More Photos From Homecoming Weekend

(above) DU Hockey Alumni Orange-Lemon competition
(above) Boone tries his hand at leading a high school band
(above) DU's pregame huddle

DU Athletics Initiates Billboard Campaign

(above) Click on image to enlarge
The University of Denver Athletic Department is kicking off a new billboard campaign around Denver.  It should help build brand awareness around town.

Bozak's Halloween Costume Sparks Controversy

(above) It only took 3 hours for every newspaper in Canada to jump on this photo
From: Toronto Sun

Had it not been for the current lockout, Toronto Maple Leafs & DU Alum Tyler Bozak might have been resting – maybe celebrating – after meeting the Anaheim Ducks at the Air Canada Centre Tuesday night.

Instead, the 26-year-old from Regina, Sask., became the subject of heated social media talk after a tweet from his personal Twitter account appeared to show a picture of himself in blackface, posing as former pop star Michael Jackson while grabbing himself.

Although he promptly removed the tweet the photo was captured by a number of followers, who prominently displayed the image for all to see, leading Bozak to comment on the accompanying backlash that ensued.

“That's a tribute to one of my fave artists,” Bozak tweeted. “For anyone saying its racist is crazy!”

Blackface is a style of makeup used for imitating a black person. It has a history of being used in forms of entertainment based on racist stereotypes.

In three season with the Leafs Bozak has 106 points in 192 games. He agreed to a two-year extension with Toronto last summer.


The Pumpkin That Lauched A Mascot

For those that don't know or remember the entire backstory...

A University of Denver Alum from Atlanta emailed LetsGoDU this photo of his "Pumpkin Boone" in 2008.  The Bring Back Boone movement was gathering momentum across campus until Chancellor Coombe's decision that, "Boone would not become the official mascot of the University of Denver."

After Coombe's controversial decision, Richard emailed me again and said, "Lets just build a Boone mascot anyway."

So LetsGoDU published an article and asked for donations. 25 alums, students and fans sent in checks totaling $4,800.  The Boone mascot was designed, built and purchased from a company in Toronto in time for the 2009 Frozen Four in Washington DC.

As as Boonemania sweeps across Pionation, know that without this carved Halloween pumpkin there would not have been a Boone mascot costume.

Happy Halloween PioNation.

DU Recruiting Weekly Roundup

(above) DU recruit Will Butcher is projected to be a 1st or 2nd Round NHL draft pick next summer
Hard to believe, with the early season success by the University of Denver hockey team, but the Pioneers might be even better on the blueline next season. 

The reason? Incoming 2013 recruit Will Butcher.  

Will Butcher, D, USNTDP -- The 5-foot-9.5, 191-pound offensive-minded defenseman offers tremendous speed and intelligence and is instinctual with the puck. A left-handed shot, Butcher has good vision, is calm in transition and can quarterback the power play. 

"He's not big, but he has a lot of hockey sense and he's a guy we'll look to for some positive things on our power play," U.S. National Team Development Program coach Don Granato told NHL.com.

NHL scout Josh Deitell watched Butcher play against Wisconsin & Notre Dame two weeks ago.  He noted, "Butcher seemed to improve on every shift through the two games. He plays a well-rounded two-way game with good outlet and power-play passing, the ability to rush the puck, and surprising grit along the boards. Against Notre Dame he was downright nasty to play against at times."

Butcher was a member of the team that won a gold medal at the IIHF 2012 World Under-18 Championship during the summer. He also starred on the National U-17 team that captured first at the U-18 Vlad Dzurilla Tournament. 

In 46 games with the U-17 team, the University of Denver commit had eight goals and 31 points in 2011-12. 

A native of Sun Prairie, Wis., Butcher has two goals and six points in 14 games for the USNTDP Under-18 team this season. 
2013 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL) - 10 games, 1 goal, 2 assists
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL) - 11 games, 2 assists
F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL) - 8 games, 3 goals
F Landon Smith (Cedar Rapids, USHL) - 9 games, 4 goals, 3 assists
F Connor Chatham (Omaha, USHL) - 11 games, 4 goals, 2 assists
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL) - 8 games, 1 goal, 5 assists
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-18) - 14 games, 2 goals, 4 assists
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL) - 17 games, 1 goal, 2 assists
F Trevor Moore (Tri-Cities, USHL) 9 games, 4 goals, 7 assists

2014 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-17) 11 games, 2 goals, 3 assists
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-18) 13 games, 2 assists
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 8 games, 1 goal, 1 assist
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 9 games, 2 goals, 2 assists

Thoughts & Observations From Homecoming

(above) Purchase a Boone hockey jersey online & you could become a Magness celebrity
Fantastic student support at both games this weekend.  Band, Boone, Cheerleaders, DU Dance Team all did a great job.  Awesome to see our hockey team leading by wide margins on both nights and virtually no student fans leaving until the final buzzer.  Well played.
----------
Props to DU for cutting back on the canned music on Saturday night so that the band could be in the spotlight.
----------
The Saturday night pre-game Taste of DU Event in Gates Fieldhouse was incredible once again.  DU doesn't publicize it because they want to keep it for the parents & alumni.  Its a sampling from restaurants that are either local or alumni owned.  Thanks to the hard-working DU Alumni Office staff that puts on this event annually.  Its easily the best pregame event of the hockey season.
----------
The annual hockey alumni Orange-Lemon Contest had the added bonus of Mark Rycroft, Paul Stastny & Tyler Bozak competing.  Wish DU could figure out a way to let the alumni guys do this between periods of the Homecoming game in front of 5,000 fans.  And yes, the three DU alums with NHL experience all missed their first shots, so were in the "Lemon" line.  Rycroft "won" the Lemon & Petri Gunther the Orange.
---------
Michigan Tech hockey coach Mel Pearson is a crybaby.  On Saturday night as the game was unraveling for Tech late in the first period, four MTU players were sitting in the Penalty Box, Mel was screaming at the officials and at the same time was distracted by several DU frat boys sitting behind him banging on the glass.  Never seen a coach react to fans while the puck is in play.  Net result, DU students were relocated to better seats as DU seized control of the game.
----------
Nice game by DU goaltender Adam Murray on Saturday night.  He looked like he was really enjoying himself out there.  Great to see.
---------
Wish I had a dollar for every fan at the game who told me they love the grittiness of this young DU hockey team.  Its "Old-time hockey, like Eddie Shore used to play" at Magness Arena.
---------
Limo ride around campus with Boone and other DU alums on Saturday afternoon was a great experience.  Will have to add that to future game day bucket lists.
----------
TRIVIA QUESTION: When was the last time DU scored five or more goals in four consecutive regular season games? Oct. 25th - Nov. 2nd, 2002.  They defeated Alabama-Huntsville 7-2, 7-0 & Wisconsin 5-3, 5-3.

Note: DU did it on two more recent occasions, but needed exhibition games to pull off the feat.

DU #3 In Latest Poll Released Today

(above) Click on image above to enlarge

1984 & 2012 DU Homecoming Float Photos

(above) This 1980's era photo was posted on Facebook over the weekend - Notice Budweiser sponsorship logo on float :-)

The photo above is an elaborate "homemade" float participating in the 1984 DU Homecoming Parade.  Although student participation is much, much larger these days, the floats back in the day were quite cool.

(above) The 2012 DUPB Float was one of the more elaborate floats this year
If you check out the link to the photos of this years' Homecoming Parade, the participation is far greater these days.  The crowds along the parade route have been very impressive in recent years.

Old School vs. New School ... the debate continues.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Coombe Fist Pumps Banned Mascot

(above) Video footage from DU's Homecoming Parade

In this shocking video, University of Denver Chancellor Dr. Robert Coombe is clearly seen awkwardly fist pumping DU's outlawed mascot Boone.

Photos: Boone's Limo Leads Homecoming Parade

(above) Boone with DU alums Tim Healy & Ron Kuchler
(above) Boone with DU Alum Ron Kuchler
(above) The limo whisks Boone & the LetsGoDU support crew around campus
(above) Taking a break in front of Chancellor Coombe's mansion

DU 5 - Michgan Tech 2 FINAL

(above) The student section was rocking on Saturday night
The University of Denver hockey team continued its torrid scoring pace and rolled to another impressive victory over Michigan Tech.  Saturday night marked the fourth straight game that DU scored five goals.

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post had some comments on the officiating and a phantom call on Joey LaLeggia.  Jeoy Leggs is quietly becoming one of the best defensemen in college hockey.

Quentin Shore, David Makowski, Joey Leggs, Shawn Ostrow & Daniel Doremus scored for DU. Adam Murray was solid between the pipes.


DU 5 - Michigan Tech 1 FINAL

Its almost becoming routine.  The 2012-13 University of Denver hockey team starts off slowly and builds momentum until the score is out of reach.  Friday night was no different as the Pioneers defeated Michigan Tech 5-1 at Magness Arena.  It was the third straight game the Pioneers  tallied five goals.

Five different players scored for DU;  Dakota Mermis, David Makowski, Quentin Shore, Joey LaLeggia & Nick Shore.  

Once again Great Brittain was a rock between the pipes.

Seen at the Game: Retired Avs defenseman Adam Foote, Avs center Paul Stastny & Maple Leafs winger Tyler Bozak.


Gameday: News & Notes From Around PioNation

BREAKING NEWS: Not sure if any DU hockey players live in the Nelson Hall dormitory on campus, although its possible some Freshman players do.  If so, they missed some sleep last night.  The entire dorm was evacuated at 3:30 this morning due to carbon monoxide alarms going off.
-----------
The Denver Post has an article to on the weekend series with Michigan Tech.  The Post predcts that Great Brittain to start Friday and sophomore Juho Olkinuora to come off a team-imposed suspension and protect the nets Saturday.
----------
The DU men's and women's hoops teams are both predicted to finish third in the WAC this season. Interesting to note that CBS Sportsline has DU as the sexy pick to win the conference.
----------
DU Athletic Director Peg Bradley-Doppes has been receiving several awards recently due to the magnificent job she has done resurrecting DU's Athletics programs.

DU Lacrosse Receives Top Canadian Commitment

Jeremy Bosher of Kamloops, one of Canada’s best young field-lacrosse players, has committed to play for the University of Denver starting in the fall of 2014.

Bosher has been a member of the Calgary-based ELEV8 Elite program for three years.

“This is a very exciting time for Jeremy, his family and the ELEV8 Program,” ELEV8 president Geoff Snider [DU Alum] said.

“We are proud of the choice he has made as a student-athlete and we are looking forward to watching his career further develop with ELEV8 over the next two years. 

“He is a natural leader on and off the field and will be an influential cog in helping Denver obtain an NCAA Championship.”

Bosher has been a provincial all star four consecutive years and cracked the national all-star team three times.

He is a two-time silver medallist with Team B.C. at midget box lacrosse nationals.

In August, the ESPNHS Warrior 40 competition, featuring the U.S.’s top underclass high school lacrosse players, selected Bosher as one of two Canadians on the overall roster for the first time since its inception.

Border Reopens As Merchants Mile High Saloon

For three decades The Border Restaurant & Bar had checkered history as DU's most notorious watering hole. A trio of new owners, two of whom run the well known dive bar Merchants Saloon [Air Hockey table, pool table, pinball, jukebox, stripper pole, dim lighting] in Oakland, California, took over the spot a few weeks ago and this week the space reopened as Merchants Mile High Saloon.
Two Border Incidents That Impacted DU Athletics

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

DU ice hockey goaltender Chris Burns was stabbed during a wild 75 person melee back in 1994. Naturally it was business as usual the next night and another fight broke out. Burns finished his career with a 4.72 GAA and and .842 Save Percentage.

DU's Recruiting Classes Update

(above) Californian Trevor Moore is averaging over a point a game in the first month of the season
DU's two upcoming Recruiting Class are looking good and several of the players are off to strong starts in the USHL.  Trevor Moore and Connor Chatham lead their respective teams in scoring.

2013 Recruiting Class 
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL) - 8 games, 1 goal, 2 assists
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL) - 8 games, 1 assist
F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL) - 6 games, 2 goals
F Landon Smith (Cedar Rapids, USHL) - 7 games, 3 goals, 2 assist
F Connor Chatham (Omaha, USHL) - 8 games, 4 goals, 2 assists
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL) - 6 games, 1 goal, 3 assists
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-18) - 11 games, 2 goals, 4 assists
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL) - 14 games, 1 goal, 2 assists
F Trevor Moore (Tri-Cities, USHL) 7 games, 3 goals, 5 assists

2014 Recruiting Class 
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-17) 10 games, 2 goals, 3 assists
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-18) 11 games, 2 assists
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 6 games, 1 goal, 1 assist
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 7 games, 2 goals, 2 assists

Gwozdecky's Radio Show Kicks Off Tonight

(above) Coach Gwozdecky hits the airwaves tonight
George Gwozdecky's Radio Show will air live on Denver's Sports Station 102.3 ESPN from 6-6:30 PM MT at The Pioneer restaurant tonight, located at 2401 South University Ave. 

The George Gwozdecky Radio Show will be hosted by 102.3 ESPN’s Nate Kreckman and Charles "CJ" Johnson. The audiocast for each show will be available on DenverPioneers.com and denverssportsstation.com. 

The Pioneer restaurant will offer food and drinks specials during each show. The #5 Pioneers welcome to Michigan Tech to Magness Arena for a two-game series this weekend.

The George Gwozdecky Radio Show Schedule
Tuesday, Oct. 23 - 6-6:30 PM
Tuesday, Oct. 30 - 6-6:30 PM
Tuesday, Nov. 13 - 6-6:30 PM
Tuesday, Nov. 27 - 6-6:30 PM
Tuesday, Jan. 8 - 6-6:30 PM
Tuesday, Feb. 5 - 6-6:30 PM
Tuesday, Feb. 19 - 6-6:30 PM
Tuesday, March 5 - 6-6:30 PM

Serratore Compares Air Force To An Addict

Frank Serratore
by Brent New

The University of Denver frustrated Air Force 5-2 Saturday night. 

Falcons coach Frank Serratore was animated to say the least. “It’s like an addict,” said Serratore a night after losing to Colorado College 6-2. 

“We have to admit we have a problem.” 

The Pioneers outshot Air Force 42-24 and they won 32 of the game’s faceoffs. Serratore is facing the realization of playing in the same state as some of the nation’s best (#19 CC, #7 DU). 

“We are never going to get the talent of CC and DU, we just aren’t,” Serratore said. 

“The only way we’re going to beat those guys is we have to play as a team better than they play as a team.”

DU Lax Defeats Denver Outlaws In Scrimmage

The University of Denver's lacrosse team defeated the Denver Outlaws 11-10 on Saturday afternoon. Led by freshman Gordie Koerber's five goals and senior Eric Law's three assists, the Pioneers remained undefeated in their fall ball schedule. 

DU 5 - Air Force 2 FINAL

The University of Denver scored ten goals over the weekend after cruising to a 5-2 victory over Air Force in Magness Arena on Saturday night.  Nick Shore recorded a hat trick, Joey LaLeggia and Zac Larraza added goals.

DU's new three D-man power play unit is leading the country in scoring percentage.

Denver Post: Air Force To Test DU Tonight

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Frank Serratore's infectious personality is just half of what has turned this weekend into college hockey's Colorado state championship. The guy can also coach, evidenced by his worldly — albeit underrated — exploits behind the Air Force hockey bench. 

Serratore, who has guided the Falcons to conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances in five of the past six years, has turned Front Range hockey into a three-headed monster. The Falcons are feared, which is why this weekend's mythical "state championship" is relevant [read rest of article].

DU 5 - UMass Lowell 1 FINAL

(above) DU's big victory earned them front page coverage in the online version of the sports section of the Denver Post
Offensive output was supposed to be a question mark for the University of Denver hockey team coming into this season. In the opening game, the question appears to be answered. DU scored five goals and cruised to a 5-1 victory over the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. 

Daniel Doremus scored a career-high two goals and Ty Loney, Nolan Zajac & David Makowski added one apiece.

Sam Brittain threw in 37 saves for good measure.




Tweets From Around PioNation

DU Hockey, Soccer & Lax Events Colide

Its a busy weekend at DU and parking WILL be an issue so plan accordingly. Besides the events listed below Women's Soccer, Women's Lacrosse and a Gymnastics event will also take place on campus. 

Friday night its Men's Soccer vs. San Jose State & the hockey team vs. UMass-Lowell. Both games start at 7:30 PM. 

On Saturday the Pioneers' Lacrosse team is hosting the Denver Outlaws at 1:30 PM in the annual Colorado Lacrosse Showcase. On Saturday night the DU hockey team will face Air Force @ 7 PM.

Tickets for all events are available online at DenverPioneers.com

Finally, Its Hockey Night In Denver

While the NHL Strike continues to drag on, the #7 University of Denver's hockey season finally gets underway tonight against #9 University of Massachusetts-Lowell.  UMass-Lowell had a breakout year last year going 24-13-1. making the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996.

Speaking of Lowell, they added Dwayne Roloson, a 16-year veteran of the NHL, as a volunteer assistant coach this week.

The Pioneers are 7-2-0 all-time against UMass-Lowell in a series that began in 1984. However, the teams have not faced each other since the 2006-07 season. The River Hawks have not beaten the Pioneers since Dec. 5, 1986, when it won 5-4 in overtime, and have never won in Denver. 

Lowell head coach Norm Bazin worked as an assistant at Colorado College for eight years.

In preseason polls UML was picked by the Hockey East coaches to finish second behind defending national champion Boston College.  So tonight's game is sure to have significant Pairwise ranking implications at the end of the season.
.
The River Hawks are coming off a 1-1 draw against the University of Vermont last week.  Junior goaltender Doug Carr stopped 27 shots in the opening game of the seson for the River Hawks.

Denver Post: Nolan Reignites Zajac Era At DU

Nolan Zajac
by Mike Chambers

Two of his older brothers were big-name hockey players for tradition-rich North Dakota, when the seven-time NCAA champion had a nickname. So how in the name of the Fighting Sioux did blue-chip defenseman Nolan Zajac land at the University of Denver? 

"I guess everyone expected me to go to North Dakota, but I kind of wanted to find my own path, to an extent," said Zajac, youngest brother of New Jersey Devils forward Travis Zajac. "I want to follow what they do, but I want to take my own path to get there." [read entire article].

Denver Post: DU's Defense Hyped At Media Day

(above) DU kicks off the hockey season this weekend at Magness Arena
From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

In conversations during Tuesday's media day at Magness Arena, University of Denver coach George Gwozdecky and team captain Paul Phillips were really getting defensive.

In fact, defense is about all they talked about [read entire article].

DU Lax Stuns Maryland In Fallball Exhibition

(above) DU's Eric Law on the attack against Maryland

From: DU Athletics Website

The University of Denver men's lacrosse team stunned the University of Maryland lacrosse team 12-9 in a fall-season exhibition at the Seattle Sounders FC practice facility on Saturday afternoon in front of 3.589 fans. The game was the first NCAA DI Lacrosse game played in the Seattle and was a part of the first-ever Seatown Classic.

"I'm just really happy that our guys came and competed against a great Maryland team," said head coach Bill Tierney. "That's all we told them to do, just come out and compete. We knew the score wasn't going to mean a lot but we wanted to come out and compete against a Maryland team that has made it to the National Championship game the last two years."

Photos: DU Student Season Ticket Campout


Video: DU Student Season Ticket Campout

Bad Boyz: WCHA Ref Arrested In Alaska

(Above) WCHA Referee Peter Friesema
(above) WCHA ref Butch Mousseaux
From: Anchorage Daily News
by

Peter Friesema, a WCHA referee who officiated UAA games over the weekend alongside referee WCHA Butch Mousseaux, was checking in at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport with a traveling companion late Saturday night. He pointed out that the Alaska Airlines ticket agent had put his sticker on his friend's luggage.

The agent, Courtney Grant, said it didn't matter since they were both traveling to the same destination. At any rate, the bags were already headed along the conveyor belt to the sorting area below.

What Friesema said next temporarily shut down the airport, forced hundreds of passengers into the cold night air, caused many to miss connections, and landed him in jail.

"But my friend's bag has a bomb in it," the agent remembers him saying, according to a charging document. He recounted it to authorities slightly differently, more to the effect of "what if my friend's bag has a bomb in it?"

Either way, his comment was "perhaps an effort to be funny or flirtacious," Assistant District Attorney Adam Alexander said Sunday before Friesema made a court appearance.

Friesema, 44, may have been joking but no one in the airline business is amused by off-hand comments about bombs.

Just after midnight, early on Sunday morning, officials locked down the main terminal at the international airport, with airport police telling people as they evacuated the building that there had been a "security breach."

Chilled passengers, many of them in summer clothes from their warm departure cities, huddled in doorways to keep warm.

Friesema had already cleared security; police found him in the Alaska Airlines boardroom. The FBI interviewed him, as well as the ticket agent, and determined the threat was not credible, Parrott said.

Friesema is charged with disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor. The FBI and state authorities are still evaluating whether to bring additional charges. Airport police had referred charges of both disorderly conduct and making terroristic threats, a felony, which can apply if a person makes a false report that causes evacuation of a building or public place.

At jail court on Sunday afternoon, Friesema wore a yellow jailhouse uniform. His hands were shackled in front of him. His silvery hair was neatly cut. He looked worried and spoke so softly the magistrate, Catherine Rogers, had to ask him to speak up.

He pleaded not guilty. He said he makes about $50,000 a year.

Rogers ordered him to stay in Alaska and lowered his bail from $5,000 -- set when the terroristic threat charge was pending -- to $1,500.

"I find you to be a flight risk," Rogers said, alluding to the fact Friesema lives in Colorado. "You need to have this resolved."

She set his next court hearing for Nov. 26.

"If I have to stay in Alaska, I'll lose my job, my career," he told her.

Friesema didn't say in court what he does for a living, but he's listed on the website of the Central Hockey League, a mid-level professional league, as a referee. He's also a referee with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and has been working games in Alaska for years. On Friday and Saturday, he officiated at UAA's Kendall Hockey Classic at Sullivan Arena. He also appears to have aviation experience. He says on his Facebook page that he went to flight school in Florida and studied aviation management, as well as criminal justice, at Minnesota State University.

Maybe a half dozen flights involving hundreds of passengers were affected, Parrott said. Some planes arriving early Sunday pulled up at the North Terminal or their passengers were directed to go there, and other planes scheduled to take off around 1 a.m. departed late, causing passengers to miss connections in other cities. A number of airlines were affected, including Alaska, Delta, U.S. Airways and United, he said.

The airport is reviewing its procedures in light of the incident, Parrott said.

Boone Promotes Local Realtor Event At DU

Many of the top realtors from the Denver Metro Realtor Association gathered at Magness Arena for a dinner, conference at photos on the ice.  Boone was invited to attend the event.  Since it was the first time Boone was allowed on the sacred ice at Magness, we posted the photo.

Mile High Sports Breaks Down Gold Pan Rivalry

(above) The DU-CC Rivalry is the second oldest continually played series in college hockey behind Michigan vs. Michigan State
Mile High Sports has an excellent article this week on the Gold Pan Series with interviews of the coaches and great historical antidotes.  They also mentioned that it was the most intense sports rivalry in Colorado.  Check it out.

FYI: The annual University of Denver Student Hockey Season Ticket Campout starts today. Student tickets go on sale at 8 AM on Saturday morning.

RealTime RPI Ranks Men's Basketball Conferences

(above) 2011-12 Final RPI rankings for every NCAA D-1 Conference
Now that the WAC has been decimated, the uphill fight to bring it back to respectability appears to be a daunting task.  The "new" WAC will comprise of DU, New Mexico State, Idaho, Seattle, Utah Valley University & California State-Bakersfield.

Meanwhile Idaho is still rumored to be looking to bolt the conference.  Asked to comment on the WAC's move, Idaho athletic Rob Spear said, “The announcement does not impact our evaluation.”

DU Student Ticket Campout Is This Weekend

(above) DU students buying tickets last year
The annual University of Denver Student Hockey Season Ticket Campout is this weekend. Student tickets go on sale at 8 AM on Saturday morning.

DU Ripped For Giving Away Chinese Swag

by David Shuster

The host of last week's presidential debate, the University of Denver, either doesn't understand how to support American workers or doesn't care. 

The University's souvenir bag, given to all campus visitors, had a series of "Presidential Debate 2012" items that were "made in China." That's right. At the very site of one of the most important and symbolic political events this year -- the host campus gave U.S. textile and manufacturing workers the shaft. The baseball cap sporting a mountain/university logo and the words "Presidential Debate 2012 -- University of Denver" has a label inside that says "Made in China." The water bottle featuring that same University/debate logo also says "Made in China." The reporter's notebook doesn't say where it was produced but features the debate logo and a quote from Benjamin Franklin that says, "Where liberty dwells, there is my country" [read entire article].

Good News-Bad News Comes With WAC Additions

The Good News: The WAC looks like its going to survive thanks to the two new members that will bring the membership up to six members and keep the conference NCAA eligible.

The Bad News: Its California State University-Bakersfield and Utah Valley University. The WAC is now officially the worst conference in America. 

In case you are interested: The new teams are the Roadrunners & the Wolverines.

Makowski's Headache Issues Discussed In Depth

(above) David Makowski's goal on Saturday night against the University of British Columbia signaled a return to the ice for the star defenseman
From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

University of Denver junior hockey player David Makowski was miserable. He couldn't play hockey. He could barely attend class, much less study or take an exam. He suffered nonstop headaches, and the very medication he was taking for treatment may have been the root of the problem [read entire article].

Video: Boone Promotes DU Student Ticket Campout

Bad Boyz: Sconnie Star In Limbo For Twitter Photos

(above) Social media photos after the 2012 NHL Draft in Pittsburgh triggered an NCAA investigation of a  college hockey player
UPDATE: NCAA Suspends Kerdiles for One Year - Sconnie Appeals

University of Wisconsin star recruit Nic Kerdiles didn't suit up for the Badgers exhibition game on Saturday while the NCAA sorts out the status of his eligibility.

Chris Peters from the United States of Hockey Blog reported that the NCAA investigation stems from potential violations discovered through social media.

Sources told Bucky's 5th Quarter that the situation started because a photo on Twitter of Kerdiles out to dinner after the 2012 NHL Draft in Pittsburgh with sports agents from Pulver Sports.  Kerdiles deleted his Twitter account in mid-August reportedly because of the NCAA investigation.

SNL Mentions DU & Magness Arena


 (above) DU mentioned in opening skit on Saturday Night Live

DU's Three-Headed Goaltender Rotation

(above) Great Brittain Started between the pipes on Saturday night against the University of British Columbia
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post had an article over the weekend about DU's three goaltender rotation.  Each of the three will get an opportunity in the first month of the season.

No mention if they would consider "redshirting" Olkinuora if Murray got off to a strong start.

Denver 2 - British Columbia 2 FINAL [Exhibition]

David Makowski & Garrett Allen scored goals as the University of Denver and British Columbia skated to a 2-2 tie at the Pepsi Center. DU jumped out to a 2-0 lead before UBC came back to knot the score.

"Morning Joe" TV Show Passes Out DU Swag


Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
(above) DU Debate T-shirts handed out during "Morning Joe" on MSNBC

Two More Boone Photos from Wednesday

(above) Boone looks very Presidential
(above) Two candidates that have nothing in common

Zucker Predicts WCHA Standings

(above) DU alum Jason Zucker thinks its going to be a big year for the Pioneers

Denver Post: DU Suspends Two Players

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

University of Denver hockey players Larkin Jacobson and Juho Olkinuora have been suspended for four games for violating team rules, Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky said. The suspensions stem from separate incidents and will include Saturday's exhibition game against the University of British Columbia at the Pepsi Center [read entire article].