DU Ties Minnesota State on Saturday 4-4

(above) Adam Murray getting run over by Justin Jokinen in OT

DU took 3 of a possible 4 WCHA points from MSU this weekend with a win last night and tie tonight at Magness Arena. DU and Colorado College are tied for 1st place in the WCHA with identical 3-0-1 league records and 7 points. DU has an overall record of 5-2-1 and will head to Anchorage, Alaska next weekend to face UAA in another league series.

After falling beind 2-0 early in the first period on goals by MSU's Joe Schiller (Ev) and Tyler Pitlick (PP), DU came back with goals by Drew Shore (Ev) and Tyler Ruegsegger (PP) to end the period tied at 2. DU went ahead 3-2 on a second period goal by Anthony Maiani (EV). MSU tied it up late in the period on Tyler Pitlick's (PP) second goal of the night and the second period finished with the team tied at 3. MSU took a 4-3 third period lead on a goal by Kael Mouillierat (PP). DU tied the game late on a goal by Kyle Ostrow (Ev). Neither team could score in the OT even though both had power plays during the OT period. Patrick Wiercioch had 2 assists for DU tonight. DU goalie Adam Murray had 30 saves and MSU goalie Kevin Murdock had 40 saves.

First Star: Kyle Ostrow (Denver)

Second Star: Patrick Wiercioch (Denver)

Third Star: Ben Youds (Minnesota State)

LetsGoDU.com Recap

Box Score

USCHO Recap

DU Website Recap

Denver Post Recap

Happy Halloween

Denver Post: Latest Chevy Injury Report

(above) The Magness crowd chanted "Chevy" as DU's goaltender was wheeled from the ice

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Record-setting University of Denver goalie Marc Cheverie left the ice amid chants of "Chevy, Chevy" from the Magness Arena crowd Friday night, but it wasn't the exit anyone anticipated after the junior broke Peter Mannino's program shutout streak record.

Cheverie was carried off on a stretcher after being cut in the back of the leg by the skate blade of Minnesota State's Justin Jokinen. At 2:31 of the third period and the game tied 2-2, Cheverie and Jokinen became tangled in the crease after Jokinen missed a tap-in bid from the doorstep.

Cheverie, bleeding profusely, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. (read rest of article)

Photo Gallery Of Friday Nights DU Game

(above) Chevy & Nutini

photo credit: Leanna Lofte

(above) Matt Glasser (#17) provided a much needed spark

photo credit: Leanna Lofte

(above) Patrick Wiercioch is back to last year's form

photo credit: Leanna Lofte

(above) Kyle Ostrow defies gravity

photo credit: Leanna Lofte

(above) The puck now belongs to Freshman goaltender Adam Murray

photo credit: Leanna Lofte

See Entire Photo Gallery

Chevy Injured In 4-3 Victory Over MSU-M

Earlier in the evening University of Denver goaltender Marc Cheverie broke the longest consecutive shutout streak in DU history. Two periods later is was severely injured on a cut to his calf by an opponents skate.

Cheverie was taken to a nearby hospital where the cut and injury will be assessed by the doctors. The cut was described as deep. Coach Gwozdecky said the injury will be at least a couple of weeks.

DU won the game with two third period goals immediately after Cheverie's injury. Goaltender Adam Murray came in and earned the victory.

Box Score

LetsGoDU.com Game Recap

Denver Post Game Recap

Mankato Free Press Game Recap

USCHO.com Game Recap

Leanna Lofte Photo Gallery

Minnesota State-Mankato @ DU This Weekend .... Wear Halloween Costumes Saturday Night .... Go DU

Check Out Our New Website: www.LetsGoDU.com

ATTENTION STUDENTS: Due to storm $5 Tickets can be purchased all weekend at Ticket Office

Friday Night DU Lineup

Rhett Rakhshani - Tyler Ruegsegger - Joe Colborne
Anthony Maiani - Drew Shore - Kyle Ostrow
Matt Glasser - Jesse Martin - Luke Salazar
Chris Knowlton - Brian Gifford - Brandon Vossberg

Patrick Wiercioch - William Wrenn
Matt Donovan - John Lee
Paul Phillips - Chris Nutini

Marc Cheverie
Adam Murray
Lars Paulgaard

Scratches
Jackson (out for season)
S. Ostrow (healthy)
Dewhurst (healthy)
Brookwell (healthy)
Ryder (healthy)
Brehm (healthy)
Cook (healthy)

Rakhshani Wants LOUD Screaming Fans In Magness

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News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

One of the major reasons why Patrick Wiercioch returned to DU this season is that the Ottawa Senators signed first round draft choice Erik Karlsson from Sweden to run their power play. Now after nine games they've sent Karlsson down to the minors. Things could get real interesting for Wiercioch if he makes the Canadian National Junior team and has another great season with DU. The article also mentions that Brian Lee, older brother of DU defenseman John Lee, will be Karlsson's teammate in Binghampton after spending a majority of his young career in the NHL.

Mike Chambers' Blog reports that Joe Colborne looked good in practice on Wednesday, despite wearing an orange "no contact" jersey.

Bruce Ciske features DU goaltender Marc Cheverie in his Fanhouse.com hockey blog this week. The WCHA portion of the season is just underway, but Western College Hockey Blog thinks Cheverie is one of the league's best players. The Denver Post has a very good article on Cheverie today talking about the shiutout streak and Peter Mannino.

Minnesota State is winless in their last ten games at Magness Arena (0-9-1). The Mankato Free Press has some interesting tidbits about the weekend series including the Mavericks forward lines.

Minnesota State Forward Lines on Friday Night
Louwesr - Galiardi - Stewart
Zuck - Harrison - Jokinen
Mouillierat - Sackrison - Hayes
Gaulrapp - Pitlick - Thompson

DU Grilling Society To Host 2 BBQs This Weekend

(above) Boone/d.u.g.s. shirts are $10 while they last

The DU Grilling Society (d.u.g.s.) will be hosting two BBQ's this weekend for students and parents before the hockey games to celebrate Homecoming and Halloween.

On Friday (4-6:30 PM) they'll be serving Grilled Ribeye and Chicken, Butternut Squash, Grilled Apples, Smores, and Hot Cider. Friday's BBQ will be held on the Driscoll Green, with the DUPB Beer Garden

Beer Bratwurst and Italian Sausage with vegetable kabobs are on deck for Saturday (5:45-7 PM).
The BBQ will be held by the "Rally Alley" Student Entrance to Magness Arena.

d.u.g.s. will be selling a limited quantity of Boone T-shirts ($10) before the game on Friday, and if there are any left, on Saturday before the game. Funds raised from the T-Shirt sale will offset the expenses of the charity BBQs that d.u.g.s. hosts once per Quarter. A worthy cause indeed.

NHL.com Covers Gwozdecky's 500th Victory

(above) Coach Gwozdecky reached 500 wins on Saturday night

From: NHL.com
by James Murphy

University of Denver coach George Gwozdecky joined an elite club last Saturday when he earned his 500th career win behind a 30-save, 3-0 shutout by junior goaltender Marc Cheverie.

Gwozdecky, who earned his first coaching win in 1981 while at Wisconsin-River Falls, a Division III school, became the 19th member of the 500-win club with the milestone victory.

Gwozdecky now is 500-343-67, including 350-219-46 in 16 years at Denver. He also coached at Miami (Ohio) in addition after his stint at Wisconsin-River Falls. Gwozdwcky, who turned 56 in July, joked that the win simply revealed his age, but then thanked all the people that helped him get to this point.

"Just tells you how old I am," Gwozdecky told the media. "I'm fortunate and most proud of the many great people I've had the privilege to work with and coach, and call a friend, over my career."

He also was especially grateful for the constant support from his wife and daughter.

"They deserve it more than I do," he said.

Gwozdecky has no plans to stop coaching anytime soon and hinted that he may have to be pushed into retirement.

"How many more games I've got in this body, I have no idea," he said. "I want to keep coaching as long as they'll have me."

Boone Needs Halloween Costume Ideas

Our favorite mascot, Denver Boone, wants to dress up in different costumes on Halloween night against Minnesota State-Mankato. If you come up with a great idea, we'll FedEx you a FREE Boone posterboard.

Post your ideas, thoughts or suggestions below. We might go with three or four different ideas, so keep them coming.

Minnesota State's Captain Will Miss DU Series

From: Mankato Free Press
by Shane Frederick

The Minnesota State men’s hockey team is heading to Denver this morning without their captain, Geoff Irwin, who is out with an injury.

The games will be the first Irwin has missed since his sophomore season, snapping a streak of 77 games.

“He’s a vocal guy; he’s going to be missed,” Mavericks defenseman Ben Youds said. “He brings a lot of energy.”

Irwin suffered an upper-body injury after getting cross-checked from behind into the boards by Wisconsin freshman Craig Smith on Saturday night. Smith got a major penalty and a game disqualification, which comes with a one-game suspension. He was also handed an extra, one-game suspension for the hit.

Irwin, who said Wednesday that he was feeling better, hopes to be back in the lineup for the Mavericks’ next series, Nov. 13-14 against Colorado College.

“It’s going to be hard without (Irwin),” Youds said. “Hopefully we can get four points (for the WCHA standings) for him. He’s a big body up front and brings that intensity we need.”

DU Recruit Adds Leadership Role To Resume

(above) David Makowski is off to a fast start in the USHL this season

University of Denver recruit David Makowski has been named an assistant captain for the USHL Green Bay Gamblers. In just eight games this season Makowski has three goals and four assists. He leads the team in assists and plus/minus. He also is among the statistical league leaders for defensemen.

Most of Makowski's points have come via the power play, so DU will be adding yet another offensively gifted defenseman next season.

Makowski, 20, was a second team All-USHL selection last season after registering 29 points and a plus-23 plus-minus rating. The University of Denver recruit also won a gold medal with the United States at the 2008 Viking Cup Challenge in Alberta, Canada, and played in the USHL All-Star game.

DU has just one more scholarship left to offer for the recruiting class of 2010, unless or until some current players on the roster leave school early for professional opportunities.

2010 Recruiting Class
F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-18)
D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)
F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-18)

2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)

News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

The University of Denver was named Inside College Hockey's Team of the Week. Its a great article, check it out.

You only have to look at DU's lineup in the past several seasons to see how important local players have been to the program. It looks like the pipeline is still producing premier youth players as the Colorado Thunderbirds just won a major tournament in Boston and the Littleton Hawks will represent the state in a major tournament in Quebec.

Despite losing two players this week, Mike Chambers was almost giddy recounting Colorado College's recent sweep of Michigan Tech. He's practically handing the MacNaughton Trophy to Scotty Owens in a gushing web posting. Wise fans will sit back and hum "Fifty-Seven" when the inevitable collapse occurs.

Flyers Host Annual Father-Son Bonding Week

(above) DU Alumus Matt Carle (#25)

From: Philly News. com
by Frank Seravalli

Life on the road usually isn't fun. But the Flyers' annual father-son bonding trip is one that the players actually look forward to taking.

Most of the Flyers' fathers flew in from the far corners of the globe - Anchorage, Alaska, for Matt Carle's father, Bob - to watch their sons take on Florida and San Jose last weekend and travel to Washington with the team for tonight's game.

"Since he is from back in Alaska, I don't get to see him often," Matt Carle said. "It's nice to see family when you can.

"We make the commitment all year long, so we don't get to see them too often. When your parents come around, you always want to play better."

For some dads, the long weekend is a peek into life as an NHL player.

"I know the dads really enjoy seeing how it works, being in the NHL," Danny Briere said. "Before I came here, I never had the chance to live that [with my dad].

"I don't think it matters how young or old you are, it's a special time to bond with your dad."

The Flyers' fathers were going for a White House tour this morning while the players prepare for Ovechkin & Co.

Newcomer Mika Pyorala, whose family lives in Finland, said his father was disappointed he couldn't make the trip. The Pyoralas will visit Mika in January during a string of home games.

"I'm sure he would've liked to come," Pyorala said. "It's a long way and he is working. They're staying up late and watching all of the games on the Internet. They have the computer hooked up to their TV. My dad used to coach me in youth hockey and juniors; they basically live hockey. They are my biggest fans."

That's what makes this trip so special - nearly every player has his biggest fan watching.

Colborne Will Return Against Minnesota State

According to Mike Chambers' Denver Post Blog Big Joe is ready to return to the ice.

Less than two weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a broken index finger, DU sophomore center Joe Colborne is probable for this weekend’s two-game series against visiting Minnesota State. (read rest of article)

A Year Later, Coombe's Lies Still Haunt Campus

With Halloween right around the corner, its time to remember the big story of DU Homecoming 2008. It was one year ago this week that Chancellor Coombe dropped the shoe on our former University of Denver mascot in an email to students. He claimed that, "The Denver Boone figure is one that does not reflect the broad diversity of the DU community and is not an image that many of today's women, persons of color, international students and faculty, and others can easily relate to as defining the pioneering spirit"

One year has passed and Boone is back thanks to alumni donations and our students who have crafted a new identity and spirit on campus. Since Boone's return to campus, who's been hurt? Boone has united the alumni, students, fans and many faculty. Boone has brought attention to a variety of sporting events and is more popular than ever among the students. Boone's Facebook page has taken on a life of its own and keeps 2,900+ students, alumni and fans connected to campus.

Every media source that has weighed in on the subject has been "pro-Boone." The Clarion, Channel 9 News, the Rocky Mountain News, the Washington Times and the highest rated radio program in Denver, the Mike Rosen Show.

In his email Coombe promised, "A community-wide discussion of what it means to be a Pioneer, for today and the future, and I ask that the history and traditions committee and our student and alumni organizations take up this question with a view to building community and clarifying our identity."

As to be expected he's done nothing of a sort. He's misled student leaders, unsuccessfully worked behind the scenes to squash Boone, intimidated "pro-Boone" faculty and refused to notify our alumni of his position on Boone for fear of driving away more donors. His position on Boone is overwhelmingly unpopular in the community and cost DU untold thousands in alumni donations.

Coombe's strategy appears to be to wait out the Boone "rabble-rousers" on campus. We're willing to wait him out, but what other University is ever going to hire this guy away from DU? Colorado College has a better chance of winning a National Championship than finding another university willing to hire this guy.

We propose Coombe bring Boone back officially and use the revenue from Boone merchandise sales to support DU spirit organizations on campus such as the band and cheerleaders. If he wants to use a portion of the revenue to fund minority scholarships or increase diversity on campus that would be a bonus.

Marc Cheverie Named INCH's Player Of The Week

From: Inside College Hockey.com

It was a weekend of historic proportions for the Pioneers and for Cheverie, who whitewashed Minnesota on back-to-back nights—the first time that has happened to the Gophers since 1930—with identical 30-save efforts. In doing so, Cheverie extended his personal shutout streak to 203:19, second in the DU hockey annals behind Peter Mannino’s run of 208:42 without allowing a goal.

Cheverie has three shutouts this season—he also blanked Ohio State on Oct. 15—and seven for his career. Minnesota has been the victim of Cheverie’s perfection on three separate occasions. In addition to the shutouts this past weekend, he was also the goalie of record in a 4-0 win over the Gophers at Magness Arena on Nov. 22, 2008.

Heading into the Pioneers’ weekend series with Minnesota State, Cheverie leads the nation in shutouts, is tied for first in wins with four, ranks second with a .966 save percentage, and is fourth with a 1.00 goals against average.

DU Freshmen Have Been Friends For Years

(above) DU Freshmen Adam Murray & William Wrenn have been friends for 12 years

From: Inside Hockey.com & DU Clarion
by Arianna Ranahosseini

For most of the college athletes, the fondest memories of their teammates may be the first win, the away trips, the conference final or the national championship. For University of Denver freshmen William Wrenn and Adam Murray, their favorite memories will be playing in the rink in Wrenn’s backyard and winning the Pee Wee State Championship.

Now, with the start of the season, two Pioneer hockey players are following the path they have envisioned for years. Since they were 12 years old, defenseman Wrenn and goaltender Murray have been opponents, teammates, roommates and best friends. (read rest of article)

Denver Post: Chevy On Verge Of DU Record

(above) Chevy is 6 minutes away from Mannino's consecutive shutout record

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Assuming red-hot goalie Marc Cheverie makes his expected start Friday at Magness Arena, the first six minutes of the University of Denver's series against Minnesota State will have significant meaning for the No. 2-ranked Pioneers.

Cheverie is 5 minutes, 24 seconds away from breaking DU's shutout streak record of 208:42, established by freshman Peter Mannino in 2005. (read rest of article)

DU Clarion Has Homecoming & Halloween Details

Check out the DU Clarion Website for the latest news on campus

Colorado College Goaltender Leaves Team

(above) CC Goaltender Hudson Stremmel has left school

Goaltender Hudson Stremmel, Colorado College's backup goaltender, has left the team according to the Coming Down The Pipe Blog.

This is yet another sign of the times in college hockey. A highly recruited player doesn't like his playing time, role on the team or his development and he is out the door in less than a semester.

Stremmel lost the starting goaltender job to Freshman Joe Howe and CC coach Scotty Owens elected not to go with a rotation. Junior Tyler O’Brien will backup Howe in the nets for the remainder of the season

Stremmel’s future, like Colorado College’s, is rife with questions. Answers may not be known immediately, but expect him to reappear in the WHL soon.

According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, "The freshman from Reno, Nev., was undecided about his future his junior year of high school.

Unlike most teenagers, Stremmel, now 18, had the option of choosing between golf and hockey to pay for college.

So, instead of heading off to junior hockey like other prospects, Stremmel focused on golf for a year. It was a decision that would have dumbfounded most hockey parents after years of traveling to rinks 152 miles away (Vacaville, Calif.) to play for the California North Stars and trips to goalie schools in Minnesota. But when his team moved to Las Vegas, Stremmel, who first played inline at age 7 and then switched to ice hockey a year later, had to make a decision.

“He loves hockey, but if it didn’t work out, he didn’t want to look back and wonder what would have happened with golf,” his father Steve said.

The scratch golfer was fortunate to find a Junior A team willing to take a chance. The USHL’s Chicago Steel drafted him his sophomore year and stuck with him despite the year off.

“It did take time for him to adjust to our league but he was one of the hardest-working kids on our team,” Steel coach Steve Poapst said.

DU Recruits Help Lead USNDT To NY Sweep

(left) Jason Zucker & Nick Shore will be Freshmen at DU next season

From: Our Sports Central.com

It was a big weekend for University of Denver recruits Jason Zucker (Las Vegas, Nev.), and Nick Shore (Denver, Colo.) as each scored for the U.S. National Under-18 Team against Colgate in a 4-1 victory yesterday. With the win, Team USA completed a three-game sweep of New York schools, Utica College (10-1), No. 6 Cornell University (3-2) and Colgate University, this weekend.

With 4:01 to play in the first period against Colgate, Stephen Johns' shot caromed off the end boards to Zucker who slammed the puck into the open net to make it 2-0.

Shore gave Team USA a four-goal advantage in the second period after he tapped home a rebound off of Jon Merill's right-point shot.

On Saturday night night Zucker has two assists as the US Under-18 Team defeated Cornell 3-2.

On Friday night they defeated Utica College 10-1. Zucker had two goals, including the game winner, and an assist while Shore contributed two goal and two assists.

NOTES: The U.S. National Under-18 Team improved to 4-3-0 against NCAA opponents and are currently 2-0-0 against ECAC Hockey foes. Team USA has not lost to an ECAC Hockey opponent since Oct. 22, 2005 .... Zucker who plays center has five goals and four assists in 12 games. Shore who is a left winger, has four goals and five assists in 12 games.

SATURDAY NIGHT: DU 3 - Minnesota 0 - FINAL .... DU Sweeps Gophers .... Saturday's game telecast on FCS-North (tape delay - 2 PM MST Sunday) .... Dress Up On Halloween Night at Magness Arena .... Go DU

Check out LetsGoDU's New Website & Forum www.LetsGoDU.com

DU Sweep Against Minnesota Is Rare Feat

Full Sweep Coverage

To put this weekend's performance against the Minnesota Gophers into perspective you have to look at the record books. No WCHA team has a better winning percentage against the University of Denver than Minnesota. DU is only 66-94-12 against the Gophers since the series began in 1951.

DU had played a weekend series in Mariucci Arena 38 times and they have only swept the Gophers six times, including this weekends whitewashing. But DU has turned the tide recently going 8-3-1 in the last 12 games.

Despite all the recent success, DU has never gone undefeated against Minnesota in a season where the teams have faced each other at least four times. The Pioneers will attempt to make history when the teams meet again in Magness Arena in February.

1929-30 was the last season the Gophers lost consecutive shutouts at home. This also was only the third time in Gopher history that they were shutout in back-to-back games.

It was a historic weekend for DU hockey players, coaches and fans.

DU Lax Drops Scrimmage To Denver Outlaws

(above) The players for both teams pose for a photo

From: DU Athletics Website

After leading for the first three quarters, the University of Denver men's lacrosse team gave up three fourth quarter goals to the Denver Outlaws, losing the inaugural Colorado Lacrosse Showcase 15-13 on Saturday afternoon at the Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium.

"If you had told me coming into this game that we would only lose by two to the Denver Outlaws, I would have been happy, but of course with the way that we played today we were disappointed with the loss," said head coach Bill Tierney. "I am so proud of the way our guys performed and with the way they answered to the pressure of playing against one of the best professional lacrosse teams."

Photos From Saturday Night's DU-Gopher Game

(above) Tempers flared at the end of the 2nd Period

Additional Photos on Star-Tribune Website

DU Sweeps The Gophers On The Road

(above) Saturday night's heros Kyle Ostrow & Marc Cheverie celebrate DU's sweep

"It was nice to get that second start of the weekend. It felt good, and there was no way I was losing it."

- DU goaltender Marc Cheverie

The University of Denver completed a shutout sweep of the Minnesota Golden Gophers with a 3-0 victory on Saturday night. Marc Cheverie recorded his 3rd shutout in a row and second of the weekend. The victory gave DU coach George Gwozdecky his 500th career victory.

Kyle Ostrow put DU on the board with an even strength goal at 10:15 of the 1st period. (Assists Luke Salazar, Drew Shore)

Rhett Rakhsahni scored at 4:27 of the 2nd period on the power play to put DU up 2-0. (Assists Patrick Wiercioch, Tyler Ruegsegger)

Kyle Ostrow tallied his second goal of the night at 4:12 of the 3rd period, also on the power play. (Assists Drew Shore, Jesse Martin).

1929-30 was the last season the Gophers lost consecutive shutouts at home. This also was only the third time in Gopher history that they were shutout in back-to-back games.

Chevy's scoreless streak at 203:19 minuntes is the second longest streak in DU history trailing Peter Mannino's 208:42 in 2004.

Box Score

Denver Post Game Recap

USCHO.com Game Recap

DU Website: Coach Gwozdecky Post Game Interview

Game Recap & Ostrow/Cheverie Interviews

First Star: Marc Cheverie (Denver)
Second Star: Kyle Ostrow (Denver)
Third Star: Drew Shore (Denver)

Photos From Friday Night's DU-Gopher Game

(above) Rhett Rakhshani introduces himself to Minnesota defenseman David Fischer

(above) The boyz celebrate Rhett Rakhshani's goal in the 2nd Period

See more game photos on Star-Tribune's Website

FRIDAY NIGHT: DU 3 - Minnesota 0 Final

(above) Chevy was running on all cylinders on Friday night

"It was nice to get that second start of the weekend. It felt good, and there was no way I was losing it."

- DU goaltender Marc Cheverie

The University of Denver hockey team rolled into Mariucci Arena tonight and played their most complete game of the season in a 3-0 victory. Goaltender Marc Cheverie recorded his second shutout of the season in just three starts. He raised his record this season to 3-0-0.

Tyler Ruegsegger & Rhett Rakhshani recorded key goals in the decisive second period.

Saturday night's game will not be televised until Sunday afternoon at 2 PM on FCS-North.

Box Score

LetsGoDU.com Game Regap

First Star: Rhett Rakhshani (Denver)
Second Star: Marc Cheverie (Denver)
Third Star: Tyler Ruegsegger (Denver)

Denver Pioneers Blog Posts DU's Lineup

Thanks to Eric Bacher's Blog on the Denver Pioneers Website, Friday night's lineup against the Gophers is posted.

George Gwozdecky Interview From Mariucci Arena

DU's Lineup

Rhett Rakhshani-Tyler Ruegsegger-Anthony Maiani

Kyle Ostrow-Drew Shore-Luke Salazar

Matt Glasser-Jesse Martin-Brian Gifford

Chris Knowlton-Brandon Vossberg-Shawn Ostrow

Matt Donovan-John Lee

Paul Phillips-Chris Nutini

Patrick Wiercioch-William Wrenn

Marc Cheverie

Adam Murray

DU Lacrosse Will Play Denver Outlaws On Saturday

(above) DU will play the professional Denver Outlaws in the Colorado Lacrosse Showcase on Saturday

From: Inside Lacrosse

The University of Denver men’s lacrosse team and Major League Lacrosse’s Denver Outlaws will face-off for the first time in the inaugural Colorado Lacrosse Showcase on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium on the DU campus. The game will be preceded by the Colorado Lacrosse Showcase Youth Clinic at 10 a.m., featuring the Denver Outlaws and an appearance by DU coaching legend Bill Tierney.

This will be the first scrimmage of the 2009-10 season under coach Tierney and the first time the Pioneers have squared off against a professional lacrosse team.

“I can’t think of a more exciting day of lacrosse for the Denver lacrosse community, or a greater setting for this contest than Peter Barton Stadium, located on our beautiful campus in the shadows of the majestic Rocky Mountains,” Tierney said. “It will be a great opportunity for our alumni, families and friends to observe the exciting things that are happening in and around the DU men’s lacrosse program.”

Tickets are $5 and will go on sale on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. They can be purchased through www.TicketMaster.com or at the DU Box Office, located in the Daniel L. Ritchie Center on the DU campus.

Admission for the youth clinic is $50 and includes a ticket to the Colorado Lacrosse Showcase game. Geared towards boys in second through eighth grade, the Outlaws will host the clinic from 10 a.m. to noon on the field at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium.

Skills covered in the clinic include shooting, dodging, footwork, one-on-one defense, clearing and transition work. An autograph session with the Outlaws players will also be included at 11:30 a.m.

Injuries & Flu Weaken DU On Eve Of Gopher Tilt

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Battling injuries and the H1N1 flu can partially explain why the preseason No. 1-ranked University of Denver is not where it wants to be.

Pioneers captain Rhett Rakhshani, however, is not about to confuse misfortunes with mistakes. The senior wing said his weakened squad isn't looking for excuses about why it is 2-2 heading into tonight's Western Collegiate Hockey Association opener at No. 11 Minnesota (read rest of article).

Letter To Ralph Englestad Arena GM

(above) Ralph Englestad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota is a nice place to visit, but be careful exiting the building

_______________________________________________

UND Athletic Director Brian Faison commented in UND's Area Voices Blog.

"We have one of the best men's hockey programs, the best collegiate hockey facility and the best college hockey fans in the country, but there were events during last weekend's home hockey series that point to a need for change," UND athletic director Brian Faison said. "The vast majority of the nearly 12,000 people in the building both nights created an electric atmosphere.

"We don't want our fans to dampen their enthusiasm for Fighting Sioux hockey one decibel, but what I am asking them to do is direct their passion in a more positive manner."

__________________________________________________

Mr. Jody Hodgson replied to my email.

Damien,

I am concerned about these issues, steps are being taken, and I share your desire to shine the most favorable light possible on college hockey. Thanks for taking the time to touch base.

Sincerely,

Jody

__________________________________________________

I took the liberty of writing a letter to the General Manager of Ralph Englestad Arena today and "cc'd" a few UND bigwigs. I'm not expecting any sort of a reply since litigation may be pending, but we'll see what happens.

Jody Hodgson
Ralph Englestad Arena - General Manager
Grand Forks, North Dakota

Ms. Hodgson,

While I wasn't present at Ralph Englestad Arena this weekend, the behavior of the fans in your facility is giving a black eye to the entire college hockey community. I hope you take steps to improve fan behavior and safety inside and outside the arena.

North Dakota fans embarrassed

Poor treatment of visiting press last season

Fan almost killed at UND Hockey Game

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Damien Goddard
University of Denver '88
Houston, TX
LetsGoDU Blog

cc:
Mike Chambers - Denver Post
Brian Faiason - UND Athletic Director
Dr. Robert Kelley - UND President

Coach Lucia Video Talks About DU Series

Showdown In Minneapolis Against The Gophers

From: Minnesota Game Notes

Minnesota (0-1-1, 0-1-1) vs. Denver (2-2, 0-0)
Date: Friday-Saturday, Oct. 23-24
Time: 6 p.m. MST
Location: Mariucci Arena (10,000)
Series History: Minnesota leads 91-64-12
Radio: KYCR 1570 AM (tape on Sat.)
Television: Fox Sports North (tape on Sat.)

Intro

Minnesota takes the Mariucci Arena ice for the first time in the regular season this weekend when the Gophers host Denver in a two-game series. For the second straight week, the Gophers take on an opponent ranked in the top five of the national rankings. It is the second of four conference series to open the season for Minnesota.

Last Time Out

Minnesota rallied for a 3-3 tie on Saturday at North Dakota after dropping the opening game of the series 4-0 on Friday. Mike Hoeffel scored two goals, including a shorthanded goal, and Jay Barriball also scored for the Gophers. Kent Patterson made 31 saves in goal for Minnesota. The Gophers got 39 saves from Alex Kangas in Friday night's loss.

Series History
The Gophers lead the all-time series over the Pioneers 91-64-12. The teams split their two games last year in Denver with Minnesota winning 5-2 and Denver taking a 4-0 victory to snap the Gophers' 11-game unbeaten streak to open the season. The Pioneers are making their first regular season visit to Mariucci Arena since Nov. 2-4, 2007, though they did participate in the NCAA West Regional at Mariucci last March, losing 4-2 to Miami (Ohio). Minnesota's win over Denver last November snapped a five-game winless streak against the Pioneers as Denver is 6-3-1 in the last 10 meetings.

Goldy Gopher Added To Bad Boyz Team

Goldy Gopher the beloved mascot of the University of Minnesota landed in some hot water this week. He officially joined the 2009-10 Bad Boyz Team after the University was forced to apologize for his behavior before the Minnesota-Penn State football game on Saturday.

The University of Minnesota apologized after Goldy poked fun at a Penn State football player who was praying. A video made before Saturday's game at State College, Pa., shows Penn State defensive end Jerome Hayes kneeling in prayer in the end zone.

Goldy Gopher kneels in front of Hayes, according to the video posted on YouTube. When Hayes stands up, so does Goldy. The mascot tries to make some contact, but Hayes ignores him and trots back to the bench.

According to the report, Hayes said he has seen video of the moment, and that he's not bothered by it -- although teammates have told him "the Gopher got the best of me."

Minnesota spokesman Dan Wolter says the stunt was "plainly a mistake" and the mascot didn't intend to offend anyone or trivialize religion.

"On behalf of Goldy and the University of Minnesota, I want to apologize to the Penn State player involved and anyone else who may have taken offense from this incident," Wolter said in a statement. "We have reiterated to Goldy the importance of exercising appropriate religious sensitivity in the future."

DU Pep Band Schedule For Hockey Games

DU's Pep Band will appear at six more hockey games this season. The band will also play at both DU's Men's & Women's basketball games and at least one lacrosse game this year. They will also play in the Homecoming Parade and other random events on campus.

This week DU's Pep Band was approved for "Club" status by the University, so they will eligible to raise funds on and off campus.

This year the band has 40 members, up from just 20 members in recent seasons. Last season the Pep Band performed at 11 DU hockey games.

Sat. Oct. 31 - Minnesota State

Sat. Jan. 9 - Alaska-Anchorage

Fri. Feb. 5 - Mercyhurst

Fri. Feb. 12 - Minnesota

Sat. Feb. 20 - Michigan Tech

Fri. Mar. 5 - Colorado College

Joe Colborne Interview On Pipeline Show

DU Sophomore Joe Colborne was interviewed for 13 minutes last night on the Pipeline Show. He talks about his finger injury, playing junior hockey in Camrose, he's up to 6'6" 210 lbs.

Listen to the entire interview

DU Throwback Jerseys Available Online

These retro DU hockey jerseys made by Gemini Authentic Apparel are the same ones worn by the DU alumni and hockey team on opening weekend. The jersey is red with stitched arch Denver across the chest and interlocking DU stitched patches on both shoulders. Available in small-xxlarge. $90 plus $14 FedEx, they are a bargain. They are sweet.

More 60th Reunion Photos

Make a Smilebox postcard

Another dozen reunion photos from Opening Weekend

Chambers Blog Answers Pending Questions

Mike Chambers Blog has an up to date report on Joe Colborne's finger, the goaltending rotation and it looks like the flu bug has even taken down Coach Gwozdecky. Check it out.

Colborne To Appear On Internet Program

DU forward Joe Colborne will appear on The Pipeline Show tonight between 7-9 PM (MST) from Edmonton. DU may be without Colborne for some time. How long? Find out when Big Joe makes his return to The Pipeline Show. He probably will appear around 8:15 to 8:30 PM.

Zucker Rated As Potential 1st Round Prospect

(above) Jason Zucker is considered by ISS to be a potential 1st round draft choice in the 2010 NHL Draft

DU recruit Jason Zucker is listed as the 26th top prospect for the 2010 NHL Draft by ISS. This list is compiled semi-annually and is usually fairly accurate.

Current DU players Joe Colborne & Drew Shore were listed around where Zucker is and they went in the 1st & 2nd Round respectively.

The Border Bar Near DU Closes Forever

(above) Fights, hangovers & hookups are our fondest memories of The Border

Clarion Editorial Says "Goodbye To The Border"

You can't talk about DU hockey and not mention the Border Bar & Restaurant within a block of Magness Arena. On Sunday night The Border closed forever, a victim of an overzealous Denver Liquor Control Board ruling. It was often said, "The Border was not classy enough to be classified as a sleaze bar."

The closing however is not sad news for everyone. DU athletic coaches will sleep better at night knowing their players will no longer be involved in dust-ups in The Border's parking lot or hooking up with co-eds during last call.

It was an infamous incident at the Border in 2008 that probably led to the eventual firing of DU lacrosse coach Jamie Munro and charges being filed against two of his players. A 23-year-old female, who happened to be a DU alum, were allegedly attacked by a group of lacrosse players while they were leaving the Border late at night.

Who can forget when DU goaltender Chris Burns was stabbed during a wild 75 person melee back in 1994. Naturally it was business as usual the next night and another fight broke out. Burns finished his career with a 4.72 GAA and and .842 Save Percentage. Numbers that are eerily similar to young Adam Murray's stats.

So they may close The Border but they can't take away our memories. Post your favorite Border memories below.