UAA Stuns DU in Overtime

The University of Denver was coasting to a seemingly certain victory on Saturday night. Holding a slim 2-1 lead with 2:30 left in the game and a two minute power play, things were looking good for the Pioneers.

But a crucial breakdown led to a three on two shorthanded breakaway and the Seawolves converted in regulation.

In overtime DU again had a power play but were unable to convert. After several near misses, UAA finally buried the puck and the Pioneers were finished.
Box Score

WCHA Standings

Pairwise Formula


Denver Post game recap

USCHO.com game recap

Anchorage Daily News
game recap
First Star: Curtis Leinweber (Alaska Anchorage)
Second Star: Bryce Christianson (Alaska Anchorage)
Third Star: Mat Robinson (Alaska Anchorage)
UAA 3 - DU 2 FINAL

DU 6 - UAA 2 **Minnesota & North Dakota Lose**

(above) Pat Mullen shows his physical side last night against UAA

What's the only thing better than watching DU steamroll the Seawolves? Knowing that North Dakota and Minnesota were upset earlier in the evening.

The night got off to a shaky start, when it was announced that secong line center Jesse Martin was a scratch with a "lower body injury." The injury was sustained last weekend against North Dakota and caused some reshuffling of the lines.

After a first period that saw DU lead 1-0, Denver exploded for three unanswered goals in the 2nd period and the game was essentially over. The 3rd goal was interesting because the refs missed the goal going in the net and play continued for 30 seconds. A replay clearly showed the puck go into the net and bounce crisply out. Good to see the replay system work.

Dustin Jackson had his best game in a while and recorded three assists. He was a major contributor down the stretch last season, so perhaps he's heating up for another big stretch run.
WCHA Standings

Box Score

Pairwise Rankings

Denver Post Game Recap

Anchorage Daily News Game Recap

St. Cloud State Upsets North Dakota

First Star: Patrick Wiercioch (Denver)
Second Star: Kyle Ostrow (Denver)
Third Star: Dustin Jackson (Denver)

Media Coverage Of This Weekend's UAA Series

The always interesting and very well written, UAA Fan Blog has some good info on the weekend series between DU and Alaska-Anchorage. Check it out.

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post asks Coach Gwozdecky a half dozen questions about last weekend and the upcoming series against UAA. The Q & A session appears in Chambers' Blog.

As usual Puck Swami's Know Your Foe Blog has everything you need to know about UAA, the city of Anchorage and the history of their hockey program.

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has an excellent article on the UAA series and what the team learned about themselves in North Dakota last week. Chamber's even throws a "Boone reference" into the article. Way to go Chambers, Bring Back Boone.

The Gowzdecky March video on YouTube was a big hit yesterday. If you want to see what our video was based on here's the YouTube Trailer to Bridge on the River Kwai.

Doyle woody of the Anchorage Daily News has a story on UAA special teams issues.

Mannino Continues To Shuttle Between NHL & AHL

(above) DU hockey fan Jim Glabman was able to snap this picture of Peter Mannino holding his Boone themed goaltender mask last week in Portland, Maine

Peter Mannino has spent the last couple of weeks backing up New York Islanders goaltender Yann Danis in the NHL and starting for the Bridgeport Sound in the AHL. On Thurday night, Mannino was on the bench for the Islanders in a 5-4 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers.

DU Alum Jim Glabman spoke to Mannino last week and reports that he still follows the "Boone Movement" and is passionate about the cause.

We agree, "Bring Back Boone."

DU's 2022 Recruiting Class Taking Shape

(above) DU Alum and current AHL head coach Kevin Dineen poses with son Declan

The University of Denver scored a major recruiting coup last Friday when Declan Dineen, a speedy right winger, said that DU was a front runner for his services in 2022.

Declan's dad, Kevin Dineen, played for DU, the Canadian Olympic team and scored 760 points in a 19-year NHL career. Dineen is currently the coach of the AHL's Portland Pirates.

Miller Will Coach DU On Friday Night Against UAA

(left) DU assistant coach Steve Miller will be behind the bench on Friday night

From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney


Regardless if Steve Miller earns a win while substituting for George Gwozdecky, his one-game stint as the leading man behind the University of Denver's bench is bound to be less stressful than the last time Miller filled in for the Pioneers coach.

Gwozdecky will serve a one-game suspension tonight as the Pioneers open a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series against Alaska Anchorage at Magness Arena, punishment for remaining in contact with team personnel after getting ejected during a tie Saturday at North Dakota. [read rest of article]

"Coach Gwozdecky's March" Video Premiere

The Bridge On The River Kwai won the 1957 Academy Award for Best Picture. In 1957 Colorado College won its last National Championship in ice hockey. Coincidence? We think not.

Sometimes you have to stand up for your boyz.

UND Students Want Guns On Campus & In Arena

(left) The Hillbillies want to pack heat in Ralph Englestadt Arena

From: Grand Forks Herald
by Archie Ingersoll

Not content with dropping "F-Bombs" during hockey games, a group of University of North Dakota students are hoping a bill introduced to the state House of Representatives will make it legal to pack heat on campus.

State law currently prohibits those with concealed weapons permits from toting firearms at colleges, but Students for Concealed Carry on Campus wants that to change.

“History has shown us that gun-free zones basically mean defense-free zones,” sophomore Tony Bowers said Wednesday as he manned the group’s table at the Memorial Union. “By allowing this bill to go through, you’re basically taking an extra step to allow us to defend ourselves in the event something should happen.” [LetsGoDU: A coach walking out on the ice?]

If the bill becomes law, licensed concealed weapons, which include firearms and various other dangerous weapons, would be allowed at public areas and gatherings such as college campuses, sporting events, churches, political rallies, concerts, parks and public buildings. However, the prohibition on concealed weapons in elementary, middle and high schools would stay intact.

On hearing about the proposed legislation, 24-year-old law student Laura Barnett had reservations.

“You’d be allowed to have a concealed weapon at the Hyslop or Ralph Englestadt Arena?” she asked. “That’s a little scary. That makes me think school shooting.” [read rest of article]

Puck Swami's Blog Looks At Alaska-Anchorage

Puck Swami's Know Your Foe Blog breaks down the University of Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves this weekend. Puck Swami has all the details on the school, the city and the hockey program.

Vegas Recruit Leading USA Development Team

(above) Jason Zucker will arrive at DU in 2010

From: Las Vegas Sun
by Ron Kantowski

DU recruit Jason Zucker is the first Nevadan to play for the USA hockey national development program. Technically, he’s not a native Las Vegan, but he moved here with his parents — his dad, Scott, is a construction designer for Station Casinos; mom Natalie is a Wells Fargo Bank teller — from Newport Beach, Calif., when he was 2. So nobody is going to hand us a two-minute minor if Las Vegas claim him as one of ours.

“Jason has high character, a high work ethic; he’s highly talented and is an intense competitor,” says John Hynes, the Team USA Under-17 coach. “He’s been a leader for us in every facet — during off-ice conditioning, on the ice and as an assistant captain.”

At the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Port Alberni, B.C., over the New Year’s holiday, Zucker was named Team USA player of the game three times in six games. He’s Team USA’s leading goal scorer with 18 in 34 games and notched a hat trick in the team’s 6-4 victory over the North American Hockey League’s Alpena (Mich.) Icediggers Saturday night.

Rob Pallin, a former Minnesota-Duluth player and now conditioning coach, was introduced to Zucker when the latter was 12. Zucker’s older brother, Evan, played for the Las Vegas Icecats, the touring team that Pallin coached, and he said you could tell right away from the way he skated with the big kids that Jason was going to be special.

A lot of kids have raw talent, Pallin says. Both Evan and Jason have it, and are fierce competitors on the ice. But he said Jason’s willingness to improve his game when the crowd’s not cheering and hats and octopuses aren’t being throw onto the ice — “an unbelievable desire to get better,” is what the coach calls it — is what sets Jason apart.

Zucker was home recently and Pallin put him through a rigorous two-hour workout. Then the next day, Zucker called Pallin and asked if he would meet him at the rink. So they went for another two hours.

The first day was Christmas Eve. The next day was Christmas.

“Those are the kids that make it to the next level,” Pallin says.

DU: Bring Back Boone & Free Gwozdecky

Click to enlarge

Coach Gwozdecky made University of Denver hockey fun again. In his 15 seasons at the helm of the hockey program he's raised the level of recruiting, winning and excitement at Magness Arena. His record against Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota is unmatched and he's never lost a game in the Final 5 in the XCel Center posting an amazing 8-0-0 record. His two national championships at DU reignited a proud program that had slipped in previous decades.

Tyler Bozak Radio Interview

Tyler Bozak was interviewed last night on the Pipeline Show on Edmonton radio station 1260 AM. Hosts Guy Flaming and Dean Millard peppered Bozak with questions about his injury, NHL plans, junior hockey career and yes, NORTH DAKOTA.

At the end of the interview they even mentioned LetsGoDU and the Boone Controversy, so check it out.

Gwozdecky Cops One Game Suspension From DU

(left) North Dakota didn't fall for the old "Talking Into The Shoe Trick"

The University of Denver has suspended head hockey coach George Gwozdecky one game for violating an NCAA rule that does not allow an ejected coach to communicate with or contact team personnel in any manner until a game is completed. [rest of story]

North Dakota Hockey Fans Harass Reporter

(left) Alanna Rizzo alleges that North Dakota hockey fans harassed her and DU players over the weekend

Mike Chamber's Blog has the latest bombshell to drop from this weekend's shenanigans in Grand Forks. This time its sexist hockey fans harassing Fox Sports reporter Alanna Rizzo.
FSN Rocky Mountain reporter Alanna Rizzo covered last weekend’s DU series at North Dakota, returning to Denver on Sunday with mostly bad memories from her first trip to Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks.

Rizzo’s angst stems from obnoxious and seemingly uncontrollable Fighting Sioux fans — particularly adults. [read rest of story]

Chamber's Blog Blasts "Sioux Fighters"

Denver Post beat writer Mike Chambers has two excellent articles in his blog today.

Needless to say Chambers is going to cause friction in Sioux Nation by labeling their fans as "minor league" hockey junkies and accusing WCHA referee Todd Anderson of unprofessional behavior at times.

In another blog posting, Chambers also has the blow-by-blow recap of events as they unfolded last weekend.

Bozak To Appear On The Pipeline Show Tonight

(above) Boone & Bozak receive some publicity on the Pipeline Show Website today in Edmonton

DU Forward Tyler Bozak will appear on The Pipeline Show broadcast from Edmonton tonight on the internet.

Listen live on Tuesday night from 7 to 9 PM or we'll post the link of the rebroadcast tomorrow.

Gwozdecky March Draws Newspaper Coverage

(left) Gwozdecky asked the assistant referee for directions

DU Hockey Coach George Gwozdecky's march across the ice drew some much needed newspaper coverage to the University of Denver hockey program. With slow ticket sales expected for this weekend's tilt with the University of Alaska-Anchorage, this coverage is sure to help the gate.
The Rocky Mountain News has a story on DU's sternly worded "Reprimand."

The New York Times recaps "The Walk To The Locker Room."

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has the details on what was discussed between Gwozdecky and the Assistant Referee.

Even the newspaper writers in North Dakota are dumb asses, as evidenced by this piece of garbage.

Top 10 Protest Marches In History

(above) Coach Gwozdecky asks for directions to the Locker Room in Engelstad Arena

When Coach Gwozdecky boldly strode across the ice on Saturday night he set off a chain of events that reverberated around the WCHA. Not only did he selflessly sacrifice himself, but he drew attention to shoddy refereeing throughout the WCHA.

The University of Denver hockey team was immediately inspired by their coach's courage and conviction. Other WCHA fans stepped forward on message boards and blogs with their own tales of mistreatment in the hands of callous and uncaring WCHA referees.

LetsGoDU considers this to be a watershed moment in history and it calls for:

Top 10 List: Most Famous Protest Marches in History

  • 10). Polish Shipyard Strikes - Gdansk, Poland (1980)
  • 9). Anti-Aparthied Protests - Cape Town, South Africa (1989)
  • 8). Berlin Wall Torn Down - Berlin, Germany (1989)
  • 7). Kent State Anti-War Protest - Kent, Ohio (1970)
  • 6). MLK's March On Washington - Washington, DC (1963)
  • 5). Gandhi's Salt March - Dandi, India (1930)
  • 4). Boston Tea Party - Boston, MA (1773)
  • 3). Gwozdecky's Locker Room March - Grand Forks, ND (2009)
  • 2). Tiananman Square - Bejing, China (1989)
  • 1). Civil Rights March - Selma, Alabama (1965)

VINDICATED! WCHA Refuses To Suspend Gwoz

(above) The WCHA refused to take further disciplinary action against Coach Gwozdecky for his stroll across the ice on Saturday night

The Western Collegiate Hockey Association today endorsed the serious tone taken by the University of Denver and acknowledgement of an issue of unsportsmanlike conduct involving head coach George Gwozdecky in a game on Jan. 24 against the University of North Dakota.

"The Association is pleased the University of Denver echoes the WCHA's concerns regarding unsportsmanlike conduct," said Bruce M. McLeod, WCHA commissioner. "We appreciate the rapid response the University took in addressing the issue that occurred on January 24 and now consider this matter closed."

WCHA Commissioner Going To Check The Tape

From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney


Not that he wouldn't have reviewed the video anyway, but University of Denver's melee against North Dakota on Friday did not go unnoticed by WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod, who watched the fights unfold live on television from the World Arena press box during CC's tie against St. Cloud.

McLeod said any disciplinary action resulting from the episodes, including coach George Gwozdecky's ejection from the game Saturday, wouldn't be determined until he receives a review from Greg Shepherd, the WCHA's supervisor of officials.

Denver 2 - North Dakota 2 FINAL

North Dakota Brings NASCAR Fans To The WCHA

Warning: This video contains obscene language, mullets and hillbillies in hockey jerseys which might be offensive to some viewers

The Crying Sioux Network Video


DU and North Dakota played to a thrilling 2-2 tie in Grand Forks, ND on Saturday night. But the play on the ice was overshadowed by Denver head coach George Gwozdecky's ejection in the 2nd Period.

After a missed call and a subsequent Bench Minor Penalty against DU, Gwozdecky protested. He was immediately thrown out of the game by WCHA refree Todd Anderson.

Not content to go quietly into the night, Gwozdecky boldly strode across the ice to give the referees "the business."

Gwozdecky has only been ejected one other time in his career. It happened three seasons ago against UND after Sioux forward Mike Prpich speared Denver’s Geoff Paukovich below the belt. Anderson also was the ref in that game, Gwozdecky said.

“It was a little bit of a spectacle,” Sioux goalie Brad Eidsness said. “But it might have worked. DU got five straight power plays after that.

After the ejection the Pioneers played their most inspired hockey of the weekend. It was a fitting tribute for their departed coach.

With the one point for the tie, DU remains in first place in the WCHA.
Box Score

WCHA Standings


Pairwise Rankings


Denver Post game recap

Grand Forks Herald game recap

North Dakota 8 - Denver 3 FINAL


On a night when DU had a chance to clear up the WCHA title race, the Pioneers were steamrolled 8-3 by North Dakota. The game wasn't that close.

DU fell behind 4-0 in the first 16 minutes and Coach George Gwozdecky played Musical Chairs with his goaltenders for the rest of the evening. Marc Cheverie and Lars Paulgaard rotated throughout the the game.

Once the game was in hand for UND, DU resorted to chippy tactics to regain some luster. It remains to be seen if it will lead to a more inspired effort on Saturday night. Certainly DU will need to raise its level of play exponentially to salvage a split.
Box Score

Pairwise Rankings


Rocky Mountain News game recap

Grand Forks Herald game recap

North Dakota 8 - Denver 3 * Final .... www.DenverBoone.com .... FCS-Rocky Mountain Will Televise Both Games This Weekend .... Go DU

The Last Time DU Visited Possum Hollow

DU-UND Pregame Media Roundup

(above) DU's J.P. Testwuide, right, and North Dakota's Kyle Radke go toe-to-toe in last year's game in Grand Forks
-Denver Post photo

The Rocky Mountain News expects DU to get a chilly reception in North Dakota.
"The University of Denver hockey team has left its balmy hometown for frigid North Dakota, where Brandon Vossberg and the rest of the Pioneers know their reception will be even more chilling."

The Denver Post promises that DU won't turn the other cheek this time in Grand Forks.
"Last season in Grand Forks, the Sioux swept DU in a chippy series that included three full-fledged fights in the finale. In the final brawl between North Dakota's Kyle Radke and Brandon Vossberg, Gwozdecky was furious his players remained spectators when Radke took Vossberg down to the ice and pummeled him in defenseless fashion."

The Grand Forks Herald says that UND's regular season hinges on this series.
"This weekend’s series against Denver may determine whether the rest of the regular season will be spent fighting for the MacNaughton Cup or for home ice in the first round of the playoffs."

Puck Swami's Blog Looks At North Dakota

Puck Swami's Know Your Foe Blog breaks down the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux this weekend. UND certainly has an interesting hockey history and Puck Swami has all the details.

Junior Hockey Tourney To Feature Colorado Team

From: Grand Forks Herald
by Tom Miller

The UND men’s hockey team’s series against the University of Denver won’t be the only big event in Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota this weekend.

REA, will host the Little Caesars North American Showcase midget hockey tournament Friday through Sunday.

The eight-team event features Little Caesars (Detroit), Colorado Outlaws, Dallas Stars, Okanogan, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Winnipeg Thrashers, Chadders and Pembina Valley Hawks.

It’s an opportunity for some of the most talented youth hockey players in Canada and the United States to play in front of college recruiters and junior hockey coaches.

“That’s the main focal point coming to these tournaments,” tournament organizer Scott Koberinski said. “Most of these kids will play juniors somewhere. This gives them a chance to move on their hockey careers.

“It also gives college recruiters a heads up to where kids are at with their development. It’s a good, high-caliber tournament.”

Shattuck-St. Mary’s defeated the Winnipeg Thrashers in the title game last season.

Former 14 year NHL player Doug Smail coaches the Colorado Outlaws.

Notes: Tyler Ruegsegger, David Carle & Ryan Caldwell used to play for Shattuck St. Marys ... Future Pioneer Matt Donovan used to play for the Dallas Stars.

Both Games Against North Dakota On TV

(left) TV broadcaster Charlie Host back in his playing days with DU

Viewers with access to DirecTV or Dish Network can watch the games nationwide this weekend. Most sports bars and many restaurants carry the "Sports Packages" that will televise the games.

If you have DirecTV or Dish Network at home you can upgrade to the Sports Pack and catch almost every DU game for the rest of the season.
Station: Fox Sports Rocky Mountain (Denver, Colorado)
Local Channel
DirecTV Channel 683
Dish Network Channel 414

Denver vs. North Dakota hockey
Friday - 6:30 PM MST
Saturday - 6 PM MST

Hakstol Stands Up For Fighting Sioux Logo


Say what you will about University of North Dakota hockey coach Dave Hakstol, but at least he stood up for the Fighting Sioux logo in this memorable press conference last season. Of course Hakstol is an alum of the university, so he understands the importance of the issue to his university and its supporters.

Chancellor Denies Financial Problems At DU


Luckily "The Mouthpiece," Jim Berscheidt, was on hand to address the "recent decrease in staff in the Athletic Department."

Coombe made it clear that his buddies on the faculty would be the last to feel the pain of job cutbacks. Coombe's been a DU faculty member since 1981 and his recent track record proves his "Faculty First" policy at DU. It will be interesting to see how much money he can raise from disaffected alumni in the coming years.

DU Hockey Alums Plan 60th Reunion In October

(above) The 60th Anniversary Evite

Former DU hockey player Rod Summers is spearheading the 60th Anniversary Celebration of DU Hockey. There will be events for hockey alums, fans and supporters of the program spread out over the weekend of Oct. 9-10, 2009.

DU will be hosting the University of Vermont that weekend and every former DU hockey player will be invited back to Denver to the events.

Check out the Evite invitation to see a list of festivities.

Contact Rod with questions or comments: rsummers@qwest.net

News & Notes From Around Boone Nation

Corban Knight, a top prospect from the Alberta Junior Hockey League, will attend the University of North Dakota after looking at DU & Cornell. He'll probably attend UND in 2010.

Wade Dubielewicz is ready to suit up with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but its not clear if Columbus or the New York Islanders bought out his contract in Russia.

DU's game notes for the UND series are up on DenverPioneers.com

DU To Send Diversity Action Team To Grand Forks

(Above) DU Mouthpiece Jim Berscheidt announces that DU's Diversity Action Team is hitting the road

In a surprise development, the University of Denver announced today that it would be sending its "Diversity Action Team" to Grand Forks this weekend to lend support to DU's hockey team. While most schools send bands or cheerleaders to important athletic events, DU is taking diversity to a whole new level.

University of Denver spokesperson Jim Berscheidt said, "We plan on showing the North Dakota hockey community that building relationships based on kind words and actions can make this a better planet."

He added, "By taking the time and the risk to build genuine connections with North Dakota hockey fans, whom we do not typically interact, we can embrace differences that divide us."

Denver Post: Bozak Set To Return For Playoffs

(above) Tyler Bozak's rehab is going well

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has details on Tyler Bozak's recuperation from knee surgery. Bozak is aiming to be back for the WCHA playoffs. [Read the article]

Maiani's GWG Against Sioux In Final 5



Last season's Final 5 Semi-Final thriller come down to the last minute. Anthony Maiani's amazing individual effort was the difference in the game.

www.DenverBoone.com

Thanks to one of our enterprising young readers and a DU Alum to boot, we now control the Domain Name www.DenverBoone.com

Now you have an easy way to access LetsGoDU until they are able to get Boone's own website up and running.

DU Team Desktop Wallpaper

Click photo to enlarge

DU Alum Tom May Makes ECHL All-Star Game

(left) Tom May had a game wining OT goal on Friday night and a shorthanded unassisted goal last night

The ECHL announced today that Utah rookie forward Tom May has been selected to replace teammate Vladimir Nikiforov on the National Conference All-Star roster.

The Grizzlies are the ECHL affiliate of the NHL's New York Islanders and their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.

May has eight goals and 10 assists in 34 games this year for the Grizzlies. He registered a career-high of two goals in Utah's 6-4 win over Las Vegas this past Saturday.

North Dakota Riding Six Game Unbeaten Streak

(above) North Dakota alums figured out how to how to deal with wishy-washy Chancellors, embed your mascot in marble

From: Grand Forks Herald

The University of North Dakota men's hockey team will be facing DU next weekend with a six-game unbeaten streak.

UND capped off a three-point weekend with a 5-0 win over Michigan Tech on Saturday night. The teams tied 3-3 Friday night.

Freshman goalie Brad Eidsness made 14 saves Saturday to post his first career shutout. Sophomores Jake Marto and Matt Frattin each scored twice for the Sioux, who improved to 14-10-2 overall and 9-5-2 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

The win moves fourth-place UND within three points of first-place Denver, which comes to Ralph Engelstad Arena next weekend.

"It was a complete game, a complete win," Sioux coach Dave Hakstol said. "Our goal is to keep inching forward in the standings. That's what we have to do, because I don't think you're going to see any big jumps. You just have to keep putting points on the board and keep moving forward. That's what we did this weekend."

"It's nice to get the shutout and get that monkey off my back," Eidsness said. "I don't have to worry about that any more. What was really important, though, was to get those two points and finish off the weekend. We put ourselves in position to move into the upper echelon of the league."

The Sioux are averaging 4.5 goals since the start of December, a span in which they are 9-2-1.

"We talked earlier in the day about the importance of getting a good start and trying to build a lead off of that," Hakstol said. "We worked hard and we did that."

Eidsness, who made his 23rd straight appearance in net, credited solid team defense for the shutout .

"The whole defensive corps was very good," Eidsness said. "This was probably our best defensive weekend of the year. They didn't allow (Tech) a lot of opportunities. They did a great job cutting down on their scoring chances."

Air Force In Free Fall Since Playing Denver

(left) The good times are a distant memory for the Air Force hockey team which has struggled since losing to DU

From: Colorado Springs Gazette
by David Ramsey


Frank Serratore was calm, which is not his normal state, as he talked about his team's slump.

"If you're going to have a little lull, this is a good time to have it," he told me Monday afternoon.

Coach, the little lull is over. The Air Force hockey team that danced with the nation's elite now teeters on the edge of collapse.

Saturday was a quiet night at Cadet Ice Arena as Canisius completed a sweep of Air Force. The Golden Griffins, who don't suffer from the burden of great expectations, thumped the Falcons 4-2.

Six weeks ago, Serratore and his Falcons were skipping along with an undefeated record, a ferocious offense and a demolition of Colorado College.

Those happy days seemed far, far away as the Golden Griffins dominated the Falcons over the weekend.

For decades, the Falcons labored in national obscurity. They were the other team in Colorado Springs. They were a virtual secret.

This season, the Falcons looked ready for the national stage. They scored 66 goals while roaring to a 13-0 record.

They became the darlings of unattached Springs hockey fans, and even CC fans spoke in admiring tones.

Strange how the Falcons collapsed when the spotlight turned their way.

"I think the media got to our heads a little bit," said Blake Page, who scored a third-period goal that gave Air Force a brief boost of hope. "We were getting a lot of attention, and we're not used to that.

With his season in shambles, Serratore faces the challenge of re-igniting his team's hunger.

The Falcons have won only two of their past nine games. Their defense has turned porous, surrendering 19 goals in the past five games.

Serratore took care to admit his team has fallen on bad times, but just as careful to say his Falcons are not in a state of panic.

"I don't want to play Sigmund Freud," he said.

Frank, that's a good idea, because you don't look a thing like Sigmund Freud.

But Serratore wasn't talking about acting.

He offered a brief, hopeful psycho-analysis of his team. He said this slump, if handled correctly, will strengthen his players.

The best teams, he insisted, grow closer and stronger during losing streaks. They become more dangerous, not less.

Last season, the Falcons staggered through a brutal streak, winning only once in six games. This slump came right after an upset victory over the University of Denver.

That edition of the Falcons declined to wilt, escaped their funk and powered all the way to the NCAA Tournament.

It's clear success drained these Falcons. Maybe failure will refill the tank.

David Carle's Blog Details "Projectile Vomiting"

(above) David Carle's Blog appears on ESPN.com each month

Saturday night was very interesting in our locker room. Our coach, George Gwozdecky, was giving his pregame speech as usual. It was all about what makes people great, especially Bruce Springsteen, and what makes teams great. He was nearing the end of the story, on the verge of delivering the punch line, when all of the sudden something happened. Out of the corner of my eye I saw orange projectile vomit. The room went silent as junior center Tyler Ruegsegger continued to vomit all over the floor and his feet. Guys were getting up running out of the room, but most began to laugh as Tyler slowly walked to the bathroom to finish what he started in the locker room. [read rest of article]

CC's Win Over Badgers Keeps DU in 1st Place

With Colorado College's 4-3 victory over the Wisconsin, DU remains in first place in a very top heavy WCHA Title race.

Junior right wing Brian McMillin, promoted to Colorado College's top line for Saturday's game, scored the game-winning goal with 3:47 remaining to give the Tigers a series split against Wisconsin.
Box Score

Pairwise Ratings

WCHA Standings & Results

DU's AD Lashes Boone In Rocky Mountain News

DU has decided finally to take the gloves off and take on the Boone issue. In today's Rocky Mountain News DU Athletic Director Peg Bradley-Doppes took her best shot at defending the company line.

In a carefully worded reply to Mike Rosen's editorial last week, Bradley-Doppes said, "University [of Denver] administration took our findings and other opinions into account before Chancellor Robert Coombe announced his decision last fall. We agree that a mascot should be a unifying symbol, not a divisive one. The decision was the right one for the university."

Read the entire article and especially the comments from the readers.

DU Alum Will Play For NHL's Colmbus Blue Jackets

(above) Former DU goaltender Wade Dubielewicz went from Russia to New York to Columbus in one weekend

The Columbus Blue Jackets claimed DU Alum Wade Dubielewicz off waivers from the New York Islanders on Saturday and assigned goaltender Dan LaCosta to the club's American Hockey League affiliate in Syracuse.

Dubielewicz will back up rookie star Steve Mason while Pascal Leclaire's status remains uncertain. Leclaire has an ankle injury that may require season-ending surgery.

The 29-year-old Dubielewicz has a 16-13-2 record, a 2.55 goals-against average and .920 save percentage in 37 career NHL games with the Islanders. He spent the first part of this season with Kazan Ak-Bars of the Russian Kontinental Hockey League, but was signed Thursday by the Islanders after backup Joey MacDonald joined starter Rick DiPietro on the injured list.

Wisconsin Takes Colorado College To Woodshed

(above) Whoops, there its is

Richard Bachman, otherwise known around these parts as Sir Pulled Alot, was once again yanked from a game as Wisconsin put a 6-1 pasting on Colorado College on Friday night.

CC saw its six-game winning streak against the University of Wisconsin screech to a halt, suffering a lopsided loss to the Badgers in the opener of their two-game series at the Kohl Center.

The defeat, combined with Minnesota’s 5-1 victory over St. Cloud State and North Dakota’s 3-3 tie at Michigan Tech, dropped the Tigers into a fourth-place tie with the Fighting Sioux in the WCHA standings.
Box Score

Pairwise Ratings

WCHA Standings & Results

Jesse Martin Desktop Wallpaper

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Jesse Martin is an exciting two way player that makes others around him better. Never afraid to get "down & dirty," Martin's gritty play is emblematic of the Pioneer's lunch pail mentality. Grab the picture above or right click on it and "set as desktop background" and bring an aura of self-confidence to your office computer.

Inside College Hockey Gives Props To Students

Inside College Hockey gave a shout out to the DU students and the Boonetown organizers last weekend.

"Applause to scores of University of Denver students for their “Bring Back Boone” efforts during last weekend’s sweep of Michigan Tech. The Pioneers official mascot for 30 years (until 1998), Denver Boone is a caricature of a smiling western pioneer in a coonskin cap, originally sketched by Walt Disney. He was phased out by the school a decade ago, as was reported in the Washington Times, “after critics argued that he represented an era of Western imperialism and was offensive to women and minority groups.” Ridiculous. Keep up the good fight, DU students - 87 percent of whom, according to the Rocky Mountain News, recently voted to bring back the mascot for use as an official symbol of the school’s athletic programs."

Rage Against The Machine: Take The Power Back

Boone: The New Hope 2009

News & Notes From Around Boone Nation

2009 DU recruit Matt Donovan has been named to play in the USHL Prospects/All-Star Game on Wednesday, February 4 in Sioux Falls.
"Donovan, 18, ranks second among USHL defensemen in goals (9) and points (22) and is tied for fifth among blue liners in assists (13). The Edmond, Oklahoma, product was named to the 2007-08 USHL All-Rookie Team. Donovan was selected by the New York Islanders in the fourth round of last May’s National Hockey League Entry Draft with the ninety-sixth overall pick."

Former DU goaltender Wade Dubielewicz has just signed a contract with the New York Islanders.
"The Islanders have agreed to terms with goaltender Wade Dubielewicz on a one-way NHL contract for the remainder of the 2008-09 season. Dubielewicz must first secure his formal release from Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia where he began the season and clear NHL waivers before being eligible to play for the Islanders."

DU fans heading up to Grand Forks next weekend are advised not to wear their Boonetown shirts into Grand Forks bars. This Minnesota Gopher fan was assaulted in a bar fight.


Perhaps the University of Denver could send their "Diversity Action Team" up to Grand Forks to mediate bar fights.
We believe that every person matters. We respect and embrace the uniqueness of identities, gifts, perspectives, histories and life experiences of all members of our community.

We are committed to creating an empowering, accessible, and equitable environment for a plurality of voices by:

• Building relationships through kind words and actions

• Examining how our actions individually and institutionally affect members of our community

• Confronting those who speak or act insensitively while inviting challenges to our bias, assumptions, and positions of privilege

• Taking the time and the risk to build genuine connections with others with whom we do not typically interact

• Promoting the achievement and support of a diverse student body, staff and faculty team

Stephen "Wham-Bam" Cunningham Wallpaper

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What can we say about Stephen Cunningham that he hasn't already said about himself. When asked about LetsGoDU, Cunningham snapped, "Not enough Cunningham coverage." Grab the picture above or right click on it and "set as desktop background" and bring an aura of self-confidence to your office computer.

DU vs. Soviet Union Desktop Wallpaper

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This classic wallpaper designed by DU Student Matt Bick has a classic old-school feel about it. Coach Murray Armstrong helped lead the DU icers to a 4 - 4 tie with the Russians 50 years ago. See the article below for the full story.

DU 4 - USSR 4 (Jan. 10, 1959)

(above) The 1959 Soviet Union team that came to Colorado Springs to play Colorado College and DU 50 years ago this week

Editor's Note: Dick Hiker wrote this article for LetsGoDU to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the biggest game in DU hockey history. Its probably one of the the best articles we've ever published.
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Fifty years ago—on Saturday Jan. 10. 1959—a dramatic international hockey game was played in Colorado and the result catapulted both the American collegiate game and the University of Denver’s program to a new level.

On the ice at the old Broadmoor Arena in Colorado Springs, the Pioneers pulled off perhaps their most stunning “upset” in history, fiercely battling to a 4-4 tie with the powerful Soviet Union National team.

It was a Russian squad hailed by many hockey experts as being among the best teams in the world—amateur or professional, including the then-six clubs in the National Hockey League.

Basically, the Russians were professionals disguised as amateurs as they prepared for an appearance on the world stage at the 1960 Winter Olympic Games at Squaw Valley, Calif. the following winter. The majority of the men with “CCCP” on their sweat suits were members of the Soviet Army “assigned” to hockey duty in Moscow.

Officially known as the “Soviet Select” team, members were meticulously chosen and prepared for their assignment: Win gold medals at the Olympics and the World Games and thereby create a propaganda coup for the motherland at the height of the Cold War. It was an era when strict amateur rules still were applied to athletes west of the Iron Curtain—but not east.

The Russian juggernaut, which won Olympic gold in its first try in 1956, was built on three components—superb physical conditioning, on-ice discipline and a newly created style of play which featured speed, teamwork and a dazzling short passing game. Coached by Anatoly Tarasov (left), hailed as the "Father of Russian hockey, was to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame many years later.

The strategy of finesse was the opposite of the physical “dump and chase” style largely deployed throughout the NHL and in Canadian amateur ranks.

(Left) DU was led by Walker, Massier & Dingwall

The Buildup
The Soviet team had never played in North America and in order to prepare for the 1960 Olympics, a nine-game exhibition tour was arranged for 1959. Games six and seven would be in Colorado Springs against Colorado College and DU, certainly good collegiate teams (DU was the defending NCAA champion) but neither seemed to be in a class with the touring defending Olympic champs.

The Russians had little trouble winning four of the first five games, but were held to a tie by the U.S. National team.

The management of the Broadmoor Hotel, headed by brothers Thayer and Russell Tutt, rolled out the proverbial red carpet for the visiting Communists. The resort hotel was no stranger to hosting major athletic events (including the first 10 NCAA hockey championships and World and U.S. Figure Skating meets), but the international significance of hosting the mighty men from Moscow pushed the Broadmoor management and staff to a new level of hospitality.

The hotel’s fleet of white Cadillac limos was dispatched to Denver to meet the Russians at Stapleton Airport and a couple of hundred people were on hand at the hotel’s front entrance when they rolled up.

As flashbulbs popped, a Broadmoor waitress, who spoke fluent Russian, welcomed the visitors and the Tutts handed out white Stetson western hats to every member of the travel party. There was polite applause. The Russians’ broad grins appeared to be genuine. They had made it to America’s Wild West.

The night before the game with Colorado College, the hotel hosted a players-only party for all three squads. No coaches, team officials or press. Security was air-tight.

My sources on the DU team said the festivities lasted well into the night and that the European visitors consumed extremely large amounts of straight vodka. Our DU lads did their share of imbibing, too, but I have been assured that their thirst was only quenched by beer made with Rocky Mountain spring water.

The late Harley Key, the hockey beat writer for the Rocky Mountain News and my competition, figured we should do our bit to give the Russians a Colorado welcome. So, while the players were cavorting, we asked one of the Soviet big-wigs, Roman Kiselov, to join us for beverages in my hotel room.

Comrade Kiselov didn’t seem to have any official title with the Soviet entourage, but it appeared to Harley and me that he was the man in charge. During a briefing with a U.S. State Department official a couple of weeks earlier, we were told that the KGB would likely have a man or two in the traveling party. We also suspected Roman also played that part.

Kiselov was a gregarious Russian bear of a man who spoke very good English. Had he chosen to defect to the U.S., he could have made a fortune in Hollywood playing Russian roles.

To our delight, Kiselov took us up on our invite. In four hours, while he ingested an entire quart of the hotel’s best vodka and Harley and I did away with a quart of bourbon between us, we had a great discussion covering hockey, potato farming and the benefits of communist and democratic societies. By 2 a.m., we were all having breakfast at an all-night cafĂ© in downtown Colorado Springs.(We couldn’t get Kiselov to admit—or deny—that he was KGB.)

On Friday night, the Russian hockey players gave absolutely no indication that vodka—even consumed in large amounts at 6,000 feet above sea level—had affected their performance.

They defeated Colorado College 11-5 in a game that really wasn’t close. The visitors conducted a hockey clinic that might well have been choreographed by the Bolshoi.

Would a similar fate befall the Pioneers on Saturday?

No one could be certain. But the mood of the DU players indicated that this would be no mere exhibition skate. Far from it. All of the Hilltoppers were Canadians and national honor would be at stake. Coach Murray Armstrong didn’t hesitate to remind that hockey was Canada’s game, not Russia’s.

Armstrong had stressed DU’s defensive strategy in practice sessions for the past several weeks: breakup the Russian passing game with unrelenting back-checking and fore-checking. Keep them from getting their well-publicized rhythm. Denver’s changes would depend on one thing: A dogged defense.

Armstrong was wound tighter than a garage door spring late Saturday afternoon. His jaw was his game face and it was firmly set. He confided that his senior goaltender, Rodney Schneck, hadn’t been feeling well most of the day and he was concerned about it. But Rodney insisted he would be ready.

The Game
The Broadmoor arena had less than 3,000 seats, but an extra 400-500 standing witnesses had been stuffed into the old building. The crowd was both apprehensive and electric.

It is would be a contest pitting The Free World against soldiers from a state-run sports program designed for political advantage—a hockey game, it seemed, combined with a morality play.

Colorado Gov. Steve McNichols was involved in a ceremony in center ice before the first puck was dropped, but must most eyes were on the red-uniformed soviets lined up at their blue line. Were these guys really super men?

From the onset, the Pioneers gave every indication they could make a game of it.

They jumped to 2-0 lead. Bruce Walker got the first goal just five minutes into the game after he and center Murray Massier found themselves on a two-on-one break and Massier, who had played on Armstrong’s junior team in Regina, Sask., faked the Soviet defenseman right off his skates.

Three minutes later, Paul Josephson took John MacMillan’s pass and rammed home a goal from in front at short range.

But a night earlier, the Russians had also given up the first two goals of the game to Colorado College before switching their game into high gear. Was this going to be a repeat?

The visitors did storm back for a pair of goals of their own and tied it with nine and a half-minutes left in the period.

But the Pioneers answered. Sophomore defenseman Marty Howe, who had scored six goals and seven assists in DU’s first 11 games of the season, let loose with a 25-foot blast to make it 3-2.

A crucial point in the contest came soon after. MacMillian was assessed with a two-minute penalty, Denver’s first of the game.

In their first six games on the U.S. tour, the Russians had scored at least one goal on each of their power-play opportunities (international rules then mandated that players must serve the entire penalty, regardless of goals scored). There seemed to be no stopping the Soviets when they had a manpower edge.

But the short-handed Pioneers didn’t buckle under the pressure and held-fast for two minutes. Schneck, under the weather or not, was gallant in the nets.

Denver survived the first period with a 3-2 lead and Schneck had 14 saves.

The second period was just as hard-fought as the first. The Pioneers seemed to have the best of it. But it was the “Select” team that got the only goal of the stanza—a disputed one at that. Center Victor Iakushev got open in front of the net and got off a hard shot. The goal judge said the puck never made it across the goal line. But he was overruled by Referee Jack Riley.

Later in the period, Riley, a Bostonian, took away an apparent goal by DU’s Paul Josephson, saying the puck was forwarded by Josephson’s glove.

The game was not televised, so there could be no review of Riley’s calls.

The Pioneers suffered another severe blow in the period. Defenseman Howe, going down to block a hard Soviet shot, took the puck off his knee and collapsed in a heap. The kneecap was broken and the big Regina native was lost for the season. Armstrong was forced to make a major personnel switch, moving sophomore wing George Konik back to his more natural position at defense and putting senior winger Walt Dingwall on the ice for full-time duty.

After two, it was 3-3 and still anyone’s game.

Then, in the third period, there was drama heaped upon drama.

Marty Howe refused be immediately taken to Penrose Hospital for treatment. He demanded to watch the third period while laying on a gurney placed just off the ice at the entrance to the dressing rooms. He could watch the rest of the game and his teammates could see him.

If the Pioneers needed any more inspiration, they had it.

The Russians attacked with even greater determination in the third period. Could they have been threatened with transfers to Siberia?

But Denver, sticking with its strategy of check, check, check, was up to the challenge. The emotional crowd, composed of many Colorado College fans, screamed its support, hoping to see Ivan the Giant toppled.

With 7:50 gone, another of D.U.’s super sophomores, Center Bill Masterton, put the Pioneers ahead 4-3. He pounced on a loose puck in the Soviet end, made a quick stride forward and drilled an 18-foot forehand shot past Goalie Eugene Erkin.

It was 4-3 and the roar of the crowd was deafening. Even people in the press box—scorers, timers, reporters—were on standing and cheering. For the first and last time in my sports writing career, I briefly joined them. After all, with that racket, who could hear me?

The Pioneers, backstopped by Schneck, who had 14 more saves in the third, grimly hung on to the slim lead as minute after minute rolled off the clock. It was Rodney’s best game of his three-year career.

But with just over a minute to play, the Soviets got a sliver of an opportunity and capitalized with the tying goal. Racing down right wing, George Krylov got a half-step advantage on the D.U. defender and blasted away with a 20-footer from a difficult angle. The puck found the corner of the cage and it was 4-4.

That’s the way it ended up after another furious assault by the Russians in the final minute.

Hockey had no provisions for overtime in those days—a tie was a tie.

After the final horn, the crowd stood and applauded both teams as they filed off the ice past the prone Marty Howe.

“The boys played their hearts out,” Armstrong said in the dressing room. “They did everything anyone could ask of them.”

On Monday afternoon, when I stopped at D.U. Arena to watch practice, I caught flak from some of the players.

The headline across the top of the front page in the Sunday morning Denver Post sports section, set in “war-declared”-sized type, said DU TIES RUSSIANS, 4-4

“Hey, they tied us,” the players emphasized to me. Their anger with the headline writer said everything about how they had approached the game. (Fifty years later, while doing research for this story, I learned that my colleagues had changed the headline in later editions. The second version was DU, RUSSIANS PLAY 4-4 TIE. Much better.)

Epilogue
The 4-4 result was no fluke. The following year, 1960, the two teams had a rematch at D.U. Arena. It was another pressure-packed game that ended in a deadlock, 2-2. The Russian squad, with a lot of new faces from the year before, was now the nation’s Olympic team on its way to Squaw Valley.

In the Olympic semifinals, the U.S.S.R. was upset by the United States in he first “Miracle on Ice,” and the Russians had to settle for a bronze medal.

During the 1959-60 season, Denver not only tied the Ruskies 2-2 but also took two out of three games from the U.S. Olympians at D.U. Arena and also defeated the West German and Swedish Olympic squads.

Four of the players on the 1958-59 team that had valiantly tied the Russians eventually were named collegiate all-Americans—Marty Howe, George Konik, Bill Masterton and Grant Munro. Konik, Masterton and John MacMillan eventually played in the National Hockey League.

And, I can’t forget Roman Kiselov. While covering the Olympics at Squaw Valley I went to the Soviet dressing room after one of its games and found a gaggle of western sports writers waiting to get in for interviews. After several minutes, the door opened and there stood Kiselov. He looked at the impatient newsmen, spotted me and waved for me to come inside. Only me. Roman interpreted for me while I and the boys from Tass interviewed the Russian coach. The Denver Post had quotes. The New York Times could wait.

It’s amazing what a bottle of good Vodka can get you.