Hockey's Future Profiles Nick Shore

(left) Nick Shore is expected to be drafted in the 2nd Round of the  NHL Draft in June

From: HockeysFuture.com
by D.J. Powers

Throughout its storied history, the University of Denver has produced a plethora of excellent NHL-drafted players. The next one to likely join the group is freshman Nick Shore.

Nick Shore is the younger sibling of Pioneers sophomore standout Drew Shore (FLA). Like his older brother, the younger Shore is also a centerman that came to the University of Denver (DU) from the US National Team Development Program (USNTDP). The two were the first brothers to play simultaneously with the USNTDP [read entire article].

2012 DU Recruit Daniel Doremus On Fire In USHL

(left) Daniel Doremus has 17 goals and 12 assists in 44 games with the Sioux Falls Stampede


The most improved player in the USHL this season may be University of Denver 2012 recruit Daniel Doremus (6'1 192 lbs) from Aspen, Colorado.  That's not to say that big things weren't expected from Doremus by the Sioux Falls Stampede.  The Stampede selected the 18 year-old forward with their first round selection in the USHL Draft last year.   

Before deciding to play junior hockey in South Dakota, Doremus received overtures from Canadian teams in AJHL & BCHL.  Playing midget hockey for the Colorado Thunderbirds under DU alums Angelo Ricci and Shawn Kurulak, Doremus became one of the brightest prospects in Colorado youth hockey.

A week ago Friday, Doremus scored a game winner with 4.8 seconds remaining in a game against Cedar Rapids.  A week later he scored another game winner with 41 seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Stampede to a 4-3 win over Tri-City Friday night in Kearney, Nebraska.  On Sunday he scored a goal and an assist against the Lincoln Stars to propel Sioux City to their 7th straight win.

Doremus had 9 goals and 10 assists in his first 36 USHL games.  In his last 8 games, he has 6 goals and two assists.  Needless to say, he has played a major role in the recent success of Sioux Ciry.

The hottest player on the hottest team in the USHL may be a Pioneer earlier than 2012, if he continues at this rate.  He will be 19 years-old in October, so perhaps DU will bring him in a year early as was the case with Tyler Ruegsegger in 2006.
2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-18)
F Garrett Allen (Fargo, USHL)
D Joey LaLeggia (Penticton Vees, BCHL)
F Larkin Jacobson (Janesville Jets, NAHL)
D Wade Bennett (Wichita Falls, NAHL)
F Matt Tabrum (Omaha, USHL)

2012 Recruiting Class
D Matt Van Voorhis (U.S. Under-18)
F Tyler Pham (Colorado Thunderbirds-U18)
D Dakota Mermis (U.S. Under-17)
D Josiah Didier (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Daniel Doremus (Sioux Falls, USHL)

2013 Recruiting Class
F Brad Hawkinson (Colorado Thunderbirds-U18)

College Hockey News: DU's Youth Movement

From: CollegeHockeyNews.com
by Justin Magill

With the regular season end approaching, the Denver Pioneers once again are quietly entering the postseason under the radar, despite being ranked in the top 10 for most of the season.

However, Denver coach George Gwozdecky said he understands the reasoning, at least for this year [read entire article]

Boone Was In Texas This Weekend

(above) Boone was supporting the University of Denver Men's & Women's swimming and diving teams at the SBC Championships in Rockwall, Texas this weekend. DU won both divisions.

Video: Saturday's DU @ UNO Highlights


(above) Video highlights of DU's 4-2 victory

DU 4 - UNO 2 FINAL

(above) Jason Zucker scores for DU

The University of Denver rebounded from a tough loss on Friday night to reclaim 2nd place in the WCHA. The 4-2 victory over the University of Nebraska-Omaha was witnessed by 11,504, the third largest crowd in UNO history at the Qwest Center.

DU finally scored the first goal of the game and took the lead three separate times. Jason Zucker scored twice, Drew Shore & Chris Knowlton added goals for the Pioneers. Goaltender Sam Brittain shut out the Mavericks over the last two periods.

The UNO hockey team wore special grey jerseys that they auctioned off during the game to raise money for the Leap-for-a-Cure brain cancer fundraiser.


Video: Mannino Talks About Boone & Goaltending


(above) Former DU star Peter Mannino has some fun with former NHLer Billy Gardner

DU Wins Men And Women's SBC Swimming Titles

(above) Congrats to DU's men/womens swimming & diving teams who won Sunbelt Conference titles on Saturday

From: DenverPioneers.com

Denver won its first-ever women's Sunbelt Conference team title with 924.5 total points while the men claimed its second overall team title and first since 2009 with 1009 total points.

"I couldn't be more excited about our kids' performances over the last four days," said head coach Brian Schrader. "Both the men's and women's teams posted some incredible finishes, turning in NCAA B cut times, conference records and new DU records. It's fun that both of our teams were able to win the title in the same year."

Schrader was tabbed the women's SBC Coach of the Year, while junior Clayton Myers was named the men's Swimmer of the Year. Second-year diving coach Aaron D'Addario was named the men's Diving Coach of the Year, while senior Seth McNew was named the men's Diver of the Year. The Pioneers were also honored with a team academic award [read entire article].

Chambers Blog Takes Aim At Power Play Issues

Mike Chambers Blog addresses some of the issues on the power play that have resulted in a plethora of shorthanded goals in recent weeks. He zeros in on Gwozdecky's penchant for using four forwards on the power play unit and leaving the backend exposed after turnovers have been created by DU's opponents. Its a good read, so check it out.

Video Highlights Of Friday Night's Game


(above) Highlights of UNO's 5-2 victory over Denver

UNO 5 - DU 2 FINAL

(above) Adam Murray


(left) Jason Zucker's stick features plenty of messages

The University of Denver came up short on Friday night in Omaha losing 5-2 to UNO. Two short handed goals by the Mavericks and DU's inability to score on the power play was the difference.

DU tied the game with 15 minutes remaining, but were unable to hang on.

Its Gameday: DU vs. UNO

(above) Big crowds are expected this weekend as DU takes in UNO at the 15,000 seat Qwest Center in Omaha

Friday @ 6:30 PM MT - TV: Altitude 2

Saturday - 6 PM MT - No TV

Friday's game will televised live on Altitude 2 (DirecTV Ch. 682, Comcast Ch. 105 and Dish Network Ch. 453). Both games will be webcast live on www.OMavs.com. The series will be broadcast live on Denver radio station 87.7 The TICKET.


Denver Post: Bill Tierney Answers Fans Questions

(above) Hall of Fame lacrosse coach Bill Tierney answered questions from around Colorado

In this weeks Denver Post's "Fan Mail" feature, University of Denver lacrosse coach Bill Tierney talked about why he left Princeton, why he thinks kids love lacrosse and the joys of playing at Peter Barton Stadium.

Denver Post: Jackson Has Omaha Homecoming

(above) DU's Dustin Jackson will have many friends & family in the Qwest Center tonight


From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

At least one member of the University of Denver hockey team will be welcomed by Nebraska-Omaha fans at this weekend's series at the Qwest Center.

For any Nebraskan who knows Dustin Jackson and his story of perseverance, it would be difficult to root against the hard-luck Omaha native [read entire article].

Recruit Wade Bennett Looks Forward To DU

(Left) Wade Bennett will be reunited with his younger brother Beau next season at DU

From: Wichita Falls Times Record News
by Zach Duncan

Wade Bennett's hockey future looks bright. The Wichita Falls Wildcats [NAHL] mid-season acquisition has provided versatility with his ability to skate both as a forward and defenseman.

Bennett is also headed next year to the University of Denver, a storied program that has won seven NCAA national titles, including the 2004 and 2005 championships.

But the 20-year-old Bennett doesn't even own bragging rights in the bedroom at his house in Gardena, California. His brother Beau, younger by 18 months, was the Pittsburgh Penguins' first-round pick in the 2010 NHL draft.

"It was an exciting time for our family," Bennett said of the experience, which was enhanced because the draft was held 20 minutes from his family's home at the Staples Center. "Even my grandma, who is 90 years old, went."

Bennett's grandmother is behind the family's hockey influence. A long time ago, she moved from Winnipeg to the Los Angeles area and spread her passion for the game to her son and grandsons.

Wade wasn't in a beneficial situation with the Coquitlam Express, the British Columbia Hockey League team he was traded to earlier this season. Bennett said it was "overwhelmingly obvious" his current situation needed to change.

"I got a call from his agent, who said he might want to go and play stateside again," Wildcats coach Mark LeRose said. "We did our homework on Wade Bennett."

In 18 games with the Wildcats, Bennett has scored three goals and played steadily on the blue line. Most of the time, he's used as a defenseman, but he can play up top without any notice. Last Friday's 3-1 loss to Texas was a prime example. Since suspensions shortened the Wildcats' bench, LeRose used Bennett at both positions on a shift-by-shift basis.

"I really try and study the game," said Bennett, who considers himself a defenseman who can play forward. "When coach is drawing up a play or situation, I try not only to look at my little 'X' on the board.

"I try and see where everyone's supposed to be or supposed to go. That way, if I do get in a situation when I'm switched, then there's not really any transition time."

Bennett's favorite highlight this season was centering a line and scoring a goal in the Wildcats' 4-2 win on Feb. 5.

"It brought back a lot of memories," Bennett said. "That play happened a lot when I was younger, and just being able to see it at a higher level, it was pretty cool."

As for his choice to return to the United States and play in a league that's a slight downgrade over the BCHL, he shows no regret.

"It's been one of the best decisions I've ever made," he said. "It hasn't disappointed."

Bennett is also thankful to have a brother at his disposal when he needs advice. Beau was the highest-selected California born-and-trained player in NHL draft history.

They played on the same youth hockey teams every other year, but Wade insists they never held competitions to see who could score more goals.

"It's weird, because we have a relationship where hockey's a fun game, but once it's off the ice, it gets off the ice," Bennett said. "I have some traits that benefit him in certain situations. And I can talk to him about what I maybe need to work on to get better."

Beau Bennett is staying at Denver at least one more season, so Wade will wear a Pioneers' jersey along with his younger sibling next fall.

No doubt two Bennetts are better than one, but both brothers have already proven they don't need each other to flourish [read entire article].

Chambers Blog: Murray Likely Starter On Friday

Mike Chambers Blog has the details on the probable goalie rotation this weekend for the Pioneers. Looks like Sophomore Adam Murray has risen from the ashes and reclaimed the starting goaltender position [read entire article].

Recovery Has Jesse Martin Thinking Comeback

(above) Jesse Martin has scored 32 goals in 120 games at DU

From: NCAA.com

Dr. Mark Levine sometimes wonders why University of Denver students sign up for his 8 a.m. class on real-estate taxation, especially for winter quarter. The east windows in the third-floor classroom of the Daniel College of Business often invite the morning sun to help wake up the 20 or so young minds.

But at least one of Levine’s students during winter quarter 2011 was almost giddy to arrive for the opening session on Jan. 3.

Senior Jesse Martin, a center on the Pioneers Division I men’s ice hockey team, attended classes that day for the first time since being almost fatally injured in an Oct. 30 game at North Dakota [read rest of story].

Denver Post: Kyle Ostrow Won't Travel With Team

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers


University of Denver captain Kyle Ostrow will miss his fifth and sixth consecutive games this weekend when the Pioneers visit Nebraska-Omaha in a first-of-its-kind series at the Qwest Center.

Ostrow, a senior center who had never missed a game for DU before undergoing emergency lower-abdominal surgery Feb. 11 in Minneapolis, won't travel for the first time since he joined the program [read entire article]

Joey LaLeggia Picks Up BCHL Hardware

(above) DU recruit Joey LaLeggia was named the MVP of the BCHL Interior Conference yesterday
photo credit: Vees Blog


From: Vee's Blog

University of Denver recruit Joey LaLeggia picked up some more hardware on Tuesday. He was named BCHL Interior Conference MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

LaLeggia scored 20 goals and added 62 assists in 58 games for the BCHL Penticton Vees this season.

LaLeggia will join his former Penticton teammate Beau Bennett on the University of Denver hockey team next season.

Coach Gwozdecky Seen With Newest Recruit

(above) Coach Gwozdecky was all smiles in Minneapolis with Denver Boone

Add NY Times To Makowski's Fan Club

(above) The New York Times hockey blog feature's David Makowski's video today

The hits just keep on coming on the YouTube video of David Makowski's 190 foot goal. Today the New York Times hockey blog features the video with commentary. The video has had over 230,000 hits this week.
Other Sites That Have Linked The Video


Rate Makowski's Goal @ Tosh.0

(above) Click on video to see Makowski on Tosh.0's website

Edit: Now 29th Most Viewed Video on Tosh.0 Website

Leave comments and rate David Makowski's goal on the Tosh.0 website. Getting this video on Comedy Central's Tosh.0 television show is just they type of national publicity we need to make Magness Arena the "go-to" venue for Denver sports.

Perhaps they could fly Michigan Tech's goaltender Kevin Genoe in for a Web Redemption.

Jr. Pioneers Return Home From Quebec Tourney

(above) The Jr. Pioneers line-up in the former home of the NHL Quebec Nordiques



The Quebec City International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament is the largest ice hockey tournament in the world. Over 2,000 youth players (11-12 y.o. boys & girls) from over 16 countries compete annually. Held every February at the 15,000 seat Colisee Pepsi, it unofficially serves as the pee-wee World Championships.

The Junior Pioneers team from Denver had a very successful tournament. The team finished with an impressive 8-1 record, making it to the quarterfinals. They played four games in the winners bracket at the Colisée Pepsi.

Also representing Colorado hockey at the Tournament were the Colorado Thunderbirds pee-wee team and the Boulder Bison rebranded as the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche also made it the the quarterfinals. Their record was 7-1-2 [results], losing only to the eventual champion.

The players stayed with local families, played pond hockey, pin traded, visited the Valcartier snow park and experienced all the tournament had to offer. Proudly wearing the Crimson and Gold, they represented Colorado with pride and poise. The boys returned safely to Denver this weekend with a lifetime of memories.

In all likelihood a few players from these teams will suit up for the University of Denver six to eight years from now. For instance one of the players on the Jr. Pioneers is Brian Hawkinson the younger brother of 2013 DU recruit Brad Hawkinson. Ryan Korinek was the team's leading scorer with 2 goals and an assist in four games.

Players who have competed in this tournament in their youth include Wayne Gretzkey, Paul Stastny, Patrick Roy and Peter Senja.

News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

Former DU Captain Andy Thomas is back in the AHL with the Albany Devils. For the past 10 games he been on the roster after a successful stint in the ECHL with Trenton.
----------
Joe Colborne has been playing well for the AHL Toronto Marlies after being traded by the Boston Bruins. The Toronto Star called Colborne a fabulous talent in a recent article.
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The University of Denver lacrosse lost to Syracuse 13-7 over the weekend in the Carrier Dome. Incoming DU lacrosse recruit Sean Cannizzaro, who is from Syracuse, is actually a very good high school hockey player (17g, 30a). If Coach Gwozdecky ever needs an emergency forward in the future he may need to call Coach Tierney for a loaner.
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DU recruit Joey Laleggia finished off the regular season in the BCHL as the league's 5th leading scorer and top scoring defenseman. He scored 20 goals and 62 assists in 58 games.

DU Recruit Scott Mayfield Named USHL All-Star

(above) DU recruit Scott Mayfield continues to rack up the hardware

From: YoungstownVindy.com

University of Denver recruit Defenseman Scott Mayfield of the Youngstown Phantoms was named to the USHL Eastern Conference mid-season all-star team.

The USHL will not have an all-star game this season, but named 44 players as All-Stars anyway.

Mayfield, a first time all-star, was quick to say this award would mean a lot less if the Phantoms do not qualify for the post season.

“It feels really good, but I know my teammates are focused on the games ahead,” said Mayfield. “This accomplishment ranks up there with all of my other personal awards but what means the most is how well the team does. If we do not make the playoffs, no disrespect, this award does not mean nearly as much.”

Mayfield competed at the NHL Research, Development and Orientation Camp last summer and in November he played for Team USA at the World Junior “A” Challenge, where he was a member of the gold-medal winning team and named the tournament MVP.

“If you know Scottie and how humble he is this does not mean much to him,” said Noreen. “The way he comes to the rink would not change even if was not named an all-star. This is great for him and his family but since day one he has not changed who he is or what kind of player he is.”

Mayfield is expected to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft this summer.

CC Hockey Team Takes 21 Hour Bus Ride

(above) CC took the short bus from Bemidji to Colorado Springs last weekend

From: Colorado Springs Gazette
by Joe Paisley

In a Colorado College hockey season full of long and weather-delayed road trips, Sunday’s 21-hour bus ride from Bemidji, Minnesota, to Colorado Springs surpassed them all.

Shortly after boarding the bus in Bemidji at 6 a.m. Sunday (local time) to drive to the Minneapolis airport four hours south, the team’s 11:20 a.m. flight was canceled because of a blizzard that hammered the Twin Cities with eight inches by Sunday evening. Up to twelve more inches of snow were forecast for southern Minnesota by Monday night.

Shortly after the first cancellation, the 5:40 p.m. replacement was scrapped, leaving the 26 players and staff, loaded down with equipment, with two options: riding a bus until 2 a.m. Monday to make the start of a new block of classes that morning or waiting until Tuesday for a flight.

“We contacted (athletic director) Ken (Ralph) and he approved of getting back in time for classes,” Tigers coach Scott Owens said when the bus passed by Des Moines on Sunday afternoon. “The prospect of spending 2.5 days at the Minneapolis airport hotel didn’t appeal to us.”

There’s good reason for that. The team spent 10 hours at that airport getting back from St. Cloud because of storm cancellations. Factor in a connecting flight through Atlanta from Michigan Tech and two trips to Alaska and the Tigers have plenty of frequent flyer miles.

“We’ve had a tough travel year,” Owens said. “We’re getting by on the bus. The bus is equipped with Wi-Fi. With 22 and 23-year-olds, that’s all they really need.”

Makowski's Shot Draws National Coverage


ESPN's Top Ten Plays Of The Day (ESPN Disabled Video)

Around The Horn (Podcast - last 5% of show)

Pardon The Interruption
(Podcast - last 33% of show)

YouTube (Over 250,000 hits)

New York Times

ESPN.com

Deadspin

Puck Daddy

NESN.com

Mile High Buzz-SB Nation (Denver)

Sportpost.com

Fox 31 TV Denver


Denver Post Recap Of Goal

(above) The shot seen round the world
Magness Arena Ice Surface:
200' x 85'
Goal lines 10' from boards = 180'
90 degree angle from goal lines
Makowski 4' behind goal line
Makowski 10' from sideboards
= 187.3' shot

Suspended Coach Has Ties To CC Cheating Scandal

(above) USCHO says Northeastern head coach Greg Cronin was involved with an NCAA cheating scandal in the mid-Nineties at Colorado College

From: USCHO.com
by Jim Connelly


Last Friday afternoon, a news release came across saying Northeastern hockey coach Greg Cronin and assistant coach Albie O’Connell had been indefinitely suspended pending an investigation into possible NCAA violations surrounding communication with potential recruits.

The lesser-known past problem for Cronin occurred in the early 1990s while he was a member of the Colorado College coaching staff under the direction of head coach Brad Buetow. There, the staff was involved in the mid-season recruiting of a goaltender who was illegally flown to the campus using an assistant coach’s frequent flyer miles, provided free accommodations and allowed to practice with the team despite still being enrolled in junior college. That case was amplified when Buetow didn’t cooperate with the NCAA investigation and was ultimately forced to resign [read rest of article].

Couple Gets Engaged At DU Hockey Game

(above) Gerina shows off the Bling

Two Pioneer hockey fans were engaged on Saturday evening at Magness Arena between the second and third periods. A.J. Nittman and Gerina Wing of Longmont, Colorado are the happy couple at center of this photo surrounded by special people in the couple's life.

Naturally A.J. proposed in the "standing room only" area behind Section 18.

There was a lot of surprise and copious tears from her when he popped the question with a diamond ring, and she said 'yes.'

According to A.J., some months ago the couple was talking about potential engagement sites when Gerina suggested that she hoped A.J. would pop the question at a DU hockey game someday. That dream came true on Saturday.

Reportedly the couple reads LetsGoDU. Congrats!

Denver 5 - Michigan Tech 1 FINAL


(above) David Makowski's 187' goal

The University of Denver rolled to a 5-1 victory over Michigan Tech at Magness Arena on Saturday night. David Makowski scored a crazy 187' goal on Tech goaltender Kevin Genoe in the second period. The shot went 5-hole.


Cheverie Has Bit Part In Music Video


(above) Former DU goalie Marc Cheverie has a small part in this very well done music video for the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones

Michigan Tech 3 - Denver 2 FINAL

Michigan Tech rolled to a 3-2 victory on Friday night at Magness Arena. The Huskies scored two shorthanded goals to snap a 25 game winless streak.

Joe Colborne Traded To Maple Leafs

From: TSN.com

After 12 seasons in blue and white, the Maple Leafs have traded Tomas Kaberle to the Boston Bruins in exchange for prospect center Joe Colborne, the Bruins' first round pick in 2011 and a conditional 2nd Round draft pick.

If Boston resigns Kaberle or they make the Stanley Cup Finals, Toronto gets the 2nd round pick.

DU vs. Michigan Tech This Weekend

Denver Post: If fourth-ranked Denver beats struggling Michigan Tech tonight, the Pioneers will clinch home ice for the first round of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs and continue their climb toward a second consecutive league title [read rest of article].
----------
Mike Chambers Blog: DU coach George Gwozdecky told Chambers that goalie Sam Brittain will enter this weekend’s series against visiting Michigan Tech just like he did last weekend at Minnesota [read rest of article].
Both games televised nationally this weekend on FSN-Rocky Mountain

1st Round WCHA Playoff Tickets Go On Sale Today

From: DenverPioneers.com

Tickets for the 1st round of the 2011 WCHA Playoffs go on sale Friday at 9:00 AM MT. The first round of the WCHA Playoffs are set for March 11-13.

Season-ticket holders can call the Season Ticket Holder Hotline at 303-871-GOAL. All other fans can visit Ticketmaster.com, call 800-745-3000, or visit the Ritchie Center Ticket Office on Mon.-Fri. between 9-5 PM. Tickets start as low as $18 and DU's opponent has yet to be determined.

Mayfield & Larraza Listed As Top NHL Prospects

Premium Scouting's Website listed DU recruits Scott Mayfield and Zac Larraza as two of the top 10 players in the USHL eligible for the NHL Draft next summer. Mayfield was listed as the top choice overall.

Paul Colborne Buys BCHL Hockey Team

(above) Paul Colborne just bought an interest in the BCHL Nanaimo Clippers

From: BCHL.ca

Paul Cloborne, the father of former University of Denver star Joe Colborne is one of four new owners of the BCHL Nanaimo Clippers hockey team in British Columbia, Canada. Paul was a fixture at DU games while Joe was playing college hockey.

One of the other four owners includes former NHL goalie and current CBC hockey analyst Kelly Hrudey. Hrudey, who spent 15 years in the NHL with the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.

Another owner is Dave Moir, who has worked with Hrudey on CBC hockey broadcasts as a statistician and researcher.

Paul Colborne, who was not able to be at the ownership announcement as he was watching his son Joe, a 2008 first-round pick by Boston, play for the Providence Bruins. The three have been interested in the Clippers for some time but things only came together recently and Moir says he and his partners are happy it worked out in Nanaimo.

“Basically for the last two-and-a-half to three years, we’d been looking at different opportunities,” said Moir. “We sat down with (current co-owner) Ken (Wagner) in the last six months ... and we felt it was a good fit.”

Moir was also happy to see fans flocking to the game and acknowledged the interest that Hrudey draws.

“I’ve been working with him for 14 years so I’m used to it. Kelly’s a little more visible and he’s good with the fans.”

Hrudey and Moir were able to address the team briefly before they took the ice against the Cowichan Valley Capitals. A former major junior player with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Hrudey said the memories of being around the locker room came flooding back.

“Absolutely – my wife said, ‘Boy, they look so young,’ but they’re all such good kids,” said Hrudey. “You hear that kids are different today but I don’t find that at all.

“If we can provide some help and guidance, that’s what we want to do.”

DU players Kyle Ostrow and Marc Cheverie were teammates on the Clippers before coming to DU.

USHL Team Disqualifies Fan From $50,000 Prize



From: OpposingViews.com

Every Saturday night, the USHL Indiana Ice has a contest in which a fan is given $50,000 if he can score a goal. It's a nearly impossible shot -- the contestant has to shoot the puck 175 feet, and it has to go into a three-inch slot in the goal.

This past Saturday, 73-year-old Dick Marsh vowed to give the money to charity if he were lucky enough to score. Well, he did it -- the puck somehow found its way through the slot.

But one problem -- the insurance company underwriting the contest refuses to pay up, saying Marsh had to be behind the red line when he made the shot. If you look at the video, he is indeed a couple of feet past the line. However, Marsh said he was never told about that specific rule.

All isn't lost, however. Sensing a firestorm of criticism, the team says it will make a monetary payment to St. Vincent Cardiovascular Services and the American Heart Association on behalf of the contestant.

“Despite the third-party call made on the qualification of the shot, which voided the contest pay-out, the Indiana Ice will be making a monetary donation to the St. Vincent Cardiovascular Services and the American Heart Association on behalf of the contestant,” said Paul Skjodt, President/CEO, Indiana Ice. “We are doing this because it was a close call and a generous gesture by a loyal fan."

Denver Post: DU & UND Lose Captains To Injuries

(above) Kyle Ostrow will miss several weeks due surgery last Friday

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers


Perhaps it's only fair that the top two teams in contention for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season title will be without their captains for most, if not all, of the stretch run. Denver will be without Kyle Ostrow and North Dakota will be minus Chay Genoway [read entire article].

Boone Pals Around With DU Hockey Alums

(above) Hockey alumni and fans held a reunion during the DU-Minnesota series February 11-12, including meeting for lunch with Coach George Gwozdecky. Denver Boone surprised guests with an appearance and visited with Bob Graiziger (BSBA '76), Dominic Fragomeni (BA '64, MA '67), Gale Williamson, and Murray Dow
Source: DU Alumni Newsletter

Jr Pioneers Represent Denver In Quebec Tourney

(above) The Denver Junior Pioneers (11-12 y.o. team) after winning an outdoor exhibition match against a youth team from Quebec

The Quebec City International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament is the largest ice hockey tournament in the world. 2,300 youth players (11-12 y.o) from over 16 countries compete annually. Held every February at the 15,000 seat Colisée Pepsi, it unofficially serves as the pee-wee World Championships.

This year the Junior Pioneers team from Denver are off to a great start. The Junior Pioneers are 2-0 in tournament play defeating Austria and Lachenaie Chevaliers (Montreal) and will face Campus DPR Noroits (Quebec) on Friday morning.

The team is undefeated in exhibition play defeating Chaudiere (Quebec) in an outdoor game [see photo above] and Wendy's Avalanche from New Jersey. The team plays the San Jose Jr. Sharks and Baden-Wurttemberg (Germany) in exhibition play before returning to regular play in the Collisee on Friday.

In all probability a few players from this team will play for the University of Denver some day.

Players who have competed in this tournament when they were younger include Wayne Gretzkey, Paul Stastny, Patrick Roy and Peter Senja.

DU's Mascots & Logos Over The Years

(photo) Click on photo to enlarge

The University of Denver's mascots and logos have changed significantly over the years. From Pioneer Pete to Boone to Ruckus to nothing. Are we Pioneers or DU? Birds or people - travel by wagon or fly with feathers?

Newest DU Hockey Fan Is NFL Hall Of Famer

(above) NFL great Randall McDaniel was sporting a DU cap on Saturday night in Mariucci Arena

Randall McDaniel is the University of Denver's latest high-profile supporter. The NFL Hall of Famer and 12 time Pro Bowler is the uncle of current player Jarrod Mermis and future recruit Dakota Mermis, who will enroll at DU in 2012.

On Saturday night McDaniel and his family were cheering on the Pioneers in Minneapolis where they reside. McDaniel played for the Minnesota Vikings for 11 seasons and is considered to be one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history.

Dakota Mermis is not the only member of DU's future recruiting classes with famous athletic relatives. Forward Garrett Allen's aunt is five-time Olympic Gold Medalist, speed skater Bonnie Blair. 2011 recruit Larkin Jacobson's step-father is two-time Stanley Cup winning forward Ruslan Fedotenko, who currently plays for the NY Rangers.
2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-18)
F Garrett Allen (Fargo, USHL)
D Joey LaLeggia (Penticton Vees, BCHL)
F Larkin Jacobson (Janesville Jets, NAHL)
D Wade Bennett (Wichita Falls, NAHL)
F Matt Tabrum (Omaha, USHL)

2012 Recruiting Class
D Matt Van Voorhis (U.S. Under-18)
F Tyler Pham (Colorado Thunderbirds-U18)
D Dakota Mermis (U.S. Under-17)
D Josiah Didier (Cedar Rapids, USHL)
F Daniel Doremus (Sioux Falls, USHL)

2013 Recruiting Class
F Brad Hawkinson (Colorado Thunderbirds-U18)

DU #4 In Latest Polls

DU Baseball Club To Sell Fundraising Shirts

(above) Joe Lubar Memorial T-shirts are available from the DU baseball club


University of Denver baseball club members are dealing with the grief of the tragic skiing accident of teammate Joe Lubar, who's funeral was held Monday. They have produced a fundraising T-shirt they are selling to keep Joe's memory alive. The proceeds will be donated to the family.

Contact DU baseball team member Vinnie Girardi to make a donation or purchase a shirt.

Boone With DU Dancers High-Def Video

(above) Click on photo to watch Boone & DU Dancers High Definition video recorded during halftime of last Thursday's mens basketball game in Magness Arena


It was a busy weekend for DU's "unofficial" mascot Boone. On Thursday night he performed on center court of the DU men's basketball 69-42 victory against Florida Atlantic. Boone had been practicing with the University of Denver Dance Team in a secret location on campus leading up to the performance. Watch the video, Boone's got some moves.

Performing in the video are DU Dance Team members Brooke Way, Calli McPherson, Caroline Stern, Chesley Price, Colleen Mary, Emma Hunt, Erica Alley, Kaitlin Behan, Kelsey Gore, Lauren Geist, Lesley Pahl, Nicole Zimmet & Boone. The mash-up was choreographed by Erica Hunt.

On Friday morning Boone and his posse of three DU students boarded a flight to Minnesota to cheer on the DU hockey team. Boone also attended the DU Hockey Alumni functions in Minneapolis and sat in front row seats in Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.

After some quick sightseeing on Sunday at the Mall of America, Boone and the posse flew home safely to DU.

Minnesota Road Trip Photos

(above) Less that one inch of plexiglas was all that separated Goldy and Boone from throwing down

(above) Coach Gwozdecky addressed the DU Hockey Alumni on Saturday afternoon

(above) The Colorado College Omelete at Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown

(above) Boone surveys the action during pregame introductions

(above) Former Michigan Tech hockey player Eli Vlaisavljevich and his niece Anna Vlaisavljevich joke around with the Boone mask on Saturday night in Mariucci Arena. Anna is the daughter of former DU defenseman Dan Vlaisavljevich who played for the Pioneers from 1979-83

DU Student Dies From Skiing Accident Injuries

(left) Joe Lubar was a starting pitcher on the University of Denver club baseball team

From: Channel 9.com

Members of the Milwaukee Brewers organization, the University of Denver community and the DU club baseball team are mourning the loss of student Joe Lubar, 21, who died Friday after suffering traumatic injuries in a skiing accident in Colorado.

The Summit County Coroner's Office says Joe Lubar fell on Jan. 25 above tree line at Copper Mountain. He was on a double black diamond run when he fell and suffered brain injuries.

He was taken first to a hospital in Summit County and then transferred to St. Anthony Central Hospital in Denver. He died early on Friday morning.

While at school, Lubar was a prolific pitcher on the University of Denver club baseball team. His DU teammates are planning on honoring him through a fundraising event on Feb. 19th.

Lubey as his teammates called him, is the son of David Lubar, one of the members of the Brewers ownership group. Mr. Lubar serves on the team's advisory board and heads its finance committee.

The Lubar family, led by patriarch Sheldon Lubar, is one of the most prominent families in Milwaukee, noted philanthropists and huge backers of sports in the city.

Best wishes to the Lubar family, Joe's friends and his teammates at DU.