Go DU .... BE LOUD TONIGHT .... Pregame LetsGoDU Happy Hour at Jordan's Bisto Saturday (5-7 PM) .... Saturday's Gamed Televised Fox Sports Net - Rocky Mountain .... Go DU

Pregame Happy Hour & Mascot Status Report

(above) Jordan's Bistro on University near Evans

We'll be meeting today before the game from 5-7 PM at Jordan's Bistro where the old Star Market used to be (University & Evans).

We have some exciting news about the Pioneer Mascot and you'll get to meet the people behind the "Bring Back Boone Campaign."

We look forward to seeing you there. Otherwise we'll be hanging around Section 18 tonight at the game against St. Cloud.

Go DU

DU 3 - St. Cloud 1

(above) Kyle Ostrow notched two goals for the Pioneers on Friday night

The University of Denver hockey team stuck to the recent formula. Fall behind early, coolly build momentum and pull out the win with a big Third Period. Kyle Ostrow scored two goals and Patrick Mullen notched another for a 3-1 victory against St. Cloud.

Rhett Rakhshani sustained a lower body injury in the 1st period and is questionable for Saturday's game. He was seen putting ice on his ribs or hip region in the 2nd period.

Although Denver is now two points clear of North Dakota in the WCHA standings, DU only has two games left in the season while UND has four games remaining.

All eyes will be on the Colorado College-North Dakota game tomorrow afternoon (2:35 MST) in Grand Forks. A CC victory would allow DU to control their own destiny in the race for the MacNaughton Cup race.
Box Score

WCHA STANDINGS

PAIRWISE RANKINGS

Denver Post game recap

USCHO game recap

St. Cloud Times game recap
First Star: Kyle Ostrow (Denver)
Second Star: Patrick Mullen (Denver)
Third Star: Marc Cheverie (Denver)

A "Badger Blaster" on the Rocks with a Twist

When Rhett Rakhshani scored this goal on Saturday night it shook up the Wisconson Badgers

Tyler Ruegsegger Will Play For DU Tonight

(above) DU's spiritual and emotional leader, Tyler Ruegsegger will suit up for the Pioneers tonight

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post is reporting that Tyler Ruegsegger will play tonight for DU in the crucial series against St. Cloud State.
"DU center Tyler Ruegsegger, who suffered a shoulder injury last Saturday, has been cleared to play tonight. "It's just sore, but it's crunch time, and I want to play in the big games," he said. Defenseman Chris Nutini will miss his sixth and seventh consecutive games with a shoulder injury."

DU Has Hardware On The Line Against SCSU

In the Rocky Mountain News' final edition Pat Rooney looks at Denver's playoff situation as well as the late season collapse of Colorado College & Air Force.

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post writes that the Pioneers won't be looking past St. Cloud this weekend. First place in the WCHA is on the line.

Kevin Allenspach of the St. Cloud Times has quotes from Coach Gwozdecky about the MacNaughton chase and goaltender Marc Cheverie.

This weekend Colorado College will play an unusual Saturday-Sunday afternoon series with the University of North Dakota. The series will have major ramifications for the Pioneers as UND controls its own destiny in the MacNaughton race. The Colorado Springs Gazette looks at CC's WCHA playoff situation.

The Rocky Mountain News Shutting Down Today

(above) Pat Rooney's last column for the Rocky Mountain News about the Pioneer hockey program appeared online today

Colorado's oldest newspaper, the Rocky Mountain News, is shutting down today, and industry analysts say it won't be the last to be pulled under by a rising tide of financial woes. E.W. Scripps announced yesterday that it is closing the 150-year-old Rocky, which has won four Pulitzer Prizes in the last decade, leaving Denver, like most American cities, a one-newspaper town.

For the past 59 years the Rocky Mountain News has been covering DU hockey and in a niche sport like college hockey, you take coverage any way you can get it. Pat Rooney covered the Pioneers in recent years and LetsGoDU has linked over 110 articles of his in the past four years.

Rooney did a fantastic job covering the team as a freelance writer. His articles were well writen and his player profiles were a joy to read. Its a sad day for Denver and we'll miss the paper and the extra Pioneer coverage.

Latest "Pioneer Mascot" Costume Design

(left) Pioneer Mascot version 2.0 (right) Boonetown's Boone

Here's Version 2.0 drawing/draft of the "Pioneer Mascot" from the costume company. Its been given a little more muscle and "athletic build." Some have mentioned that they wanted "long sleeves" and that is being discussed. Obviously, short sleeves show off the muscles.

The good news is that we already have $4,400 in the bank from donations. We hope to have a quote by the end of next weekend.

The disappointing news is that the Mascot will not be ready until mid-May. We were hoping to take delivery this season but mid-May will give us more time to get our ducks in a row and not rush into a mascot.

Feel free to post comments on what you like or don't like about the drawing. Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions or feedback is welcome.

News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

University of Denver sophomore goaltender Marc Cheverie and freshman defenseman Patrick Wiercioch were honored by the WCHA for their efforts in the Pioneers’ road sweep last weekend at Wisconsin. Cheverie earns his third defensive player of the week honor, while Wiercioch nets his second rookie of the week accolade. [read rest of article]
________

DU recruit Matt Donovan (15g-21a-36pts) is having a sensational season for Cedar Rapids in the USHL. Donovan saw his six game point scoring streak (3-5-8) end last Saturday night against Chicago but remains the league leader among defensemen in goals and points. Having already set a club record for most goals in one season by a defenseman, Donovan is now closing in on the team record for points by a defenseman set by Shane Lovdahl, who totaled 39 in 2004-05.
________

St. Cloud State will be without the services of two regular defensemen this weekend against DU. The Huskies leave Thursday morning, snow permitting, for Denver. Two players who won't be on the flight will be defensemen Sam Zabkowicz and Nic Rioux. Zabkowicz, who is still suffering the effects of a concussion suffered Feb. 7 at Alaska Anchorage, had hoped to return this weekend against the fifth-ranked Pioneers. And Rioux, who practiced on Monday at the National Hockey Center but missed workouts Tuesday and Wednesday at the Municipal Athletic Complex, suddenly began experiencing pain from an infection that settled in his left elbow. The complication was unexpected because Rioux had not been cut or otherwise injured on his arm before it began to swell. [read rest of article]

Former Clarion Editor Writes Boone Letter

Tony Niehaus graduated from the University of Denver in 2001. During his time at DU became the editor of The DU Clarion student newspaper.

This week he wrote a letter to the DU Clarion challenging DU students to stand up against the administration and pledging the support of the alumni. Its just another salvo in the war, but the timing of our "Mascot Project" coincides nicely with his letter.

News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

DU can't win the MacNaughton Cup, awarded to the WCHA regular season champion, unless Colorado College or Wisconsin upset North Dakota and DU wins several games to finish the season. Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has all the details including the latest on Tyler Ruegsegger.

Tight end Brian Mandeville from Northeastern University waited for his invite to the NFL Combine, and finally, it came. He ventured out to California to prepare at the Velocity Sports Performance Center. And when the time came to show up at the combine and impress everyone, doctors instead told him that he should retire before he even got started. The situation looks very similar to David Carle's diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

DU Alum Brent Skinner finally realized a dream by getting to play a few NHL games for the New York Islanders earlier this season, but was soon traded to the Atlanta Thrashers organization. He's now playing for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.

DU Recruit Shawn Ostrow Returns To Action

(above) DU recruit Shawn Ostrow scored a shorthanded goal for the Camrose Kodiaks in his comeback game on Saturday night

DU recruit Shawn Ostrow was considered to be one of the top recruits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. As a rookie teammate of Joe Colborne last season for the Camrose Kodiaks, Ostrow helped lead the Kodiaks to the Canadian Junior Hockey League's championship game.

A knee injury during training camp was expected to sideline Ostrow for the season, but he made a dramatic comeback on Saturday night scoring a shorthanded goal. Although Camrose lost the game to the Calgary Canucks, the Kodiaks should be a far better team with Ostrow back in the lineup.

Ostrow is expected to join his brother Kyle on the Pioneers roster next season.

Chevy's 45 Save Shutout Anchors DU's Weekend

(above) Chevy makes a save against Wisconsin

From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney

It was not a personal slight against Marc Cheverie when he was widely regarded as the University of Denver's biggest question mark going into the season.

Pioneers sophomore goalie Cheverie simply had not played enough to ease concerns about his capabilities. Months ago, Cheverie shed many doubts about whether he is capable, yet now he is showing signs of becoming the sort of player who can deliver at the time of year when strong goaltending matters most.

Cheverie spearheaded DU's sweep at Wisconsin last weekend by making a career-best 45 saves during a shutout win Saturday, his third shutout of the season. [read rest of article]

DU 5 - Wisconsin 0 FINAL


(above) The Goal Czar scores the easiest goal of his career

"The Badgers, evidently still suffering from the painful sting of Friday night’s overtime loss, were soundly booed as they meandered back to their locker room at the end of the 1st period."
- USCHO.com

The University of Denver Hockey Team did something unusual on Saturday night. They took the easy road back to Denver with a 5-0 victory in the Kohl Center. DU is now 13-2-2 all time in Wisconsin's hockey arena.

DU's first goal (see video above) was emblematic of the Badger's problems all evening. UW goaltender Shane Connolly badly mangled a play behind the goal and gave up an essentially empty netter to Luke Salazar. The game was less than 10 minutes old.

Rhett Rakhshani scored a nifty spin-a-rama six minutes later. Then Anthony Maiani drove a dagger into the Badgers heart with a goal with less than a minute left in the first period.

The concern for DU is shoulder injury sustained by star forward Tyler Ruegsegger late in the game. Wisconsin forward and leading goal scorer John Mitchell was ejected in the third period for excessive roughness on Ruegsegger. We probably won't know for a couple of days the severity of the injury, but Chris Nutini is still out of action with a similar injury.
Box Score

WCHA Standings

Pairwise

USCHO.com
game recap

Rocky Mountain News game recap
DU 5 - Wisconsin 0 Final ... Game Televised Nationally On Fox Sports-Rocky Mountain .... Beat The Badgers .... Go DU

News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

DU Alum Tom May is featured in a great article in NHL.com. Tom had his team record 10 game goal scoring streak halted this week, but he's recorded a point in 11 straight games.

If you're a member of Facebook.com join the "LetsGoDU Blog" group.

DU Sports Information Director Erich Bacher has some interesting observations on the team's trip to Madison this week. With DU's first line of Rakhshani - Ruegsegger - Gifford clicking so well, you have to wonder how potent DU would be if/when Tyler Bozak gets back? Suddenly DU is four lines deep and 5 goals games could become the norm.

DU Alum Andy Thomas is back in Bakersfield playing for the Condors in the ECHL. Bakersfield hasn't lost since he's been back in the lineup after a stint in the AHL.

DU leads the WCHA with 7 Scholar Athletes with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Wisconsin, North Dakota and Minnesota have a total of two scholar athletes combined. Once again Tyler Ruegsegger leads the way for DU, joined by Marc Cheverie, Brian Gifford , Matt Glasser , Dustin Jackson, Chri Nutini, & Kyle Ostrow.

The Pioneer Mascot Fund has $4,300 in the bank and several more checks in the mail. We're still awaiting the second drawing/draft from the mascot costume company in Canada. If we get a reasonable quote, the deposit will be FedEx'd immediately. There will be an organizational mascot meeting next Saturday at 5 PM at Jordan's Restaurant/Pub on the corner of University & Evans at 5 PM. All are welcome. Then we'll bounce over to Magness Arena to watch DU take on St. Cloud State.

DU 4 - WI 3 OT - Do You Believe In Miracles?

(above) When Brian Gifford found himself all alone after a beautiful pass from Tyler Ruegsegger in overtime.....

(above) He skated towards Connolly & slotted a backhander past his right shoulder

(above) There was joy in Denver as he buried the puck

"Obviously, we were pleased with the win, but darn it, we're capable of playing so much better. Wisconsin is a heck of a team and played a heck of a game."
-George Gwozdecky

Joe Colborne scored another dramatic goal in the waning seconds to tie the game at three with just 14 seconds remaining in regulation. Then to top it off Brian Gifford scored the game winner in the first minute of overtime. It was the biggest win of the season for a Pioneer team that never does things the easy way.

In a game DU had no business tying, much less winning, the Denver Pioneers committed highway robbery in the Kohl Center on Friday night. Denver was badly outshot, outplayed and outhustled for much of the game, but timely goals, heroic effort and blind luck trumped all.
Box Score

WCHA Standings

Pairwise Rankings

Rocky Mountain News game recap


USCHO game recap

Chicago Tribune game recap

Wisconsin State Journal game recap

Photo Gallery

News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

"DU's a good skating team, a team that has transition, they play hard, they’re well-coached and for some reason they seem to have success in the Kohl Center, so we’re concerned about all those things,”
-Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post talks to Patrick Wiercioch about playing in Madsion this weekend against the Badgers.

Pat Rooney of the Rocky Mountain News has a story about Wisconsin's improvement this season.

The Badger Herald proclaims that 1st place is on the line tonight in the Kohl Center.

The Daily Cardinal focuses on Wisconsin's power play and the return of starting defenseman Brendan Smith from an injury.

Andy Baggot of the Wisconsin State Journal talks about Patrick Wiercioch's defection from the Bagders and his success at DU.

Wisconsin's Rivalry With DU Heating Up

From: Isthmus.com
by: Jason Joyce


Each season, the question gets asked: Why isn't there a Big Ten hockey conference?

Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State all have Division I teams, but they're split between the Western and Central Collegiate Hockey Associations. Wisconsin is in the WCHA, competing against teams from significantly smaller schools like Alaska-Anchorage, St. Cloud State and Denver University.

Many believe that if one more Big Ten school were to field (ice?) a Division I team, a Big Ten conference could create a compelling schedule. That means Badger hockey fans could root against Michigan four times a year, instead of the single game played during the annual College Hockey Showcase on Thanksgiving weekend.

The Badgers could still play non-conference rivals from the WCHA and CCHA, but would do so much less often. And that's a shame. For instance, the Denver Pioneers, the Badgers' opponents this weekend, have an impressive 11-2-2 record against the Badgers at the Kohl Center. With 29 points, Denver is tied with North Dakota for first in the WCHA, with Wisconsin just one point behind.

And George Gwozdecky, in his 15th season as Denver's coach, played at Wisconsin on the 1977 national championship team. He's led the Pioneers to national championships in 2004 and 2005.

So while Big Ten foes like Michigan might inspire more excitement among casual fans, the rivalry with tiny Denver University is legit and heated.

Swami's Blog Breaks Down Wisconsin Badgers

This week Puck Swami's Know Your Foe breaks down the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Check it out.

Ottawa Senators Keep An Eye On Wiercioch

(above) Patrick Wiercioch met with the Ottawa Senators brass before the Avs game this week

From: Ottawa Citizen
by Allen Panzeri

Denver University defenseman Patrick Wiercioch, Ottawa’s second-round draft choice last year, watched his future team play Tuesday night and had a pre-game chat with general manager Brian Murray and assistant general manager Tim Murray.

Wiercioch, 18, is being counted on to be part of the team’s defence at some point, but he’ll need at least another season after this one to develop.

“I’ll see how it goes,” he said.

“I know I have to get a lot bigger and stronger. We’re just going to take it year-by-year and see what the best plan is for me and Ottawa.”

Wiercioch also needs the experience of playing with older players; he’s getting that by playing college hockey here.

Wiercioch will attend the Senators’ development camp this spring, when his season ends (as a college player, he has to pay his own way) and it’s expected that he will be invited to the orientation training camp for Canada’s junior team. He was invited to try for a spot on last year’s did but was cut.

Meanwhile, one of Wiercioch’s teammates, centre and Regina native Tyler Bozak, could be the most sought-after college free agent this year. Many teams, including the Senators, are taking a look at him.

Wiercioch says his teammate is the “full package” and admitted to being in his ear about signing with Ottawa.

“I’m trying,” said Wiercioch.

Incoming DU Recruit Is Highly Rated NHL Prospect

(left) DU recruit Drew Shore currently plays for the US National Development Team based in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Incoming DU recruit Drew Shore has just been named by International Scouting Service as the 9th highest NHL Prospect in the upcoming NHL Draft this summer. He is the only player in the Top 10 that will be playing college hockey next season.

Shore has been projected to be drafted in the first round by every recognized scouting service in the country. A native of Colorado, he has already committed to play at the University of Denver next season.

That's not to say Shore is looking to stay close to home to advance in his hockey career. He has already spent seasons playing in the Honeybaked program in Detroit, and in Junior A in British Columbia. One scout in Ann Arbor this year up Shore's game like this: "He's a big center who isn't flashy and has decent skating and always seems to get where he has to go. You have to project where he'll be when he grows into his frame and fills out."

Almost certainly Shore will become the highest drafted player from the state of Colorado and may challenge Craig Redmond as the highest drafted to player to ever play at the University of Denver. Redmond was the 6th overall pick in the First Round of the 1984 NHL Draft.

Wisconsin Blogger Notes Wiercioch's Success

(above) The Badger Killer

No Alibis No Regrets has a neat recap on Patrick Wiercioch's recruiting saga in obvious attempt to rile up the Badger Student Section. We're guessing that most students in Madison are too hungover to read hockey blogs, but we'll see how things go on Friday night.

Will Wiercoich will torch the Badgers the way he did on their last visit to Magness Arena?

What A Good Mascot Can Do


We really like the energy and commitment of Sparty from Michigan State. Hopefully our new Pioneer Mascot will bring this level of excitement to DU.

We're still waiting for the 2nd drawing from the mascot company, but we have $4,000 in the bank and over $1,200 is en route to us. Thanks to everyone who has contributed thus far.

Denver Post: Bozak's Return Might Be Too Late

(above) DU will have to win some games down the stretch if they want to take advantage of Tyler Bozak's immense talent in the playoffs

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Tyler Bozak, out of the University of Denver lineup since suffering a knee injury Dec. 12 at Minnesota State, said he is scheduled to begin skating this week, and the star center remains focused on returning about a week before the NCAA Tournament, which begins March 27.

Question is, will the Pioneers be fielding a lineup during that time?

DU is tied with North Dakota atop the Western Collegiate Hockey Association with 29 points, a point ahead of third-place Wisconsin. Typically, playing for the MacNaughton Cup at this time of the season means an at-large national tournament berth awaits. [read rest of article]

Boone Fans At Michigan Tech Harrass CC Players

(above) CC player Billy Sweatt gets "Booned" by Michigan Tech Fans during Winter Carnival

(above) Michigan Tech blogger "Boosh" poses with his "Bring Back Boone" shirt as CC player Cody Lampl laughs it up in Houghton two weekends ago

News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

The Wisconsin men’s hockey team (16-11-3, 13-7-2 WCHA) welcomes Denver (17-9-4, 13-7-3 WCHA) to the Kohl Center this weekend. The Badgers were swept in Denver back in October. Wisconsin is 2-11-2 against DU at the Kohl Center, though the Badgers won the most recent contest at last year’s NCAA regional.

The Rocky Mountain News has a story about DU & CC heading in opposite directions. Speaking of opposite directions, the News also has article about the Testwuide family rivalry. JP Testwuide is having a banner season leading the Pioneers, while brother Mike struggles with CC's anemic offense.

The Badger Herald says that Wisconsin isn't too worried about getting swept by DU earlier in the season. They to point DU's current form, and UW's recent winning ways.

The Daily Cardinal has a similiar story. Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves called DU's sweep of the Badgers, "Wisconsin's worst weekend of the year. DU's a pressure-oriented team. They like to skate, move the puck in transition, a lot like other teams in our league so we have to prepare for that.”

The DU Clarion has a recap of the Colorado College series, and despite losing the Gold Pan, Denver players were pretty happy to salvage a tie with the Tigers in the waning seconds.

"Pioneer Mascot" Costume Update

On Tuesday we will receive the 2nd drawing from the Mascot Designer and a quote. If everything is in order, we will have the deposit paid and the costume ordered by the end of the week.

The costume is expected to be ready for the Colorado College game on Saturday, March 7th. We will be working with the DU Grilling Society (DUGS) and various student organizations to give the mascot a proper introduction.

$3,400 is in the bank already and another $1,200 in pledges are rolling in. The revised quote is expected to be higher than originally thought because we've made some modifications to the first draft (bigger arms, chest, more "athletic" build).

We still need donations of any denomination to raise several thousand more (WCHA Final 5, NCAA Tourney and Frozen Four are on the immediate horizon, providing the hockey team cooperates). Any donation of $50 will be matched by LetsGoDU.

The skin tone will be "ethnically ambiguous," which is becoming a standard in the mascot industry. We've received a overwhelmingly positive response from students who have seen the mascot design on the blog.

The color scheme for the mascot will match the popular "Welcome to Boontown" logo; crimson pants & shirt, gold/tan vest & black boots.

May & Mannino Lead Grizzlies To Victory

(left) DU alum Tom May broke a Utah Grizzlies record on Sunday afternoon

It was just like old times at DU on Sunday afternoon as the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL) scored three third period goals to defeat the Las Vegas Wranglers 4-1 at the Orleans Arena. Tom May broke a team record by scoring at least a goal in nine consecutive games and Peter Mannino was steady in the nets.

May made it 4-1 with 1:59 left to go as he fired a puck into an empty-net to set an all-time Grizzlies record with a goal in nine-straight games. May also had assists on both Sertich goals. Rob Hennigar (two assists) had a multi-point night for Utah as well.

Mannino stopped 22 of 23 shots in the victory for Utah. The Grizzlies outshot Las Vegas 39-23 in the game.

USA Development Team Shocks Colorado College

(above) Colorado College suffered another third period meltdown, this time to to the USA National Development Team on Sunday afternoon at World Arena

From: Colorado Springs Gazette
by Frank Schwab

Colorado College's "Weekend Of Horror" continued on Sunday afternoon with a shocking defeat to the USA's National Development Team. Led by three players who will wear the crimson and gold for the University of Denver next season, USA's Under-18 Team came from behind for a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Denver's future goaltender, Adam Murray, calmly turned aside 44 shots, while another future Pioneer Drew Shore added two assists. A third DU recruit, defenseman William Wrenn started on the blueline for Team USA.

Although only an exhibition game, losing to a team of high school players certainly isn't what you'd expect from a team picked by the experts to win the WCHA Championship before the season started. Nobody expected Colorado College to have an abundance of energy for Sunday's exhibition, considering Friday's emotional tie against the University of Denver. However, the Tigers did expect to win.

Instead, the Under-18 team knocked off CC at World Arena, scoring twice in the third period. The game-winning goal was scored with 4:43 left by Ryan Bourque, who is the son of former Avalanche defenseman Ray Bourque.

In four previous meetings against the United States Under-18 team, CC had a 4-0 record and a 23-7 goal differential. None of the games were closer than three goals. The game didn't count in the standings and the Tigers gave their young players more playing time than usual, but the loss was still a bit shocking.

"I'm very disappointed," CC coach Scott Owens said.

The Tigers had two familiar problems Sunday: They couldn't score enough goals, and they lost a third-period lead. CC had 46 shots on net but only two goals. The first came 1:16 into the game from David Civitarese. Chad Rau scored in the second period after the U.S. team tied it. The Tigers couldn't score in the third period despite a couple of full power plays.

"I'm bothered by it," Owens said. "I'm bothered we didn't take charge offensively."

Despite the number of shots, there weren't enough quality opportunities. Adam Murray stopped most of the good chances CC had.

"A lot of perimeter shots, not getting anything tight," Rau said.

In the third period, U.S. forward Jeremy Morin tied it with 12:20 remaining and Bourque scored on a three-on-one rush for the game-winner. The Tigers rested senior defenseman Jake Gannon and starting goaltender Richard Bachman, giving Tyler O'Brien the start in goal, but most of the Tigers' players were on the ice.

"We wanted to do a little better," Rau said.
Box Score

First Draft of "Pioneer Mascot"

(above) First draft of the "Pioneer Mascot"

We just need 25 20 15 13 12 more $200 donors OR 24 $100 donors OR 48 $50 donors. LetsGoDU will match any $50 donation, so in effect you will be contibuting $100. Become a part of DU folklore and get involved.

Game Tonight Televised Nationally on Fox Sports-Rocky Mountain .... Beat CC .... Last Colorado College National Championship: 1957 .... Donate To Pioneer Mascot Costume Fund .... Go DU

Springs Writer Rips Colorado College Hockey Team

From: Colorado Springs Gazette
by David Ramsey


The gift was right there. CC's Scott McCulloch left the puck for Chad Rau directly in front of Denver's net.

Everything was set. A game-clinching goal. A massive victory over a despised opponent. It was just Rau and goalkeeper Marc Cheverie.

But Rau couldn't deliver for Colorado College. Cheverie snuffed his shot with 4 1/2 minutes left, and DU sneaked back for a 3-3 tie, leaving a packed house at World Arena depressed and confused.

I keep waiting for the Tigers to awaken. CC is packed with promise, but it's getting late - very late - and this team might never keep its promises.

The tie shouldn't come as a surprise. CC suffers from two rather huge problems.

The Tigers can't win on Friday nights. The Tigers have won once - count 'em - in their past 14 Friday night games.

And they can't hold leads. The Tigers led 3-1 on Friday, inspiring joy and hope at World Arena. A big revival seemed possible.

But they couldn't hang on. The Pioneers kept pushing, kept battling and finally caught the Tigers.

Ties are never thrilling, but this tie was devastating.

"Oh, I wouldn't say devastating," said CC goalkeeper Richard Bachman, who played a superb game. "It's still a point, and it's better than none. It's not a loss."

Hate to disagree, Richard, but the Tigers didn't need a tie. The Tigers have won only six of their past 17 games. They required a victory.

Fans weren't fooled. As the game ended, CC's Jake Gannon skated around the ice holding the Gold Pan Trophy over his head.

The Gold Pan serves as the symbol of supremacy in a great college hockey rivalry.

But there was little thrill in retaining the trophy. Only a few dozen fans applauded as Gannon held the trophy high above his head.

Meanwhile, hundreds of disgruntled CC fans ignored the festivities as they trudged up the stairs toward the parking lot.

Give CC coach Scott Owens credit. He declined to con anyone after the game. He didn't try to put a happy face on the tie.

Sure, his Tigers retained the Gold Pan, but it was clear Owens wanted more.

He knows the Gold Pan is a "big deal" but he also knows it was a tough, disappointing night for his team.

"It was a very average feeling, to be honest with you," Owens said. "...It's a strange deal. You get a tie. You get the Gold Pan, but it feels like a loss."

A loss. That's exactly right.

North Dakota Moves Into First Place Tie With DU

Click to enlarge

The University of North Dakota is now tied for first place in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

The Sioux rallied from down a goal in the final seven minutes to pull out a 4-3 victory against Minnesota State-Mankato in a sold-out Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Jason Gregoire scored the game-winner with 2:52 to go, lifting the Sioux into a tie with Denver at the top of the league standings with 29 points. North Dakota has played on less WCHA game than DU.
WCHA Standings

Pairwise Rankings

DU Rides "Colborne Express" to Tie CC 3-3

(above) Go DU

(above) DU fans share the love

(above) Over 100 DU hockey fans squeezed into Outback Steakhouse for the pregame festivities

(Above) Pregame at Outback

(above) We agree, Skin Dem Tigers

(above) The "Bring Back Boone" Flag was dramatically backlit with flashlights smuggled into World Arena

(above) Colorado College sneaks one by Chevy

(above) A tie is like kissing your sister, but against Colorado College you also risk mononucleosis

It was an epic night in Colorado Springs. The DU hockey team was able to pull out a dramatic tie in the waning seconds and the Colorado Springs Police Department was out in force with two under cover officers stationed behind the DU student section in World Arena.

It was more than a little ironic that the Colorado Springs Police were harassing Denver fans, because we have been the victims of racist taunts, assaults and harassment at the hands of CC fans in World Arena in past seasons. Luckily the "weasels" moved onto greener pastures after the first period, and Colorado College was able to choke up another certain victory after blowing a 3-1 lead at home.

The DU student section cheered lustily throughout the game chanting the full repertoire of cheers from "Fifty-Seven" to "LetsGoDU," but nothing matched this one...
Give me a "C"
Give me an "A"
Give me an "S"
Give me an "T'
Give me an "R"
Give me an "O'
Whats that spell? "Castro"
Whats that mean? "Fifty-Seven"

Pairwise



First Star: Joe Colborne (Denver)
Second Star: Richard Bachman (Colorado College)
Third Star: Brian Connelly (Colorado College)

News & Notes From Around Boone Nation

College Hockey News has a great interview with Coach Gwozdecky. He talks about Mullen, Bozak, WCHA and Bemidji.

Puck Swami breaks down Colorado College this weekend in his Know Your Foe Blog. As usual Swami does a great job filling us in on the series, traditions and history of DU's biggest rivalry.

The Rocky Mountain News has a story by Pat Rooney that details DU's battle with Colorado College on Friday night.

The #13 has not been lucky for Colorado College hockey players recently as DU & CC pair off on Friday the 13th. The Colorado Springs Gazette has the story.

The Duluth News Tribune has all the news on Patrick Mullen's suspension. Turns out that Mike Connolly is going to be OK and not miss any games.

While DU focuses on winning the WCHA title, CC's eyes are firmly on the Gold Cup as Mike Chambers of the Denver Post reports.

DG Speaks To Two DU Classes Yesterday

Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak to two Freshmen writing classes at the University of Denver. The classes were writing a series of papers on the "Boone Debate" and wanted speakers to give both sides of the story to give them perspective and depth on the issues.

I spoke about DU's 145 history of school spirit, Boone's 41 year association with the University of Denver and Peter Mannino's role in trying to Bring Boone Back. The students were attentive, interested and engaged on the issues. They had a firm grasp of the Diversity Debate and asked probing and well thought out questions.

I encouraged them to get involved with school spirit, extra-curricular activities and give the mascot debate some serious consideration on both sides of the issue. I found the experience to be rewarding, challenging and informative.

Chambers' Blog: Mullen "Likely" To Be Suspended

According to Mike Chambers' Blog DU senior defenseman Patrick Mullen is likely to join sophomore blueliner Chris Nutini (upper-body injury) in the press box Friday night when the Pioneers visit Colorado College in a key WCHA game at the World Arena.

The league and the University of Denver have discussed the situation since Monday, and the matter was supposed to be resolved Wednesday. An official statement from the WCHA is expected on Thursday, said WCHA Director of Officials Greg Shepherd.

The good news is that Nutini is expected back at practice next week. [read entire article]

Colorado College Invited To White House

Edit: This popular posing first appeared in LetsGoDU in 2006

May 25, 1957

Dear Coach Bedecki,

Vice-President Nixon and I would like to congratulate Colorado College on your recent National Championship in Men's Ice Hockey. As you know, I often visit Colorado Springs to play golf at the Broadmoor Resort. I can't tell you how proud Mimi and I are of your team of fine young men. We will look for your Championship Banner on our next visit to the Broadmoor.

I understand this is your second National Championship, but I am sure that this is just the beginning of many more to follow. If you and the team get an opportunity to travel out East, you have an open invitation to visit the White House.

Sincerely,

Dwight D. Eisenhower "Ike"

LetsGoDU Begins Fund Raising Campaign For Boone

(above) Sacred Heart Pioneers mascot "Big Red"

Would you be interesting in donating to help us "Bring Back Boone?" We're trying to raise $4,000 to purchase a mascot costume that would be similar to "Big Red" at Sacred Heart University.

We're looking for twenty sixteen fourteen twelve more $200 donors.

email: dggoddard@aol.com for more details.

CC Protests World Arena Becoming Boonetown

Colorado College hockey coach Scott Owens protested to the WCHA yesterday that World Arena would become "Boonetown" on Friday night.

Owens noted that, "Boonetown does not reflect the broad diversity of the World Arena college hockey audience. We're trying to build a diverse and inclusive hockey fanbase as a fundamental element of excellence. The last thing we need is a bunch of rabid DU fans coming down here and upsetting the apple cart on Friday night."

His protest to the WCHA was based on Friday night's game becoming a "home" game for the University of Denver with so many cheering fans coming down to Colorado Springs.

Rakhshani Named WCHA Player Of The Week

(above) Rhett Rakhshani was named co-Offensive Player of the Week

University of Denver junior forward Rhett Rakhshani has been named Red Baron® WCHA co-Offensive Player of the Week for Feb. 10-16. Rakhshani shares the offensive honor with Wisconsin’s Jamie McBain.

Rakhshani helped the league-leading Pioneers to a two-game road split at Minnesota Duluth with a two-goal, two-assist series. He scored the game-winning goal and added two assists in Denver’s 4-3 victory over the host Bulldogs on Feb. 6 and then came back to score a power-play goal in a 4-2 setback on Feb. 7.

WCHA Recommends "Sanction" For Mullen

(above) The WCHA has recommended "sanctions" for DU defenseman Patrick Mullen, but DU may still may appeal the ruling

From: Duluth News Tribune
by Kevin Pateskpates

University of Denver defenseman Patrick Mullen may be suspended for a game or more for using his stick to hit the arm of Minnesota Duluth freshman winger Mike Connolly in the final seconds of last Saturday’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association men’s game at the DECC.

Mullen’s fate was being decided by WCHA and Denver officials Tuesday, supervisor of officials Greg Shepherd said from St. Paul. The Denver senior, the son of NHL Hall of Famer Joe Mullen, is expected to receive the ruling today.

Connolly, from Calgary, Alberta, had pushed the puck toward an empty Denver net with two seconds to play in a 4-2 UMD victory. He then fell to the ice and Mullen wound up and hit Connolly’s arm with his stick, which earned Mullen a five-minute slashing major penalty and a 10-minute game misconduct from referees Brad Shepherd and C.J. Beaurline at the game’s conclusion.

On Sunday, the referees asked Greg Shepherd (Brad’s father) and WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod to look at the incident on video tape. The league has since recommended a sanction to Denver, regarding Mullen, and is waiting to hear if the school has accepted the punishment, Greg Shepherd said.

If Denver doesn’t agree with the punishment, the school can appeal the decision to a WCHA executive committee.

No. 6-ranked Denver (17-9-3), a WCHA co-leader, has a game Friday at Colorado College.

Boone Hackers Strike DU's Email System

A University of Denver student emailed us the following story today.

"I tried to access my DU e-mail account this morning, a thing popped up that said "Viva El Boone," and then I got bounced back out of my e-mail. I dunno who did it, but its hilarious! Figured you'd find this entertaining."

100 Unsold CC Tickets Will Go On Sale At 10 AM

Game Is SOLD OUT

According to today's Colorado Springs Gazette, "Friday's game is a sellout, however, 100 returned tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. today at World Arena. "

Many DU fans are making the trek down to the Springs on Friday evening. The DU pregame gathering is at Outback Steakhouse by World Arena.

DUPB will be taking 50 students to Friday's game. DU students can RSVP for bus and game tickets, e-mail duvscc@gmail.com.

The Feb. 13 DU @ CC game at World Arena will have WCHA playoff implications. Tickets, which start at $18, can be purchased at Ticketmaster, Ticket West & the World Arena box office or by calling (719) 576-2626.