LetsGoDU

News Flash: UND Fans don't like Denver


Left: Keith Magnuson led DU over North Dakota in the 1968 National Championship game

The intense rivalry between the University Of Denver & North Dakota is nothing new. The all-time series record for DU is 104-123-7. DU has more losses against the Sioux than any other program. Four times these two universities have played in the National Championship game against each other and twice they have met in the WCHA playoff championship. We all know about last season in Columbus, but these two teams had some epic battles in the '50s & '60s as well.

DU defeated North Dakota 6-2 to win the 1958 National Championship in Minneapolis. It was estimated that out of 7,878 fans in attendance, 3,000 were from North Dakota. UND had won three out of the four previous meetings that season in the old Western Intercollegiate Hockey League, but the Pioneers weren't to be denied. After seeing the Sioux score first, DU tallied six of the last seven goals to win their first National Championship. It was reported in the Denver Post the next day that the Sioux fans sat in "stunned disbelief" as DU roared to victory.

In 1963 North Dakota returned the favor by defeating DU in Chestnut Hill, MA. UND raced to a 5-2 first period lead to win its second NCAA title on goals by Don Stokaluk, Al McLean, Ernie Dyda, Stokaluk and Jack Matheson. McLean, who is named tourney MVP, scored the winning goal at 5:01 of the second period. DU fought back, but eventually lost 6-5. UND's Joe Lech made only 11 saves in the game, while Rudy Unis of Denver had 32.

In 1968 the two teams met again in the National Championship game in Duluth. DU scored four goals in the Third Period to win 4-0. It was one of only three shutouts ever recorded in the Championship game. DU was led by Garry Powers in goal and Bob Trembecky scored two goals. His second goal was assisted by Craig Patrick, who later went on win two Stanley Cups as GM of Pittsburgh and was the assistant coach & assistant GM of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Team.

Twice these to programs have meet in the WCHA playoff championship game. In 1963 DU won 5-4 in overtime, only to have UND defeat DU in the National Championship game several weeks later. In 1999 DU won the Final Five Championship over UND 4-3. UND had made history that season becoming only the second program to win three straight MacNaughton trophies, but DU would not be denied. DU would lose to Michigan in NCAA's, while the following year UND would win 4-2 over Boston College for their 7th national championship.

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Last year DU wrapped up its 7th National Championship by routing UND 4-1. So there you have it. Seven National Championships for each program and quite a few were decided on the ice against each other.