News & Notes From Around PioNation

Two 15 year-old goaltenders may be on DU's radar. Goaltender Billy Wager plays for the Pittsburgh Hornets Under-16 team and is looking at a dozen Division I teams, including Denver.
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Also 15 year-old goaltender Eric Comrie, the younger half-brother to former Pioneer star forward Paul Comrie is playing for the Los Angeles Selects. However, Comrie was drafted in the first round of the OHL Draft yesterday, so it looks like he will be playing Major Juniors. in Canada rather than play college hockey. The other Comrie brother, Mike, who went to Michigan and plays for the Edmonton Oilers, is engaged to Hilary Duff.
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College Hockey News' Adam Wodon has an article about Coach Gwozdecky using Ohio State as leverage for a new contract at DU. Not much new info is in the article, as it looks like he couldn't get any of the participants to go on the record.
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Former Pioneer Kevin Dineen is a candidate for the head coaching job with the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets. Its a pretty good article.

Drunk Notre Dame Hockey Player Grabs Cops Taser

(left) Notre Dame's Kyle Palmieri, don't Taze me Bro

From: South Bend Tribune

Two members of the Notre Dame hockey team were arrested Sunday, including one who has been charged with resisting arrest.

According to police reports, 19-year-old Kyle Palmieri and 18-year-old Riley Sheahan were arrested after a police officer saw the pair, and a third person, standing in the bed of a moving pickup truck about 2:30 a.m. at the corner of Washington and Notre Dame Avenue.

Police say Palmieri attempted to run away from an officer, which led to a struggle between the two that included the freshman hockey player grabbing at the officer’s Taser. Police said a test showed he had a 0.10 percent blood-alcohol level. He has been charged with two counts of resisting arrest and minor consumption.

Police said that Sheahan, who was also in the back of the truck, also tested positive for alcohol, showing a 0.12 percent blood-alcohol level. The freshman center has been charged with public intoxication and minor consumption.

Donovan & Zucker's Under-20 USA Jersey Auction

(above) Jason Zucker's Team USA Jersey

(above) Matt Donovan's team USA Jersey

You can buy a piece of hockey history as incoming DU Freshman Jason Zucker and DU Freshman of the Year Matt Donovan's jerseys are for sale on NHL Auctions Hockey.com.

BC Hockey Players Cheap Shot Trolley-Part II



DU Lax Game At Invesco Will Decide NCAA Bid

(left) DU coach Bill Tierney has led DU to an undefeated season in conference games in his first season at the helm of the DU lacrosse program

From: DU Clarion

by Joe Kendall


The Pioneer men’s lacrosse team will play for the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship against No. 6 Loyola on Sunday at Invesco Field at Mile High home of the Denver Broncos.

The Loyola game is shaping up to be the most important game in the history of Denver lacrosse. The stakes are clear, win and go to the NCAA tournament, or lose and try again next year.

No. 16 Denver enters the pivotal matchup winners of their last seven games, including last Saturday’s 9-8 nail bitter against No. 17 ranked Fairfield. The Pioneers came from behind, as sophomore Mark Matthews notched the game-winning goal (read rest of article).

2 DU Recruits Will Faceoff In USHL Championship

(above) DU recruit Garrett Allen is a Senior in high school

On Friday the Fargo Force and the Green Bay Gamblers will begin a best of five game series for the USHL Championship. Fargo features 2011 DU recruit Garrett Allen, nephew of Olympic speedskater Bonnie Blair. Green Bay is led by DU recruit and USHL Defenseman of the Year David Makowski. Makowski will be a Freshman at DU next season.

The World of Junior Hockey Blog features a preview of the USHL Championship Series.

McKeen's the college hockey recruiting website features an in-depth Question & Answer session with Garrett Allen. Allen is eligible for the 2010 NHL Draft, but has been flying under the radar despite being one of the leading scorers in the USHL in his rookie season. Allen talks about his speed skating background helping his hockey development.

BC Hockey Players Hit Trolley, Hide Booze, Run

From: USCHO.com

Three Boston College hockey players were among those charged after an automobile collided with a trolley, according to reports.

Goaltender Parker Milner and defenseman Philip Samuelsson and Patrick Wey face charges of being a minor in possession of alcohol following the crash, TheBostonChannel.com reported. The three were reported to be among seven in a Jeep Cherokee near midnight Saturday in Brighton, Mass. A trolley operator reported that the car’s driver, 19-year-old Jane Stanton, pulled in front of the trolley and tried to make a U-turn, causing the collision, the website reported.

The trolley operator told police that three of the Jeep’s occupants, including Milner, threw away what looked like alcohol containers before fleeing the scene, according to TheBostonChannel.com. The accident took place at the intersection of South and Commonwealth Ave (read rest of article).

News & Notes From Around PioNation

One can't help but notice that while Coach Gwozdecky is trying to renegotiate his current contract with DU, his two proteges signed contract extensions with their respective schools. Enrico Blasi at Miami University and Seth Appert at RPI. And one of Enrico's assistants at Miami just named the head coach at Western Michigan. The family tree is growing.
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More post season honors for DU skiers. Senior Nordic skier Antje Maempel, and sophomore alpine skiers Leif Kristian Haugen and Lindsay Cone were named Collegiate Skiers of the Year by Ski Racing magazine. DU skiers swept three of the four awards. Maempel, who won the NCAA individual titles in both the classical and freestyle races for the second consecutive year, was named Women’s Nordic Collegiate Skier of the Year. Haugen, who won the 2010 NCAA individual title in men’s giant slalom, was named Men's Collegiate Alpine Skier of the Year. Haugen represented Norway at the Vancouver Olympic Games, finishing 28th in giant slalom. Cone won the Women's Collegiate Skier of the Year award after finishing second in both slalom and giant slalom at the NCAA Championships, earning All-American First Team honors in both events.
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Goaltender Marc Cheverie earned his second consecutive Most Valuable Player honor, while senior captain Rhett Rakhshani was named Most Inspirational Player as the University of Denver celebrated its 54th Annual Hockey Awards Evening at the Cable Center. Matt Donovan earned the Barry Sharp Memorial Award as top freshman, while Nate Dewhurst and Chris Nutini shared the Murray Armstrong Award as most improved players. Matt Glasser earned the Dr. Ken Bredesen Award for sportsmanship and shared the Dr. Art Mason Award for top scholar-athlete with Tyler Ruegsegger. Barandon Vossberg earned the Bob Martin Memorial Award for community service for the fourth consecutive season.

DU Recruit Dakota Mermis Wins High School Award

(above) 2012 DU recruit Dakota Mermis is considered to be one of the top 16 year-old hockey players in the country

From: The Telegraph.com
by Pete Hayes

When it came to leadership, the Alton High School Redbirds (Alton, Illinois) couldn't miss this season. In was trouble for AHS opponents when Dakota Mermis was on the ice.

Mermis, a sophomore, shared Telegraph Player of the Year honors for the 2009-2010 season with teammate Nick Edwards. Mermis has developed into one of the top players in the Midwest and was recently selected for the U.S. Under-17 National Team.

In addition to playing for the Redbirds, high-level club hockey has become a big part of his lives as well.

The Redbirds finished 11-4 and in second place in the Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association's North Division behind champion Edwardsville. The Redbirds edged rival Granite City by a half-game in the final regular season standings, something in which Mermis and Edwards took pride.

For Mermis, sharing this year's Player of the Year award with Edwards has special significance. His older brother, Jarrod Mermis, is a former Player of the Year and recently received a scholarship to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Denver, one of the top hockey schools in the nation. Dakota will follow Jarrod, he recently announced. He has made a verbal commitment to play there in two years.

"We'll get to play together two seasons," Dakota said. "That's something I'm looking forward to."

"We had a really good group of players," Mermis said. "It's really neat at school, too. A lot of the kids support the hockey team" (read entire article).

USHR Says Gwozdecky Was OSU Candidate

Hockey to Basketball Time-Lapse from DU Clarion on Vimeo.

(above) DU spends over $500,000 per year to convert Magness from hockey to basketball 120 times each season

The respected subscription hockey website U.S. Hockey Report mentioned in an article yesterday that University of Denver hockey Coach George Gwozdecky was a candidate for the vacant Ohio State head coaching job, but an agreement could not be reached. Ohio State announced the hiring of University of Wisconsin assistant coach Mark Osiecki on Saturday.
"The three finalists were Wisconsin assistamt Mark Osiecki, Boston College associate head coach Mike Cavanaugh, and Denver head coach George Gwozdecky. We're getting two different reports on Gwozdecky's not being hired, one indicating his price tag was too high -- even for OSU -- and the other saying that he slept on it, and decided to stick with Denver. More likely, it was some combination of the two. And, of course, there could well be reasons we may never know of."
- US Hockey Report
Last Monday, Coach Gwozdecky told the Denver Post's Mike Chambers, he was assisting Ohio State in their coaching search. On Wednesday unconfirmed reports cited that Gwozdecky was in Columbus to "interview," not consult for the Ohio State job.
“They have called me to consult, just like other programs in the past, to say ‘Hey, what do you think of this guy, can you recommend anybody?’” Gwozdecky said. “They sat down with me at the Frozen Four to ask me who are the best guys in your league, things like that. So that’s where that’s at.”

Asked if he has any interest in the Buckeyes’ job, Gwozdecky said. “No.”
- Denver Post
These conflicting reports raise troubling red flags for the University of Denver hockey program. Coach Gozdecky has been trying to renegotiate his current contract since at least February. The "contract talks," if there ever where any, appear to have stalled.

Its possible that Chancellor Coombe doesn't want to renegotiate Gwozdecky's contract, while Sodexo employees at DU toil below the poverty line or perhaps DU has used all its Athletic Department funds on the Grand Basketball Experiment that is Joe Scott. Either way, this better be a wake-up call for the University of Denver Athletic Department.

USA 3 - Sweden 1 FINAL

(above) Jason Zucker holds the trophy

(above) Jason Zucker delivers a big hit on a Swedish player

(above) Justin Faulk & DU recruit Nick Shore celebrate USA's 3rd goal against Sweden

From: iihf.com

MINSK – USA successfully defended its title at the World U18 Championship with a 3-1 win against Sweden. The gold is the American’s fifth at the U18 level and brings their total medal haul to eight at the annual event. Sweden’s silver medal matched its best finish at U18s, which it earned once, in 1999.

Today’s win avenged the only U.S. loss of this year’s tournament, a 4-2 defeat in the preliminary round. Since 2002, the Americans have missed the podium at U18s only once, in 2003 when they took fourth place.

The game was played in the 15,000-seat Minsk Arena. It was the only game of the event that was played at the newly-opened, state-of-the art building and more than 10,000 fans came for the final.

The Americans came out fired up in the first period and quickly took the 1-0 lead when Luke Moffatt scored a clean shot from the slot 2:10 into action. The Americans pressured the Swedish net after the goal, but Johan Gustafsson stood his ground through the storm.

The momentum took a massive turn when Austin Watson was given a five minute penalty and a game misconduct for a brutal hit on Sweden’s Herni Snall. Snall had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher, likely suffering a concussion. The U.S. was forced to buckle down and chance to defense mode, and ultimately killed the lengthy penalty while getting nearly as many shots as the Swedes during the man advantage.

Midway through the second period, the Americans extended their lead to 2-0. Justin Faulk flipped in the puck after DU recruit Nick Shore fed him the puck as he streaked in front of the goal. The Americans continued to pressure the Swedish net and climbed ahead 3-0, just 14 seconds into a power-play late in the second. Rocco Grimaldi scored on the rebound, putting the U.S. in pole position heading into the break.

Sweden got renewed life in the third period when Ludvig Rensfeldt put in a shot from the face-off circle to make it a 3-1 affair 6:54 into the third frame. But despite their best play of the game after the goal, the comeback went no further as the U.S. hung on for the 3-1 win.

Zucker & Campbell Make History - Jason Zucker and Jack Campbell did something that no other American players accomplished in history. The two won their third gold-medal in an IIHF World Championship event in the last calendar year. No previous American player had more than two gold medals at an IIHF Men’s World Championship event in his international career. Zucker and Campbell each were part of the U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team that captured gold at the 2009 IIHF World Men’s Under-18 Championship. They also played on the U.S. National Junior Team that earned the gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship.

USA Wins Gold Medal 3-1 Over Sweden

(above) DU recruit Jason Zucker (center) celebrates his third Gold Medal


USA 3 - Sweden 1

Final

Live Scoring Link

1st Period
DU recruits Zucker & N. Shore paired on 2nd line

2:10 USA Goal - Luke Moffatt

13:04 USA 5 minute Misconduct & DQ - Austin Watson
(Swedish player injured - Elbow to the head)

Sweden scores, but goal is negated on video replay. Puck stopped on goal line.

USA kills 5 minute major penalty. USA goes on Power Play.

2nd Period
USA Goal 7 minutes into 2nd Period - Justin Faulk
(DU recruit Nick Shore with an assist)

USA PP Goal 13 minutes into 2nd Period - Rocco Grimaldi
(DU recruit Jason Zucker with an assist)
(Grimaldi considering DU, Notre Dame & North Dakota)

After two periods Zucker with 5 shots on goal, 1 assist & 0 +/-
N. Shore with 2 shots on goal, 1 assist & +1

3rd Period
Sweden Goal 13 Minutes remaining - Rensfeldt

Sweden pulls goaltender with 1:58 remaining

USA wins 3-1

Colorado College Releases 2010-11 Schedule

From: Channel 5.com

Half of the entire 2010 NCAA Tournament field will be represented among Colorado College's regular-season opponents when the Tigers take the ice next campaign.

CC's 2010-11 schedule features a total of 16 games against eight different teams - including four very familiar rivals from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association - that reached this year's national playoffs.

Headlining the home slate are the annual showdowns with the University of Denver (Nov. 6 and Feb. 4), as well as a two-game series against the University of North Dakota (Jan. 28-29). A pair of non-conference opponents that earned NCAA bids this spring - Yale University (Nov. 13) and Alabama-Huntsville (Jan. 21-22) also visit the CSWA.

In addition, Colorado College entertains the University of Minnesota, a typical powerhouse that did not earn an NCAA bid this season, at the World Arena (Oct. 29-30).

"I'm excited about our 2010-11 schedule," said Scott Owens, who will enter his 12th season as head coach. "It's challenging, as usual, and should be a real treat for our fans."

The road schedule, meanwhile, is highlighted by a couple reciprocal dates at DU (Nov. 5 and Feb. 5), along with trips to three other NCAA tourney participants from the WCHA - St. Cloud State University (Dec. 10-11), new league member Bemidji State (Feb. 18-19) and the University of Wisconsin (March 4-5). CC also takes on the University of Alaska (Oct. 16) at an early-season tournament in Fairbanks.
2010-11 CC Hockey Schedule
Oct. 2 Lethbridge (exh.)
Oct. 3 USA Under-18 Team (exh.)
Oct. 8/9 Rensselaer
Oct. 15 vs. Alaska Anchorage @ Fairbanks
Oct. 16 @ Univ. of Alaska
Oct. 22/23 @ Minnesota State
Oct. 29-30 Minnesota
Nov. 5 @ Denver
Nov. 6 Denver
Nov. 12 @ Air Force Academy
Nov. 13 Yale
Nov. 26/27 Alaska Anchorage
Dec. 3/4 @ Michigan Tech
Dec. 10/11 @ St. Cloud State
Dec. 18/19 Nebraska-Omaha
Jan. 14/15 Alaska Anchorage
Jan. 21/22 Alabama-Huntsville
Jan. 28/29 North Dakota
Feb. 4 Denver
feb. 5 @ Denver
Feb. 11/12 Minnesota State
Feb. 18/19 @ Bemidji State
Feb. 25/26 Minnesota Duluth
Mar. 4/5 @ Wisconsin

DU's Tentative 2010-11 Schedule

The 2010-11 University of Denver hockey schedule below is not official by any means. In other words, don't book any plane tickets, but we have verified almost every date from at least two sources and the WCHA games all match up with opponents schedules we've seen posted elsewhere.

In recent years DU has released the official schedule in May or early June.

2010-11 DU Hockey Schedule (Unofficial)

Oct. 2 U.S. National Development Team (Exhibition)
Oct. 8-9 @ Vermont
Oct. 15-16 Boston College
Oct. 22-23 Wisconsin
Oct. 29-30 @ North Dakota
Nov. 5 Colorado College
Nov. 6 @ Colorado College
Nov. 12-13 Minnesota State
Nov. 19-20 Bemidji State
Nov 26-27 Wells Fargo Denver Cup
Lake State vs. Clarkson, Air Force vs. DU
Dec 3-4 @ Minnesota-Duluth
Dec. 10-11 @ Alaska-Anchorage
Dec. 31-1/1 Northern Michigan
Jan. 14-15 @ Minnesota State
Jan. 21-22 Alaska-Anchorage
Feb. 4 @ Colorado College
Feb. 5 Colorado College
Feb. 11-12 @ Minnesota
Feb. 18-19 Michigan Tech
Feb. 25-26 @ Nebraska-Omaha
Mar. 4-5 St. Cloud State

News & Notes From Around PioNation

(above) DU recruit Jason Zucker has had a sensational tournament in Belarus

Rensselaer has given coach Seth Appert a two-year contract extension, the school announced Wednesday. Appert’s deal now runs through the 2013-14 season. Appert was formerly an assistant coach at DU. The Athletic Director at RPI is Jim Knowlton, the father of DU hockey player Chris Knowlton.
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Incoming DU recruit David Makowski was named a USHL first team All-Star. The 20-year-old native of Wildwood, Missouri was named the USHL Defenseman of the Year. He led all League defensemen with 18 goals and tied for second with 41 points (18g, 23a). He tied for the lead among League defenseman with nine power play goals and three shorthanded goals. He was an All-USHL Second Team selection a year ago.
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The USA Under-18 Team will play Sweden on Friday at 10 AM MT for the gold medal at the World Under-18 Championships. Incoming DU recruits Jason Zucker and Nick Shore have had a great tournament thus far. Playing together on the USA first line, Shore has 3 goals and 6 assists while fellow DU recruit Jason Zucker has 4 goals and 2 assists. Shore's 9 points tie him for the team lead. Sweden defeated the USA 4-2 last week.

USA Under-18s Defeat Finland 5-0

(above) DU recruit Nick Shore celebrates his game winning goal against the Finns


(left) DU recruit Jason Zucker against the Finns

The USA defeated Finland 5-0 in the semi-finals of the World Under-18 Championships. DU recruit Nick Shore scored two goals including the game winner at 5:44 of the first period. He also recorded an assist in the 2nd Period. Both his goals were even strength.

Playing together on the USA first line, Shore has 3 goals and 6 assists in the tournament while fellow DU recruit Jason Zucker has 4 goals and 2 assists.

The USA will face Sweden on Friday for the championship. Sweden defeated the Russian 3-1. Earlier in the tournament Sweden defeated the USA 4-2.

News & Notes From Around PioNation

Joe Sakic, the incomparable former leader of the Colorado Avalanche, was inducted into the Colorado Hall of Fame last night. Sakic told the audience that Denver is his home and predicted a bright future for the sport of hockey in the future. "Hockey in Colorado gets stronger every year," Sakic said.
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Its not every day that DU and North Dakota hockey fans are used as an example in an article about the U.S. Supreme Court and Christian Groups. The author of this editorial asked, "Should the DU hockey boosters be forced to accept North Dakota alums?"

The Magnificent Seven

2005

2004

1969

1968

1961

1960

1958


Looking At DU's Projected Lineup Next Season

Forwards
Zucker (Fr) - Martin (Sr) - Maiani (Sr)
K. Ostrow (Sr) - D. Shore (So) - Bennett (Fr)
Jackson (rs-Jr) - N. Shore (Fr) - Knowlton (So)
S. Ostrow (So) - Olszewski (Fr) - Dewhurst (Jr)
Salazar (Jr) / Mermis (Fr)

Defensemen
Donovan (So) - Lee (Jr)
Nutini (Sr) - Makowski (Fr)
Phillips (So) - Wrenn (So)
Ryder (rs-Jr) / Brehm (Sr) / Cook (Sr)

Goaltenders
Murray (So) / Brittain (Fr) / Paulgaard (Sr)

USA Defeats Czechs 6-0 In World Under-18s

(above) DU recruit Jason Zucker sets up in front of the Czech goal

The 2010 U.S. Men’s National Under-18 Team dropped Czech Republic 6-0 in the quarterfinals of the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Men’s Under-18 Championship. DU recruit Nick Shore scored the 5th goal of the game on a power play goal and added an assist. It was Shore's first goal of the Tournament to go along with five assists.

DU recruit Jason Zucker has an assist on the game winning goal in the first period.

The U.S. broke the game open late in the second period, taking advantage of Czech penalty problems with two power-play goals in a five-minute span to go ahead 4-0. American Austin Czarnik was the biggest nemesis for the Czechs, putting in three goals, including two in the second-period surge.

Team USA will face Finland in the semifinals on Wednesday at 6:30 AM MT.

Chambers Blog Answers Ohio State Rumors

The Ohio State University had been conducting a head coaching search for the past several weeks for its ice hockey program. One of the more startling rumors that came to light today was that George Gwozdecky was interviewing for the job.

Minnesota Recruit Ryan Walters De-Commits

(above) The University of Minnesota's dirty laundry is on display this week on the "No Alibis No Regrets" Blog

University of Minnesota recruit Ryan Walters reportedly backed out of his scholarship offer after the Gophers asked him to play another year in the USHL. The Wisconsin based blog "No Alibis No Regrets" has all the gory details.

In all likelihood this is a very complicated situation and there's undoubtedly more to this story than meets the eye. It will be interesting to see how it plays out. 2010 WCHA scholarships are hard to find at this time of the year, but Walters has a very impressive resume. He was MVP of the USHL All-Star Game and put up numbers similar to DU's Jesse Martin when he played in the USHL.

Once again this points out the trouble with offering hockey scholarships to 15 and 16 year-old high school students. Situations change, both for the player and the university. And to complicate matters further, WCHA schools only have 18 scholies to divvy up among 22-27 players depending on the team.

USA Under-18s Defeat Belarus 7-1

(above) DU recruit Jason Zucker had a goal & an assist against Belerus on Sunday

Host Belarus is still looking for its first win at the World U18 Championship after falling 7-1 against the United States. The result did nothing to alter USA’s second-place finish in Group A and Belarus’ place in the relegation round.

Five different U.S. players scored in the shutout win. DU recruit Jason Zucker, Rocco Grimaldi and Brandon Saad paced all players with a goal and an assist each. Grimaldi will be visiting DU this summer for a visit. He is also looking at Notre Dame and North Dakota.

It took most of the first period for the Americans to get on the board, but they rallied with two quick goals to take the 2-0 lead just before the break. Another pair of goals in the first four minutes of the second period doubled the lead to 4-0.

Luke Moffat put in his first goal of the event to bump the advantage to 5-0. Shortly after, Belarus spoiled the shutout when Artur Abmiotka put in a power-play goal to end the period on a positive note.

The U.S. continued to find little resistance from the Belarus defense in the third period, putting in two power-play goals in the first five minutes to make it a 7-1 affair.

The U.S. will make the move to Minsk tomorrow and will face the Czechs in Tuesday’s quarterfinal. Belarus will play its first relegation round game against Slovakia. Canada lost to Sweden 5-4.

News & Notes From Around PioNation

(above) Paul Stastny & his dad back in the day

DU alum Paul Stastny's phone rings most every non-gameday afternoon, his father calling to converse about family, European politics and mostly about hockey, all in Slovak. His parents' native tongue is one of the three languages Paul speaks, and whether told in French, Slovak or English, the Stastny story is one that seems part John le Carre thriller and part Disney-style sports saga (read rest of article).
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Though just a sophomore in high school, Alex Carle was named to Alaska's All-State Team this week. Alex comes from bountiful bloodlines and owns poise beyond his years. His oldest brother, Matt, is a defenseman for NHL's Philadelphia Flyers and his other brother, David, was on a strong career track before a heart condition forced him to retire the summer before he was set to play at the University of Denver.
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The USA Under-18 team plays Belarus today at 10 AM MT in the last game of the preliminary round. DU recruits Jason Zucker and Nick Shore play for team USA. Canada was eliminated from the medal round on Friday after losses to Switzerland and USA. Canada plays Sweden on Sunday.
Support DU Women's Club Hockey With A Donation This Offseason .... Attend DU's 54th Annual Hockey Banquet - April 23rd .... DU's Red Vest Golf Tourney Is In June .... Go DU .... Bring Back Boone

Zucker Leads USA In Rout Of Canada

(above) DU recruit Jason Zucker climbs the glass after scoring one of his two goals on Friday night against Canada

In a key game in Group A action in the World Under-18 Championships, USA beat Canada 5-0, in the tight battle for a playoff spot, and North American bragging rights.

The road to the playoff round just got extremely difficult for the Canadians as they must now beat undefeated group leader Sweden to avoid the relegation round. Meanwhile, the Americans, with two wins and a loss are in good shape to make the quarterfinals.

University of Denver recruit Jason Zucker scored twice in the first period, including one power-play marker. Canada paid dearly for its penalties as two of the three American first-period goals were with the extra man. Bryan Rust was the other goal scorer of the stanza for USA.

The 3-0 lead stood through most of the second period. A Canadian goal could have easily turned the tide, but instead USA’s Austin Watson put in the 4-0 goal late in the period. The 4-0 advantage was the start of the end for the Canadians.

Rust put in his second of the game 6:02 into the third period, making it an insurmountable 5-0 lead.

Canada’s key match-up against Sweden will be on Sunday after a day off tomorrow. The Americans will also enjoy a rest day before taking on host Belarus.

Chambers Blog Covers Makowski, Polls & Kids

Mike Chambers' Denver Post Blog had three entries this week. Go to the head of the class if you can name DU's three previous USHL Defensive Player of the Year recipients. Incoming recruit David Makowski became the fourth winner this week. Chambers points out that Makowski is older than Patrick Wiercioch who he will replace in the Pioneer lineup.

Chambers is cheesed off at the final polls. DU ended up fourth. I think that's about right based on the season they had.

Congrats again to the Colorado Thunderbirds Under-16 National Championship. We'll probably see a player or two from that team in Pioneer uniform around 2013 or so.

Finally thanks to Mike Chambers and the Denver Post for covering the team this season. With the demise of the Rocky Mountain News, the Post could of slacked off and just posted game blurbs this season. Chambers really squeezed a lot of extra coverage into his Blog and the inside scoops all season were excellent. My favorite article all season was the front page of the sports section about "Madness Arena" and our student section.

Replica 2004 National Championship Ring

(above) DU's most unlikely championship ring

(above) The ring honors former DU great Keith Magnuson

An alert reader spotted this 2004 National Championship ring for sale on eBay. We checked around to see if the ring was stolen or perhaps the coach had pawned it in Vegas during a taping of Pawn Stars. So far, it seems this is just an extra ring that was made at the factory as a "Salesman Sample." For $2,000 it can be yours.

News & Notes From Around PioNation

TSN the Canadian version of ESPN did a poll of 10 NHL Scouts. The scouts were asked who were the Top 10 players available for the 2010 NHL Draft. One scout named DU recruit Beau Bennett on his list. Perhaps Bennett will become a first round draft choice after all.
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The DU Women's Club hockey team won its conference championship last weekend against Colorado women's hockey teams. The defeated the Bandits 3-0, the Blizzard 2-0, the third game 6-0 against the Synergy. Then in the semi-finals, the always tough Angry Beavers 3-0, and lastly won the championship 4-2 against a Vail based team.
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Fargo defeated Sioux Falls in the first round of the USHL playoffs. 2011 DU recruit Garrett Allen had two goals and an assist in the three game series. Allen had a nice rookie season in the USHL scoring 24 goals and chipping in 18 assists in 60 games. Allen should be one of the top scorers in the USHL next season.
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USHL Defensive Player of the Year and DU recruit David Makowski helped the Green Bay Gamblers win the first Round on the USHL playoffs over Waterloo.
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DU alum Matt Carle and the Philadelphia Flyers upset the New Jersey Devils in game 1 of their NHL playoff series last night (Video Highlights).

USA Under 18s Defeat Switzerland 5-1

(above) Team USA's Bill Arnold, front, and DU recruit Jason Zucker look for a rebound off Switzerland goaltender Dennis Saikkonen

The 2010 USA Men’s National Under-18 Team notched its first victory at the 2010 International Ice Hockey Federation World Men’s Under-18 Championship with a 5-1 win over Switzerland. DU recruit Jason Zucker scored a goal for the USA.

The tournament is held through April 23 in Minsk and Bobruisk, Belarus. DU recruit Nick Shore also plays for Team USA.

Makowski Named USHL Defenseman Of The Year

(above) DU recruit David Makowski was named USHL Defenseman of the Year

From: USHL.com

The United States Hockey League today announced that DU recruit David Makowski of the Green Bay Gamblers has been named ProGuard USHL Defenseman of the Year as determined by a vote of League coaches.

"It has been a pleasure to watch David mature both as a person and a hockey player over the past three years," said Green Bay Gamblers Head Coach and General Manager Jon Cooper, who has coached Makowski the last two seasons in Green Bay and the previous season in St. Louis of the North American Hockey League. "Nothing he does comes as a surprise anymore. He has elevated his game to a point where excellence is now expected."

Makowski, who is committed to attend the University of Denver in the fall, led all USHL defensemen with 18 goals during the 2009-10 regular season while ranking tied for second with 41 points (18g, 23a) in 52 games. He served as alternate captain for the Gamblers and helped them earn a team record 45 wins and their second straight Anderson Cup as regular season champions. He scored nine power play goals, which led his team and was tops among all League blueliners. The 20-year-old tallied three game-winning goals and tied for the lead among USHL defensemen with three shorthanded goals. Makowski posted a plus-22 rating, which was the fifth best mark for a defenseman this season. Three times this season he has garnered USHL honors as the CCM Defensive Player of the Week.

"Congratulations to David on a great year in Green Bay, both on and off the ice, leading the team to its second Anderson Cup," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "We'll look forward to watching his outstanding play during the team's Clark Cup run this year, and next year when he'll join a strong Pioneers squad."

The Wildwood, Missouri native has spent two seasons in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers. Over 103 total games in the League, he has collected 70 points (27g, 43a) and registered a plus-45 rating. Makowski was also selected to compete in the USHL All-Star Game in each of his two seasons, but was unable to participate this season due to an injury. Following his first season in the League, he was named to the All-USHL Second Team.
2010 Recruiting Class
F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-18)
D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)
F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-18)
F Beau Bennett (Penticton, BCHL)
F Dan Olszewski (St. Louis, NAHL)
F Jarrod Mermis (Lincoln, USHL)
G Sam Brittain (Canmore, AJHL)

2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-17)
F Garrett Allen (Fargo, USHL)
D Matt Van Voorhis (U.S. Under-17)

2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Team Illinios)
D Dakota Mermis (St. Louis Jr. Blues, AAA)
F Daniel Doremus (Colorado Thunderbirds, AAA)

DU Players Endorse Republican Governor Candidate


(above) DU players William Wrenn & Adam Murray endorse Bill Walker for Alaska's Governors race

Imagine our surprise when Puck Daddy featured two DU players in a video yesterday. Needless to say UAA Fan Blog, college hockey's answer to "The Communist Manifesto," is not going to be impressed with this.

Work Visa Issues Cost Chevy Spot On NHL Bench

(above) DU Alum Marc Cheverie will begin next season in the AHL

From: ChronicleSports.ca

by Glenn MacDonald


Red tape prevented Marc Cheverie from appearing in a Florida Panthers uniform over the weekend.

The 23-year-old goaltender from Cole Harbour was supposed to be the backup to Scott Clemmensen in the Panthers’ home-and-home series Saturday and Sunday with the Tampa Bay Lightning. But Cheverie didn’t get his U.S. work visa in time, so he had to watch from the press box.

"Unfortunately the Immigration Department doesn’t work on the weekends," Cheverie said from high above the ice at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa during a phone interview Saturday evening.

"It’s pretty awesome to be with the team," he added. "It’s a pretty nice lifestyle they have here, I’ll say that much. I could get used to this, especially in Florida."

The Panthers were playing out the string with a weekend series against the cross-state rival Lightning. Florida dropped both games, 4-3 in a shootout Saturday and 3-1 at home on Sunday.

"It’s kind of a weird situation," said Cheverie, who signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Panthers last week after three years with the University of Denver Pioneers. "(The Panthers) are out of the playoffs, it’s their last two games and it’s against a team that’s also out of the playoffs. But it’s still pretty cool to see how they go about their business.

"And I’m living the NHL lifestyle even though I’m not playing, so it’s pretty cool," he added with a laugh.

Of course, Cheverie would rather have played on the weekend — if not with the Panthers, then with his university team.

The Pioneers, with 13 players on the roster who were drafted by NHL teams, were ranked No. 1 in NCAA Division 1 for most of this season. But the fourth-seeded Rochester Institute of Technology, playing its first-ever NCAA tournament game at the Division I level, upset the Pioneers 2-1 in the East Regional championship.

It marked Denver’s third consecutive first-round loss in the NCAA tournament and second in a row as the No. 1 seed.

So instead of playing in this past weekend’s NCAA Frozen Four championship in Detroit, Cheverie had to watch — from a TV monitor in the same press box — as the Boston College Eagles blanked the Wisconsin Badgers 5-0 in Saturday’s final.

"We had a chance to play both of those teams this year," a somewhat dejected Cheverie said. "They were two good teams who deserved to be there. But it’s still a bitter pill. It could have easily been us."

Despite Denver’s demoralizing demise, Cheverie posted a stellar season, statistically speaking. He led all NCAA Division 1 goalies in victories (24), save percentage (.937) and shutouts (six), posted a 24-4-3 overall mark and was named player of the year in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

Cheverie was also selected as one of the top 10 candidates for the 2010 Hobey Baker Award, honouring college hockey’s most outstanding player. But he failed to join Robb Stauber and Buffalo Sabres star Ryan Miller as the only goalies to win the Hobey Baker.

"It was a huge honor," Cheverie said of being shortlisted for the award. "I didn’t expect to win; there were only two goalies that have ever won.

"I think Ryan Miller screwed everyone else over," he joked.

"All those awards were all an honor. But I would have traded any of them for a national championship."

Now that the Panthers’ season is over, Cheverie, a finance major, will return to the University of Denver next week to finish his degree. He has fond memories of college life and the hockey team.

"It was definitely the best three years of my life," he said. "I met a lot of good friends and I couldn’t have been treated any better. I have nothing but great things to say about it. It was awesome, the best time of my life.

"This year, obviously, it ended disappointingly. But we had a great team. I don’t think I’ll ever play with a team, outside the NHL, as good as that — a college team that has 13 NHL draft picks on their roster. It was unheard of."

Cheverie was one of the lucky 13, having been chosen by Florida in the seventh round, 193rd overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He is highly touted by the Panthers’ brass.

"He is a very talented prospect who we believe will have a bright future in our organization," Panthers general manager Randy Sexton said in a news release last week.

After graduation next month, Cheverie plans to return home to Nova Scotia for a couple of weeks before heading back to Florida in July. He will train this summer with Panthers goalie coach Rob Tallas and strength and conditioning coach Craig Slaunwhite, a Hatchet Lake native who graduated from Dalhousie.

"I think their plan for me is to play in the American Hockey League or at least compete for a spot in the AHL next year," Cheverie said. "Hopefully I’ll play well, and if an injury comes, they’ll be able to call me up. I think that’s their intention. I don’t think they plan on just burying me in the system. They have plans for me."

The Panthers are deep in goaltenders. Clemmensen and starter Tomas Vokoun are under contract for next season, as is AHLer Alexander Salak. Swedish netminder Jacob Markstrom is regarded as the team’s top prospect.

"Goalies always take longer to develop," Cheverie said.

"I knew the (Panthers’) depth in goal would be an issue. I had the opportunity to go to free agency but I turned it down to sign with Florida. After talking to the GM, I felt this was the best opportunity, regardless of any other offers I would have."

News & Notes From Around PioNation

(above) DU alum Matt Carle scores the game tying goal yesterday to put Philadelphia in the NHL playoffs and eliminate the Rangers

The Colorado Thunderbirds, an under-16 squad, became the state's first triple-A team to win a Tier 1 national championship.
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Tyler Bozak intends to complete his degree at the University of Denver. “I didn’t start anything this year, but Denver offers classes online or I’m looking into taking something there in the summer,” said the Saskatchewan-born Bozak, a general business major, whose father runs the Global TV station in Regina. “And my parents wouldn’t let me not finish.

News & Notes From Around PioNation

Next season, the University of Denver's first home series at Magness Arena will be against Boston College, who won the National Championship last night 5-0. In fact DU's first eight games are going to be against teams that made the NCAA Tournament this season. Four of the eight games are going to be against teams that played in the Championship game last night.

The USA Under-18 Team defeated Slovakia in an exhibition game on Saturday. DU recruit Nick Shore had an assist on the first goal of the game. The US opens the Tournament in Belarus on Tuesday against Sweden.

The Edmonton Journal has an article about the Edmonton Oilers and their #1 overall pick. The writer suggests that DU recruit Beau Bennet would be a good choice for the Oilers with their first pick in the second round (#31 pick overall).

With BC winning the National Title last night 5-0 over Wisconsin, Jerry York now has four national championships to his credit, three at Boston College (2001, 2008, and 2010) and one at Bowling Green (1984). Only two coaches in NCAA Division I hockey history have more - Michigan’s Vic Heyliger, who won six from 1948-56, and Denver’s Murray Armstrong, who won five from 1958-69.

Stick-e-Star, a popular DU area bar/restaurant, closed its doors permanently last week after three and a half years in business. Stick-e-Star was one of the better pre & post game locations for DU hockey fans because of its location.

Chambers Blog Covered A Lot of Topics This Week

Mike Chambers' Blog had quite a few interesting items in the past week.

Quentin Shore, the third of four Shore brothers, has been selected for the U.S.N.D.P. Under-17 Team. DU has offered him a scholarship for 2012.

The University of Denver's goaltending will be very young next season. Murray is still only 18 and Sam Brittain is 17. Both Peter Mannino and Marc Cheverie were 20 years old when they arrived on campus at DU. Chambers also asked Murray about the "Alaska Rumor."

Chambers has exit conversations with Patrick Wiercioch and Joe Colborne. Chambers raises an interesting point about DU snatching Wiercioch in the 11th hour from Wisconsin. Obviously Wiercioch played a huge role in DU's success the past two seasons. Not many programs could withstand the loss of a player of Patrick's ability and yet its Wisconsin that will play for the National Championship tonight. Good luck to Wisconsin tonight.

Three DU Players Named 1st Team All-Americans

From: USCHO.com

The University of Denver led the way with three first-team selections when the Division I men’s ice hockey All-Americans were announced Friday. Goaltender Marc Cheverie, forward Rhett Rakhshani and defenseman Patrick Wiercioch were named from the Pioneers.

New Hampshire had one East first-team choice and two so honored on the second team. Twenty different D-I programs are represented.

There are 14 players from the United States, eight from Canada, and two from Sweden. Seventeen players participated in the NCAA tournament. Three of them advanced to the Frozen Four, all from the West. The honorees include all 10 finalists for the 2010 Hobey Baker Award (see entire list).

DU Women's Club Hockey Skate-A-Thon Form


(above) Click on form to enlarge & print out

News & Notes From Around PioNation

DU Alum Joe Colborne likes Boston College to beat the Badgers.
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The North Dakota Board of Education voted to remove the Fighting Sioux logo from the University of North Dakota. The Ralph Englestad Arena general manager Jody Hodgson said, "The Sioux logos are staying in the building." Someone needs to donate some "Boone" marble to the foyer of Magness Arena.
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Most common question asked of DU fans at Ford Field yesterday? How the Hell did you lose to R.I.T.?

54th Annual Pioneer Hockey Awards Evening

Friday, April 23, 2010
The Cable Center
2000 Buchtel Boulevard

Denver, Colorado 80208


6:00 pm Reception
7:00 pm Awards Program
Business Attire
$50.00 per adult
$40.00 per child (12 and under)
Children receive a FREE DU Hockey gift!


Heavy Hors d'oeuvres during Silent Auction and dessert served during Awards Program.

Hockey Awards Pledge Opportunities

Gold Donation… $ 1,000
(table for 8, $600 deductible)

Crimson Donation…$ 500
(table for 4, $300 deductible)

Copper Donation…$ 300
(table for 2, $200 deductible)

Feed a Hungry Player… $ 50
Please RSVP by April16, 2010

Upon arrival in circle driveway you will be given a parking permit to place in your vehicle and then you will be directed to parking lot 103 (next to Cable Center). Persons with disabilities needing accommodations or any further information should contact Ruth Lipson at 303-871-3397 or ruth.lipson@du.edu.