school there and that was a long time ago.”
As you can tell, this week has never been about diplomacy for the Hamburgs or the state's college hockey fans.
The Infamous "Banner"
Denver, Colorado - October 26th, 1984 - DU was in the middle of a 4-0 throttling of Colorado College when the game was delayed for over 30 minutes. The raw chickens had already come raining down on the ice after DU's first goal of the game from the student section, but this was something bigger. Several SAE Fraternity members had crawled up in the catwalks and released a giant 15 foot banner (above). .
The game was delayed while the DU Maintenance Staff got to work on removing the banner. The picture above was published in the 1984-85 DU Yearbook and through the miracle of the internet, LetsGoDU brings you the details.
Rhett Rakhshani Video Interview & Music Video
(above) Rhett Rakhshani was interviewed by DU Today Blog
(above) "My Name Is...Rhett Rakhshani" Video
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Ruegsegger Talks DU Hockey & "Rubberband Man"
(above) Tyler Ruegsegger discusses DU Hockey
video credit - DU Today Blog
Tyler Ruegsegger- "The Rubberband man"
Sydney | MySpace Video
(above) Tyler Ruegsegger's now famous "Rubberband Man Video"
DU Fans Toast WCHA Champion In Magness
Here's to you Mr. Hardworking Assistant Hockey Coach Derek LalondeA real American hero [Cue Bud Light theme music]
Denver Post Profiles DU School Spirit In Magness
(above) The Denver Post has a feature article on the DU Student Section and the Colorado College rivalryFrom: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers
Today's Denver Post has a feature article on the front page of the Sports Section on DU school spirit in Magness Arena. The article has links to the LetsGoDU Website and an awesome photo gallery of DU hockey fans & the various DU hockey photos at Magness Arena.
The article is also linked prominently on the front page of the Denver Post home page today.
Be sure to leave a comment on the Post Website or Tweet the article to show the sports editors that DU hockey has a large following. More Post coverage for the Pioneers leads to more awareness, more interest and more fans.
The article is also linked prominently on the front page of the Denver Post home page today.
Be sure to leave a comment on the Post Website or Tweet the article to show the sports editors that DU hockey has a large following. More Post coverage for the Pioneers leads to more awareness, more interest and more fans.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Don't Be The Only One Not Wearing White
(above) All DU fans are requested to wear White on Friday Nightphoto credit: Lauren Sprung
Rakhshani Is Profiled In Mile High Sports
Mile High Sports magazine has a glossy spread on University of Denver Captain Rhett Rakhshani. Peer into the mind of DU's premier playmaking winger.The article is on page 14. No that's not Rhett on the cover.
Daniel Doremus Commits To DU In 2011
Heisenberg's Recruiting Website is reporting that Daniel Doremus (6'2 180 lbs) from Steamboat Springs and Aspen, will attend the University of Denver in 2011. He is currently playing for the Colorado Thunderbirds where he has 23 goals and 20 assists in 39 games, while attending high school in Denver.
Before playing for the Thunderbirds, he played youth hockey for the Aspen Leafs. His older brother Tyler is a Sophomore hockey player at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY and is having a nice season with 10 goals & 4 assists in 25 games.
Next season Doremus has several opportunities to play in various junior leagues around North America. The NAHL Wenatchee Wild have "tendered" or offered him contract, announcing his intentions to play for them. Once a player signs a tender with a team, his NAHL playing rights belong to that team.
He is also expected to be drafted in the USHL Draft on May 19, 2010 and reportedly there are teams in the BCHL and AJHL up in Canada that are hot on his heels as well.
Gwozdecky and Miller mined gold in the Rockies in recent years with J.P. Testwuide and Ryan Dingle, so DU's unlikely but very successful recruiting pipeline in the heart of Colorado ski country remains open.
Doremus' coaches on the Thunderbirds this season are a couple former Pioneer players, Shawn Kurulak and Angelo Ricci.
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has additional news on the Doremus signing as well as several hot prospects that might be future Pioneers in 2012-14.
Before playing for the Thunderbirds, he played youth hockey for the Aspen Leafs. His older brother Tyler is a Sophomore hockey player at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY and is having a nice season with 10 goals & 4 assists in 25 games.
Next season Doremus has several opportunities to play in various junior leagues around North America. The NAHL Wenatchee Wild have "tendered" or offered him contract, announcing his intentions to play for them. Once a player signs a tender with a team, his NAHL playing rights belong to that team.
He is also expected to be drafted in the USHL Draft on May 19, 2010 and reportedly there are teams in the BCHL and AJHL up in Canada that are hot on his heels as well.
Gwozdecky and Miller mined gold in the Rockies in recent years with J.P. Testwuide and Ryan Dingle, so DU's unlikely but very successful recruiting pipeline in the heart of Colorado ski country remains open.
Doremus' coaches on the Thunderbirds this season are a couple former Pioneer players, Shawn Kurulak and Angelo Ricci.
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has additional news on the Doremus signing as well as several hot prospects that might be future Pioneers in 2012-14.
2010 Recruiting Class
F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-18)
D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)
F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-18)
F Beau Bennett (Penticton, BCHL)
F Dan Olszewski (St. Louis, NAHL)
2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-17)
G Sam Brittain (Canmore, AJHL)
F Garrett Allen (Fargo, USHL)
D Matt Van Voorhis (U.S. Under-17)
F Daniel Doremus (CO. Thunderbirds, Tier I)
2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Team Illinios)
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Colorado College: 1957 National Champions
(above) Congratulations to Colorado College for winning the 1957 NCAA Ice Hockey National ChampionshipDU Student YouTube Goes Over 27,000 Hits
The Innovation in Mass Communications class produced a video “The Class,” which parodies the TV series “The Office” and has received more than 27,000 views on YouTube in the month it has been posted.
“The Class” sheds light on technology use in the classroom and was student-produced as part of an assignment (read rest of article).
“The Class” sheds light on technology use in the classroom and was student-produced as part of an assignment (read rest of article).
Student Ticket & White-Out 2.0 Updates
(above) White-Out 2.0 kicks off on Friday NightLess than 100 student tickets remain for the game against Colorado College on Friday night. The game has been "Sold Out" to the general public for well over a week. Needless to say "57 Fever" is sweeping the campus.
White "7th Man" T-shirts will be given to the first 500 students who enter Magness Arena on Friday night. There will also be 75 "mini-tigers" given away to students.
Once again the DU Grilling Society will be hosting a pre-game BBQ and fundraiser with ZBT to help the Children's Miracle Network. DUGS will be serving Tiger Shrimp & Chicken before the game.
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White "7th Man" T-shirts will be given to the first 500 students who enter Magness Arena on Friday night. There will also be 75 "mini-tigers" given away to students.-----------
A student bus heading down to Colorado Springs for the Saturday night game sold out in less than three hours last week. Tickets for the game in World Arena are still available. Lets turn World Arena into a home game for DU and pack the dump. Students will be pre-gaming at Chili's less than one mile north of World Arena.-----------
Once again the DU Grilling Society will be hosting a pre-game BBQ and fundraiser with ZBT to help the Children's Miracle Network. DUGS will be serving Tiger Shrimp & Chicken before the game.-----------
Every fan who attends the game on Friday will find Thunder Stix waiting on their seats. All fans are encouraged to wear WHITE to show their support for our 2010 WCHA Champion Pioneer Hockey Team.-----------
The festivities kick off at 7:30, but don't be late. You won't want to miss a minute of the pregame ceremonies, student taunting, highlight video or National Anthem.
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