DU Looks To Keep The Good Times Rolling
From: Denver Post
By Mike Chambers
The tide definitely has turned in the University of Denver's favor. But for the Pioneers, that could be reason to worry.
DU carries a seven-game unbeaten streak (6-0-1) against Colorado College into tonight's 260th meeting between the rivals. Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky, in his 13th season at the Hilltop, knows the winning formula in the only remaining WCHA rivalry that features two annual home-and-home series typically changes like spring weather.
"As always the case is, the games are close and hard fought," said Gwozdecky, who is 24-32-3 against CC, one of three WCHA teams he has a losing record against. "Since I've been here, CC has had the edge at times, and we've had the edge in other times. But all the games have been very intense and enjoyable to watch."
Since the rivalry began in 1949, DU is 151-99-9 against CC. The Tigers hold an 18-14-1 advantage since coach Scott Owens arrived in 1999.
"I don't know if you can explain (our dominance lately), but if you're saying it's a fluke, you're probably not doing your homework," Gwozdecky said.
DU began its unbeaten streak against CC at the end of the 2004-05 season, just before both programs obtained two of the top three overall seeds in the 16-team NCAA Tournament. The Front Range teams went on to meet for the first time at the Frozen Four, where DU captured its third straight victory over the Tigers and went on to win its second consecutive NCAA title.
Last season, the Pioneers went 3-0-1 against CC, but the final two games ended in a 5-4 overtime victory and a 3-3 tie. CC advanced to the NCAA Tournament; DU did not - but relished state bragging rights for the third consecutive year.
"They've been tough for us to play against," Owens said of the Pioneers. "They're very sound defensively, and it's been difficult for us to penetrate. And they've been very timely with their goal scoring."
On paper, the Pioneers - unbeaten in their past seven games (6-0-1) overall - appear to have the edge this season. But like CC, many of DU's best players are inconsistent underclassmen.
"Both teams are relying so much on new faces in their lineup," Gwozdecky said. "In some ways the teams are mirror images. The one big constant is the goaltenders."
Seniors will occupy the nets tonight at the Colorado Springs World Arena. DU will go with Glenn Fisher (7-2), and Matt Zaba (5-4-1) will oppose him.
Pioneers junior Peter Mannino (2-2-1) - who is 6-0-1 against CC - likely will oppose Zaba on Saturday at Magness Arena.
SPOTLIGHT ON GLENN FISHER
DU's senior goalie is having a sensational season but has struggled against Colorado College in previous seasons, going 1-3 in five starts. A win tonight will provide further proof that Fisher, who has allowed just three goals in his past four games, is one of college hockey's most improved players. The Edmonton native enters the game with a 1.74 goals-against average and .941 saves percentage, after beginning the season with career numbers of 2.91 and .890.
FRESHMEN TO BE HONORED
By Mike Chambers
The tide definitely has turned in the University of Denver's favor. But for the Pioneers, that could be reason to worry.
DU carries a seven-game unbeaten streak (6-0-1) against Colorado College into tonight's 260th meeting between the rivals. Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky, in his 13th season at the Hilltop, knows the winning formula in the only remaining WCHA rivalry that features two annual home-and-home series typically changes like spring weather.
"As always the case is, the games are close and hard fought," said Gwozdecky, who is 24-32-3 against CC, one of three WCHA teams he has a losing record against. "Since I've been here, CC has had the edge at times, and we've had the edge in other times. But all the games have been very intense and enjoyable to watch."
Since the rivalry began in 1949, DU is 151-99-9 against CC. The Tigers hold an 18-14-1 advantage since coach Scott Owens arrived in 1999.
"I don't know if you can explain (our dominance lately), but if you're saying it's a fluke, you're probably not doing your homework," Gwozdecky said.
DU began its unbeaten streak against CC at the end of the 2004-05 season, just before both programs obtained two of the top three overall seeds in the 16-team NCAA Tournament. The Front Range teams went on to meet for the first time at the Frozen Four, where DU captured its third straight victory over the Tigers and went on to win its second consecutive NCAA title.
Last season, the Pioneers went 3-0-1 against CC, but the final two games ended in a 5-4 overtime victory and a 3-3 tie. CC advanced to the NCAA Tournament; DU did not - but relished state bragging rights for the third consecutive year.
"They've been tough for us to play against," Owens said of the Pioneers. "They're very sound defensively, and it's been difficult for us to penetrate. And they've been very timely with their goal scoring."
On paper, the Pioneers - unbeaten in their past seven games (6-0-1) overall - appear to have the edge this season. But like CC, many of DU's best players are inconsistent underclassmen.
"Both teams are relying so much on new faces in their lineup," Gwozdecky said. "In some ways the teams are mirror images. The one big constant is the goaltenders."
Seniors will occupy the nets tonight at the Colorado Springs World Arena. DU will go with Glenn Fisher (7-2), and Matt Zaba (5-4-1) will oppose him.
Pioneers junior Peter Mannino (2-2-1) - who is 6-0-1 against CC - likely will oppose Zaba on Saturday at Magness Arena.
SPOTLIGHT ON GLENN FISHER
DU's senior goalie is having a sensational season but has struggled against Colorado College in previous seasons, going 1-3 in five starts. A win tonight will provide further proof that Fisher, who has allowed just three goals in his past four games, is one of college hockey's most improved players. The Edmonton native enters the game with a 1.74 goals-against average and .941 saves percentage, after beginning the season with career numbers of 2.91 and .890.
FRESHMEN TO BE HONORED
Colorado Springs-based USA Hockey will honor freshmen Rhett Rakhshani of DU and Billy Sweatt of CC before tonight's game. In April the two were teammates on the Team USA squad that captured the International Ice Hockey Federation World Under-18 Championship in Sweden, becoming the first Americans at any level to win back-to-back gold medals at an IIHF tournament.
FOOTNOTES
FOOTNOTES
CC is 1-5 against top-10 teams, and 7-0-1 against others. ... If DU sweeps this weekend it will retain Gold Pan bragging rights for the fourth consecutive year. A new traveling trophy that will be ready after the new year replaces the original Gold Pan, lost or stolen from DU's locker room in 2004. The Gold Pan must be won outright. ... Game 2 of the series is Saturday night at Magness Arena (FSN, KCKK 1600 AM).
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