DU #1 - Inside College Hockey Power Rankings

Curse Of '57 Continues To Plague Colorado College

The crack research staff at LetsGoDU spent last year looking into reports that Colorado College's hockey program is actually under a "Curse" that would explain why they haven't won a National Championship since 1957.

A sports-related curse is the effective action of some power or evil, that is used to explain the failures or misfortunes of specific sports teams, players, or even cities.

DU graduate students thoroughly reviewed Wikipedia's List of Sports Curses to find similarities or clues to CC's misfortune. Sports Illustrated is considered by many to be a breeding ground of curses, so a bulk of the research was conducted on back issues of SI.

Last year our researches found two possible clues in the March 10, 1958 issue of Sports Illustrated. Just five days before the University of Denver would defeat North Dakota to win the 1958 National Championship, Colorado College's then president Dr. Louis T. Benezet, threatened to revamp his school's hockey program to "reduce the number of Canadians on CC's roster." Its interesting to note that Colorado College was the defending national champion at the time.

However the DU researchers point to March 1957, when Colorado College raised a question regarding the eligibility of three University of Michigan players—John Randall, Neill Buchanan and Wally Maxwell—all of whom were declared ineligible by the NCAA eligibility committee on the eve of the national tournament in Colorado Springs. CC would go on to defeat a shorthanded Michigan team in the championship game 13-6.

The hockey gods, obviously, were not amused.

David Carle Almost Made Comeback This Season

(above) David Carle talks to DU assistant Coach Derek Lalonde
"There were some nights that week where I'd talk to him until 2, 3 in the morning after games. He couldn't sleep. He felt like he was walking around with a ticking time bomb."
- Former DU star Matt Carle
by Mike Chambers

Carle recalls "messing around" on the ice before practice with DU assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Steve Miller. He had been cleared to skate as long as he wore a heart monitor and kept his heart rate under 160 beats per minute. If it climbed to 165, an alarm would warn him. On this day, Carle was wearing the watchlike device but his monitor wasn't on. Forty-five minutes after he was helped off the ice and while he was receiving treatment from trainer Aaron Leu, Carle said he turned it on. His heart rate was 180.

"He was obviously having arrhythmia. His heart wasn't functioning properly, but symptoms of a heart attack weren't coming into play," Leu said. "We were in communication with the doctors." (Read rest of article)


SCSU 3 - DU 2 FINAL

(above) Anthony Maiani against St. Cloud on Saturday night

St. Cloud State University upset the University of Denver 3-2 on Saturday night at Magness Arena. The Huskies led the entire game, but two Third Period goals by DU's Tyler Ruegsegger kept things exciting almost led to a thrilling comeback.

Goaltender Marc Cheverie suffered his first loss of the season. DU is only 2-4-1 on Saturday night games this season.

DU will play Colorado College next weekend in a home and home series. CC lost to UAA 3-2 in overtime on Friday night.
Box Score

LetsGoDU.com Game recap

Denver Post Game Recap


St. Cloud Times Game Recap

USCHO.com Game Recap


WCHA Standings

First Star: Ryan Lasch (St. Cloud State)
Second Star: Tony Mosey (St. Cloud State)
Third Star: Tyler Ruegsegger (Denver)


DU 5 - St. Cloud 3 FINAL

(above) DU's Kyle Ostrow gets twisted up along the boards by St. Cloud forward Tony Mosey

(above) DU's Freshmen forwards Shawn Ostrow (#26) & Drew Shore celebrate Chris Knowlton's first collegiate goal

DU Freshman Chris Knowlton scored his first career goal and Jesse Martin scored two goals to lead the University of Denver over a pesky St. Cloud State team 5-3 in Magness Arena tonight.

Freshman defenseman Matt Donovan scored what turned out to be the death blow by scoring on a breakaway to put DU up 5-3. Goaltender Marc Cheverie made several huge saves in the Third Period. Rhett Rakhshani also scored for DU.
Box Score

LetsGoDU.com Game Recap

Denver Post Game Recap

St. Cloud Times Game Recap


USCHO.com Game Recap

WCHA Standings

Denver Post: Nutini's Defensive Play Thrills DU

(above) When Chris Nutini is in the lineup, Chevy's GAA is 0.667

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

A goalie's best friend isn't always the crossbar or goalposts. Sometimes it's the unheralded defenseman who only cares about clearing the zone.

Junior Chris Nutini, a recruited walk-on from Centennial, is that kind of guy for University of Denver goalie Marc Cheverie.

"I love when he's out on the ice," Cheverie said of Nutini, who attended Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora before playing two seasons of junior-A for Wichita Falls of the North American Hockey League. "We have a lot of offensive D-men, but sometimes you really appreciate having the guys that are willing to stay back and sacrifice the points." (read rest of article)

Former DU Prospect's Stock Continues To Drop

(left) Former DU prospect Stepan Novotny was traded this week to another major junior team in Canada

Stepan Novotny signed a Letter of intent to attend the University of Denver, but instead chose to play major junior hockey in the WHL. The reason at the time appeared to be that he wasn't quite ready to play college hockey in 2008 and he needed a huge year in Kelowna (WHL) to be a high draft choice in the 2009 NHL Draft.

His stats in Kelowna were solid but not spectacular and Novotny went from being mentioned as a possible first or second round draft choice, to not being selected by any team. This week he was traded to the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL and this article details the trade.



Plenty Of Great Seats Available This Weekend

The Thanksgiving Holiday is causing a bloodbath at the DU Ticket office this weekend. Walkup sales are understandably slow, the students have gone home & many season ticket holders will leave town or head to the Mountains. Plenty of prime tickets are available as DU takes on St. Cloud State this Friday (7:30 PM) & Saturday (7:00 PM) at Magness Arena.

DU Hockey is a great entertainment option this Holiday weekend for your friends and family. Tickets are still available and start as low as $18. Get your tickets now via Ticketmaster or by calling 1-800-745-3000, or in person at the Ritchie Center Box Office. For more information or details call 303.871.GOAL.

Gwozdecky Weekly Press Conference


DU Receives Commitment From Tyler Pham

According to US Hockey Report (subscrption site) the University of Denver has received a commitment from 15 year-old Tyler Pham of Team Illinios. He is a Sophomore in high school and is scheduled to enroll at DU in the Fall of 2012.

Originally from Ft. Collins, Colorado, Pham's Mountain States Renegades won the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association state championship with a 2-1 double-overtime victory over Littleton in 2007. Pham scored the game winning goal. The team not only won the state title, but finished with a 30-5-3 overall record and won the Continental Divide Youth Hockey League championship.
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Pham is considered to be on the same level as some other high profile Colorado developed players including Tyler Ruegsegger and the Shore brothers. Ruegsegger made an immediate impact at DU and Drew Shore scored the game winning goal on Friday night against North Dakota.
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As Wisconsin, Colorado College & Michigan have found out, recruiting 15 year-olds can be fraught with danger. Some young recruits may not continue to progress, may switch their commitment to a different school or end up playing major junior hockey in Canada.
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DU has recruited Paul Phillips & Jason Zucker at a similar age and have yet to get burned, but its still probably more reliable to stock your recruiting classes with older more established recruits. However, landing highly touted American kids destined for the US Development Program, Pham falls between the median age group.
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Pham's ties to Colorado obviously made him too valuable to pass up.
2010 Recruiting Class
F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-18)
D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)
F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-18)
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2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
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2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Team Illinios)

Colborne & Chevy Garner WCHA Awards

(above) Chevy picks up more hardware

University of Denver sophomore forward Joe Colborne and junior goaltender Marc Cheverie were honored today by the Western Collegiate Hockey Association for their efforts in Denver's two-game sweep of North Dakota at Magness Arena.

Colborne was named Red Baron® WCHA co-Offensive Players of the Week with Minnesota State's Jerad Stewart, while Cheverie earned his second Red Baron® WCHA Defensive Player of the Week honor. (read rest of article)

Charges Dropped After UND Arena Fight

From: Grand Forks Herald
by Archie Ingersoll


Prosecutors have opted not to file criminal charges against an Oslo, Minn., man involved in an altercation outside the Ralph Engelstad Arena that left another man with a fractured skull, Grand Forks County Assistant State’s Attorney Nancy Yon said Monday. The incident occurred after a University of North Dakota hockey game.

“When I look at the evidence, all I can say is that I think there’s not evidence for me to proceed with criminal charges,” Yon said.

After the Oct. 16 UND-Minnesota men’s hockey game, Peter Chwialkowski, 28, was arrested at the scene of the scuffle on suspicion he punched 34-year-old Jason Smith, who hit his head on the ground, suffering injuries to his skull that required the insertion of plates and 65 screws.

Explaining why the state’s attorney’s office did not announce a decision on whether to file charges until Monday, Yon said prosecutors had the time-consuming task of sorting through statements from about 20 people who witnessed the fight. Prosecutors also had to wait to receive word on Smith’s medical condition, get his medical records and determine if he could be interviewed, she said.

Yon said that because of Smith’s medical treatments, investigators were not able to interview him. She said Chwialkowski, the sole person prosecutors considered charging in the incident, cooperated with several interviews.

Yon said that, at this point, unless new evidence is revealed, the case is closed. (read rest of article)

DU Students Upset With Athletic Department

Several DU students are upset with policies handed down from the University of Denver Athletic Department this year. They started a Facebook Page to voice their displeasure.

They are not happy with the game day ticket price of $18 for students and that student season tickets did not include the North Dakota series.

We'd add playing the Colorado College games over DU's Winter Break is asinine. The CC games have been hijacked from the students.

Denver Post: Chevy Is On Record Pace

(above) Chevy's quick start is catching media attention

by Mike Chambers
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Three of the University of Denver's greatest goalies played for the Pioneers this decade. However, the guy who will complete the fabulous 10-year stretch might ultimately be considered the best of the best.

Junior Marc Cheverie, who leads the NCAA in every major statistical goaltending category, is on pace to rewrite the program's single-season and career goals-against average and save-percentage records.

Cheverie's 1.19 GAA this season has lowered his career number to 2.15, ahead of the record of 2.20 shared by Wade Dubielewicz (1999-2003) and George Kirkwood (1959-61). On the strength of his .961 save percentage this season, Cheverie has a career percentage of .927, higher than Dubielewicz's record of .923. (read rest of article)

Carle Brothers Reunite In Denver Last Night

(above) DU alums Paul Stastny (#26) & Matt Carle (#25) battle for the puck last night in the Pepsi Center. Avs won 5-4.


by Frank Seravalli

For the first time in almost a year-and-a-half, both Matt Carle and his brother David have had a chance to settle down.


At the end of last season, we wrote about the Carle brothers' relationship. David, a rising star in his own right, was about to follow his brother as an NHL draft pick when doctors noticed an irregularity in his tests at the NHL combine in Toronto.

David was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart wall that can lead to sudden death during exercise; he was forced to quit hockey immediately. You can read more about his story at http://go.philly.com/carle.

Yesterday, the Daily News caught up with both Carles to find out how things are going. David, a sophomore at the University of Denver - the same school where Matt won hockey's Heisman, the Hobey Baker award - is a student assistant coach.

"Nothing has really changed for me, except for the fact that I'm more comfortable in my role," David Carle said. "I have been restricted from heavy exercise since Day 1, so it is frustrating, but I still get a chance to mess around on the ice every day with the team."

His brother, Matt, also has settled down. After two trades in 6 months last season, he leads the NHL in plus/minus for the Flyers. Entering last night, Carle had 14 points in 20 games.

Hailing all the way from Anchorage, Alaska, the Carles were able to spend the summer together in Minnesota. Matt and his fiancee bought a house in Minnetonka and David spent the summer with a buddy in nearby Maple Grove.

"We golfed every week," Matt Carle said. "It was great. We spent a lot of time together."

The two ate lunch together in Denver on Sunday and David attended last night's game.

Matt has been able to act as both role model and older brother for David.

"It was a different thing for him to do [to stay at Denver and coach]," Matt said. "He's learned a lot about the game from a different perspective.

"When I talk to him, it's more about being a student and enjoying college. He seems like he's having a good time. I had a blast in college; it's a great time to grow up. He needs to be able to do that, too."

David has enjoyed following in Matt's footsteps, even if it doesn't include playing for Denver's hockey program.

"He's been able to pass down some of his experiences," David said. "It's pretty cool walking where he used to walk. He is one of the huge reasons why I got to where I did."

In turn, David hasn't been surprised by Matt's climb to the top.

"He has always been an elite player," David said. "He learned some tough lessons. All summer he was excited to get back to playing and proving he belonged. The big part is that he is finally in a place where he is comfortable playing."

And now David has found that same spot.

Boone Hits The Birthday Party Circuit

(above) Boone was invited to Madeleine's 4th Birthday Party last weekend

What's more fun than sweeping the North Dakota hockey team at Magness Arena? Well nothing. But Madeleine's birthday party with lots of kids and a "Boone Cake" comes close.

Madeleine's parents and grandparents attended DU and it looks like she will continue the tradition as well.

Carle Will Lead Flyers Against Avs Tonight

(above) DU alum Matt Carle will play at the Pepsi Center tonight against the Avs

From: Denver Post
by Terry Frei

Since Matt Carle won the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA's top hockey player in 2006 and departed the University of Denver program after his junior season, the young defenseman has played for three NHL teams — San Jose, Tampa Bay and Philadelphia — and been traded twice.

It has been a reminder that while none of his classes at DU's Daniels School of Business used the NHL as a case study, his chosen line of work is a business too. (read rest of article)

Photo Gallery From North Dakota Series

(above) DU players celebrate the sweep of North Dakota

Video Clip: North Dakota's Disallowed Goal

Post's Mark Kiszla Profiles The Denver Pioneers

In a city that has witnessed Super Bowl parades, sipped from the Stanley Cup and never stops dreaming of championships, the team with the best chance of winning it all this year, and every year, is the Denver Pioneers.

When the Pioneers beat North Dakota 3-2 Saturday night in a hockey game that turned nervous stomachs every which way but loose, the unmistakable roar that went up from the crowd of 6,030 spectators in the arena was the noise of people who believe they might be seeing the start of something big. (read rest of article)

DU 3 - UND 2 FINAL

(above) Joe Colborne & Rhett Rakhshani celebrate a power play goal in the 2nd Period
"I thought we took two or three poor penalties (because) of lack of composure. The whole 2nd Period was the turning point of the hockey game."

-North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol

The University of Denver won an unbelievable game tonight in Magness Arena. The scoreboard read 3-2, but a disallowed goal by North Dakota that was ruled "kicked in" by the replay officials with 43 seconds left sealed the victory.

All five goals by both teams were scored on the Power Play. Patrick Wiercioch returned to action for DU and he made his limited time on the power play unit pay off handsomely.

DU trailed 2-0 after the first period, but three second period goals in less than eight minutes was the difference.

DU 1 - UND 0 Final

(above) North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol gets "Booned" during the 2nd period on the FCS-Rocky Mountain broadcast

There's nothing wrong with the Chevy. Marc Cheverie recorded his fourth shutout of the season in just his sixth start as the University of Denver defeated North Dakota 1-0.

Drew Shore scored the game winner in the second period on a beautiful pass from Joe Colborne.
Box Score

LetsGoDU Game Recap


Denver Post Game Recap


Grand Forks Herald Game Recap


(above) UND's über-punk Brett Hextall tumbles over Matt Donovan on Friday night

DU 1 - North Dakota 0 FINAL.... Go DU .... Arrive Early & Be LOUD .... Beat The Sioux

Follow Live @ www.duClarion.com

UND

22 Brad Malone--29 Chris VandeVelde--18 David Toews
17 Jason Gregoire--19 Evan Trupp--26 Brett Hextall
9 Mario Lamoureux--11 Darcy Zajac--27 Carter Rowney
8 Mike Cichy--10 Corban Knight--7 Danny Kristo

3 Derrick LaPoint--25 Jake Marto
24 Ben Blood--20 Joe Gleason
2 Andrew MacWilliam--4 Corey Fienhage

31 Brad Eidsness
32 Aaron Dell

DU

9 Rhett Rakhshani--12 Joe Colborne--19 Kyle Ostrow
16 Anthony Maiani--15 Tyler Ruegsegger--14 Jesse Martin
17 Matt Glasser--22 Brian Gifford--27 Brandon Vossberg
26 Shawn Ostrow--23 Drew Shore--37 Nate Dewhurst

24 John Ryder--21 William Wrenn
4 Matt Donovan--6 Chris Nutini
7 Paul Phillips--5 John Lee

1 Marc Cheverie
33 Adam Murray
35 Lars Paulgaard

DU vs. UND - "We Hate Them & They Hate Us"

"We hate them, and they hate us."
-Brandon Vossberg
Chambers (Denver Post) pregame article plays up the "Hatfields vs. McCoys" angle of the rivalry while Schlossman (GF Herald) takes the high road and talks about both programs maintaining a level of excellence in uncertain times for college hockey programs.
Denver Post Game Preview

Grand Forks Herald Game Preview

Jason Zucker Signs Letter Of Intent With DU

(above) Jason Zucker will play for DU next season

From: DenverPioneers.com

Jason Zucker committed to the University of Denver in April, 2008 but he formalized the commitment by signing a National Letter of Intent this week. Zucker committed to DU when he was just 16 years-old and was one of the youngest players ever recruited by Coach Gwozdecky.

Zucker is considered to be a potential first or second round draft choice in the NHL Draft next summer.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Zucker played in 64 games for the U.S. National Under-17 and Under-18 Teams last season. Zucker tallied 19-11=40 in 48 games for the Under-18 Team and 2-6=8 for the Under-17 Team. He helped Team USA to the gold medal at the 2009 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Fargo, N.D., and Moorhead, Minn.

"We are excited to add a highly-competitive forward in Jason Zucker to our program," Gwozdecky said. "He's also very skilled and is a great skater. Jason is also willing to make the unselfish play for his team."

Zucker has netted 8-6=14 in 20 games for the US National Under-18 Team this season. In addition to playing against collegiate teams, the Under-18 Team is competing in the United States Hockey League this season as well.
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)

LetsGoDU Orders A "Boone-Out" Against UND

UND's Top Defenseman "Out Indefinitely"

(left) UND's Chay Genoway is one of the top defensemen in the WCHA

From: Grand Forks Herald

by Brad Schlossman


The University of North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol said Wednesday that there were no new updates on reigning Western Collegiate Hockey Association defensive player of the year Chay Genoway, who was injured during last Friday’s game against St. Cloud State.

Genoway appeared to suffer an upper-body injury when he was checked from behind into the boards and was listed as “out indefinitely,” by Hakstol after the game.

“There’s nothing different from Friday night, there’s nothing more to go on,” Hakstol said. “I don’t mean to be difficult, but that’s the simple fact. That’s where we’re at.”

The injury to Genoway has landed UND defenseman Corey Fienhage in the lineup. Fienhage was a healthy scratch at the start of the season, but the Sioux are expecting him to show continued progress. Fienhage is the team’s highest-drafted defenseman (third round).

A Few Tickets Remain For UND Series

According to Ticketmaster a few extra tickets for the DU-UND Series have come on-line. Additional tickets may become available on game day as well.

Attend Hoops Games & Get Free Hockey Ticket

University of Denver students who attend both the women's basketball game on Wed., Nov. 18 and the men's game on Thurs., Nov. 19 will be eligible to win a FREE Denver hockey ticket against North Dakota this Friday or Saturday night. Both basketball games start at 7 p.m., and a total of 100 hockey tickets will be given away.

The Border Bar Near DU "For Sale"

Looking for a little excitement in your life? Have we got a deal for you. Buy the world famous Border Restaurant & Bar near DU for pennies on the dollar. (Read the entire article in DU Today.com)

The 30-day suspension for a liquor law violation that closed The Border Restaurant and Lounge expires Nov. 18, but the business’ owner is hoping the familiar watering hole near DU doesn’t have to reopen.

The goal is to sell the business, says listing agent Shawn Sanborn of Sanborn & Co., which specializes in restaurants, hotels, bars and liquor stores.

Border owner REM Capital Corp. of Parker, Colo., is seeking $195,000 for the bar and kitchen equipment in its 3,886-square-foot location at 2014 S. University Blvd. The business is tucked into the elbow of a 1960s-era wing of businesses that include Subway, Jason’s Thai and Floyd’s Barbershop.

REM’s decision to sell is part of a formal agreement the corporation reached with the city and county of Denver. It came after The Border was accused of selling alcohol to an underage individual during an undercover police operation in July, according to Assistant City Attorney John Poley (JD ’85). It was The Border’s fourth violation since Feb. 12, 2006, Poley says.

“Every graduate and undergraduate who ever thought he wanted to be in the bar business is calling me,” Sanborn says. “On a slow day, I get from three to six or eight calls from students.”

Sanborn says REM has a “good long-term lease” to go with its equipment, a location in “one of the best bar and restaurant markets in Denver,” and a hotel-restaurant-class-dance-cabaret liquor license that is “difficult to get” and transferrable.

DU vs. UND Official Promotional Video


Rhett Rakhshani fires up Pioneer Nation and promotes "Coach Gwozdecky March"

Coach Gwozdecky's March


In 1957 Bridge Over The River Kwai won the Academy Award for Best Picture

Denver Post: DU Injury Update & Report

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has the latest updates on Marc Cheverie and Patrick Wiercioch. We also learned that DU freshman defenseman Matt Donovan broke his middle finger against Minnesota State and missed practice last week.

Hakstol Tells UND Students To Drop The "F-Bombs"

(above) Dave "The Bird" Hakstol flipping off WCHA referee Don Adam back in his younger days in 2008

From: Grand Forks Herald
by Ryan Bakken

University of North Dakota Coach Dave "the Bird" Hakstol said "knock off the dirty language" at a UND student forum last week. The Hakstol Glare can melt granite and he's even been known to shoot "the bird" at WCHA referees. But those day are apparently now over and a kinder gentler Bird is flying in a new direction.

"Sportsmanship" is the new buzzword around Grand Forks due to a fan almost losing his life in a parking lot altercation after a Fighting Sioux hockey game earlier in the season.

Having Dave Hakstol teach the kids about sportsmanship is like having Michael Jackson teaching at a daycare center, but hey, even Bill Belichick makes mistakes.

“He definitely commanded the room,” said UND student Austin Dhuyvetter, who attended the Forum. “He opened my eyes.”

The eye-opening wasn’t about its naughtiness but its bottom line. “Our games are now on the Fox Network, and the chants can be heard on the TV,” Dhuyvetter said. “If the games are no longer on TV, we won’t get the top recruits. And if we don’t get the top recruits, our team won’t be as good.”

Junior Samantha Dhuyvetter, Austin’s sister, agreed. “When Hakstol says it’s disrespectful, we need to tone it down. He’s a big guy in our university, and everyone respects him."

The Dhuyvetter siblings combined to produce the night’s best sign, which had defenseman Chay Genoway’s head pasted atop Superman’s body, with the words, “Up, up and Genoway.”

100 FREE Student Tix for Saturday Night

So for some odd reason ($$$), the University of Denver did not include this weekend's huge rivalry games against the University of North Dakota in the Student Season Ticket Package.

The Crimson Creatures student organization ponied up $500 to give away 100 FREE Tickets for Saturday night. The first 100 students who arrive at the Ritchie Center Box Office starting at Noon MST Monday will get the FREE tickets! Students will still be able to purchase $5 tix to Friday & Saturday's games until Thursday at 5 PM.

DU is hosting Fall Quarter Finals this weekend.

Denver Post Profiles Rhett Rakhshani

(above) DU's Rhett Rakhshani is Captain of the Pioneers

If DU is going to defeat North Dakota this weekend, Rhett Rakhshani will play a large role. Rakhshani is a college hockey player of Iranian descent, with football playing relatives and was born in California. Oh yeah, he might just win the Hobey Baker Award and lead DU to the National Championship this season. Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has all the details.

William Wrenn Interviewed By San Jose Blog

(above) Fear The Fin blog in San Jose interviewed DU defenseman William Wrenn

From: Fear The Fin Blog

Fear The Fin: Growing up in Alaska, did you play a lot of outdoor hockey, or was more of an emphasis placed on the indoor rinks?

William Wrenn: When I was a kid we would have practice outside every once in a while. When I left for LA my freshman year my Dad built a rink in our backyard, so I'd come home from school every day and do my homework and then skate until dinner, and sometimes we'd even go back out there again at night. I skated outside a lot, actually.

Fear The Fin: You mentioned your dad. Some players say their biggest influence was their parents-- others say a specific coach, or the competition amongst their peers. Who was your biggest influence and why?

William Wrenn: I'd probably say my dad, because he always supported me no matter what I wanted to do. He doesn't know very much about hockey as I'm the only person in my family so far with any kind of a hockey background. Seeing the time that he would put into the outdoor rink, he'd be out there hours trying to build it and get the ice ready, I really looked up to that and I took advantage of the fact that he worked so hard on it. I try to make him proud.

Fear The Fin: Like you said earlier, you moved to Los Angeles at the age of 14 to play for the Los Angeles Selects. What were the reasons behind this?

William Wrenn: High school hockey in Alaska was slowly starting to go downhill, and kids were leaving at an earlier age. I came up with the opportunity, and every kid always wonders what LA is like, especially being from Alaska. I figured I'd give it a shot, and of course it was a great program and we were going to have a really good team. It wasn't that hard of a decision, the only hard part was having to leaving my family and friends. I knew that they'd still be there for me whenever though.

Fear The Fin:Many projected you to be selected in the third to fifth round of the NHL draft, but you were taken by the San Jose Sharks 43rd overall. Did you know that the Sharks were interested in you? Why do think you were drafted so early?

William Wrenn: I think that my playing style might fit the team and they liked what they saw and what I could become in the future. I really had no idea where I would be drafted. At the combine, my interview with the Sharks was actually, what I thought, one of my worst ones. They drilled me with my flaws and then asked me some tough questions about my skating and my style of play. I really had no idea that they were going to be the team that drafted me.

Fear The Fin: Do you remember what any of those questions were?

William Wrenn: Things like, "You're not the best skater, how do you think you're going to make it in the NHL?". Stuff like that, what they thought I could improve on, and if I thought I was good enough to to make it eventually. They picked apart my game. Other interviews were more generic, they didn't really point out any flaws or anything that I really struggled with. I didn't think it went that well, but obviously they really liked me.

Fear The Fin:Since being drafted by the Sharks, what have they asked you to improve on?

William Wrenn: Skating. Skating was a big part. They think my skating can be a little bit better. You can always become faster, especially with the game and how it is today. They definitely emphasized that I really need to keep working on my skating and not give up on that.

Fear The Fin:A few weeks ago, you played the University of Minnesota, a team that features fellow Sharks prospect Patrick White. Do you ever think about the fact that the players in your league could be your eventual teammate in the AHL or NHL?

William Wrenn: Not really. I guess I don't look too much into that because I'm focused on our team and what we can do. We're a team with really high expectations, so I'm really worried about that right now (laughs).

Fear The Fin: What's the biggest difference between the college game and the junior game? What was the hardest part about making that transition?

William Wrenn: It's definitely faster. You don't have nearly as much time to make decisions with the puck and you have to get stronger. A lot stronger than you have to be in juniors. You have to be prepared to play every night, you can't take a night off, you have to be ready to go at any point in the game.

Fear The Fin: You captained the US Under-18 team to a 2009 World Championship gold medal in your second year in the National Team Development Program. What was that experience like for you? Do you see yourself being a leader throughout your career?

William Wrenn: I've always prided myself on being a leader. I'm not the most vocal guy but I try really hard and try to lead by example. My experience with that was unbelievable, I loved every part of it. My friends that I got with that team, I'll always be really good friends with them. The road that we took and how hard it was, that was great. I really enjoyed it.

Fear The Fin: What have you been working on this year to improve that?

William Wrenn: Again, skating. They gave me some drills so that I could be faster with the puck if I want to rush up into the play or follow the play up. I'll also go out before practice and work on my shot. I'm also just concentrating when I'm out on the power play to make the right decisions and make good plays.

Fear The Fin: Do you see yourself as a power play defenseman going forward?

William Wrenn: I think it's a definite possibility. If I don't, that's fine. Whatever team I end up on or wherever I'm at, it's whatever that team needs to make them the best that they can be. Wherever they need me.

Fear The Fin: Favorite thing to do in Denver.

William Wrenn: Hang out with the boys from the team.

Fear The Fin: Will we see the Pioneers in the Frozen Four?

William Wrenn: Oh, man... yes (laughs). Tough question, but I'm not gonna say no (laughs). Yeah. Potentially, yes.

Fear The Fin: Thanks so much for speaking with us, Will. When is your next game?

William Wrenn: Next weekend against North Dakota.

Fear The Fin: How are you preparing for that? How do they look?

William Wrenn: They're good, hard hard practices this week. We have an off weekend this weekend this weekend so practices have been real tough. Just getting prepared for them.

Puck Daddy's College Coverage Features LetsGoDU

(above) Puck Daddy on Yahoo is considered to be one of the best hockey websites

When Puck Daddy was putting together its feature on the five best college hockey traditions they mentioned the Denver Cup as one of the best regular season tournaments. They also featured one of our most avid young fans in their feature (photo left).

Finally, they asked LetsGoDU five questions about the DU hockey team. We were only too happy to oblige.

Marc Cheverie Wallpaper

(above) Will he be ready next weekend?

North Dakota Series Almost Sold Out

According to Ticketmaster only individual seats remain for the DU-UND Series on Nov. 20-21. Additional tickets may become available if the student allotment is not sold out.

North Dakota: Least Visited State Video

Chambers Blog Has Latest DU Injury Updates

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has the latest injury updates on Marc Cheverie and Patrick Wiercioch. He spoke to both players about their injuries and when they expect to return to practice. Needless to say with a bye week this weekend, the North Dakota series is on everyone's mind.

UND Adopts "Code Of Conduct" For Its Fans


LetsGoDU
called for improvements in fan safety at Ralph Engelstad Arena two weeks ago and the arena management and administration came through with a comprehensive plan that was unveiled today. UND & Ralph Engelstad Arena have laid the groundwork.

Now its time for the other nine WCHA Arenas (including DU) to follow suit. Sportsmanship is important and the WCHA needs to adopt or exceed the NCAA policy guidelines.
  • Abusive language or disorderly conduct is unacceptable and unwelcome. Profanity, racial or sexist comments or intimidating actions directed at the student-athletes, coaches or officials will not be tolerated.
  • Fans shall not interfere unduly with anyone else's right and opportunity to enjoy the event.
  • Fans shall refrain from throwing objects and/or possessing prohibited items.
  • Fans who consume alcoholic beverages shall do so in a responsible manner. Intervention with an intoxicated or underage guest will be handled in a prompt and safe manner. Fans appearing intoxicated will be denied entry and/or subject to ejection.
  • Offensive or obscene messages on signs or clothing will not be permitted.
  • Fans will be courteous to visiting teams and guests. We will cheer for the Sioux, not against our opponents.
  • Fans shall comply with the directions and instructions of Ralph Engelstad Arena staff regarding Arena operations and emergency response procedures.
  • Season ticket holders are responsible for their conduct as well as the conduct of their guests and/or persons occupying their seats.

NHL.com Profiles Marc Cheverie & His Injury

(above) Marc Cheverie is recovering from a skate inflicted wound
"I got to play with Marc over the summer and yeah, he's a really good goalie," Pittsburgh Penguins captain and fellow Cole Harbour native Sidney Crosby told NHL.com recently. "He's a great kid and I think he's got a bright future."
University of Denver goaltender Marc Cheverie is off to an outstanding start this season, with a 4-0-0 record, 1.27 goals-against average, .959 save percentage and three shutouts. He is the national leader in wins, GAA and save percentage, and is a surprise early-season Hobey Baker candidate. Headed into this weekend's action, he and the Pioneers were ranked No. 3 in the NHL.com Top 10 Poll and sat in a three-way tie atop the WCHA, with archrival Colorado College and North Dakota.

Instead of getting ready to help his team try and take over first place in the WCHA with a two-game set against the Fighting Sioux, however, Cheverie is at home nursing what thankfully wasn't a career-ending injury. (read rest of article)

UMD Student Section Lands On Bad Boyz Team

(left) College hockey's rouge student section has been busted dropping "F bombs" and anti-homosexual slurs

From: Duluth News Tribune
by Jana Hollingsworth

A repeat of student fan behavior that included bigoted and offensive chants during a University of Minnesota Duluth men’s hockey game will result in removal from the game and possible revocation of season tickets, UMD officials say.

A group of fans in the UMD student section at the Oct. 17 game against Minnesota State Mankato were heard across the arena shouting a chant that included an anti-homosexual slur ("F******") and another chant that included a vulgar insult ("F***") during the game.

“I couldn’t believe that I heard it,” said Alyssa Longley, a UMD freshman who attended the game with her parents. “There’s not one person that couldn’t have heard it.”

Longley was seated across the arena from where the chants originated.

“Group mentality took over; they ended up portraying UMD as a vulgar and clearly not open-minded place to be, where I feel very comfortable on this campus being a lesbian,” Longley said. “I am treated really, really well here. They didn’t show that … at that instance.”

Longley’s mother, Kathy Longley, sent an e-mail to several UMD administrators complaining of the incident, but a response from UMD was already in motion, athletic director Bob Nielson said.

He arrived at the game toward its end and heard part of the final chant.

“It caught me: ‘Are they saying what I think they’re saying? If they are, that’s an issue,’ ” he said.

A written apology was sent to Kathy Longley, and an e-mail from Nielson went out to UMD student season ticket-holders, who make up the majority of students attending the men’s games, Nielson said.

The e-mail warns students that those who violate Western Collegiate Hockey Association, National Collegiate Athletics Association and university policies regarding fan behavior — including racist and sexist language and profanity — won’t be tolerated. Violators — and possibly the entire fan section — will be removed from the game and they could have their season tickets revoked, Nielson said. The student chants at the Mankato game were cited.

Police who staff the games will be more attentive to the student section, said Bill Wade, vice chancellor for university relations and development, who oversees athletics.

No one has admitted to starting the chant, Nielson said, but a meeting was held with several student season ticket-holders to talk about the behavior and what students can do at games to prevent it.

Wade said this is the third incident related to offensive chants in the 12 years he’s been in his position. This controversy has been been brewing for several weeks according to the umd Penalty Box.com Message Board.

“It’s not a frequent occasion, but a serious one,” he said. “It bowled me over.”

About 450 UMD students have season tickets to the UMD men’s hockey games.