Youngest Carle Brother Commits To Merrimack

(above) Alex Carle & Gus with DU alums Matt & David Carle
Defenseman Alex Carle, the youngest of the three Carle brothers from Anchorage, committed to Merrimack College last week.

Carle, 18, is the captain at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire. He'll begin at Merrimack of Hockey East in 2014. Likely he'll play a season in the USHL before college.

Matt Carle, the oldest brother, was one of the best players ever to play at the University of Denver winning two national championships and the Hobey Baker Award.  Matt currently plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Second brother David Carle retired from hockey just before arriving at DU after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a thickening of the heart that can trigger cardiac arrest during strenuous activity. He coached at DU for four years as a student assistant coach.  Today, David is an assistant coach with the USHL Green Bay Gamblers.
2013 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL) - 37 gms, 3 goals, 15 assists
F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL) - 33 gms, 6 goals, 2 assists
F Landon Smith (Chicago, USHL) - 30 games, 10 goals, 5 assists
F Connor Chatham (Omaha, USHL) - 40 games, 14 goals, 13 assists
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL) - 35 games, 6 goals, 16 assists
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-18) - 39 games, 7 goals, 13 assists
F Trevor Moore (Tri-City, USHL) 38 games, 16 goals, 26 assists
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-18) 38 games, 7 assists
.
2014 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL) - 40 games, 3 goals, 13 assists
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-17) 38 games, 4 goals, 9 assists
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 30 games, 6 goals, 5 assists
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL) - 43 games, 10 goal, 8 assists
.
2015 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 34 games, 5 goal, 15 assists

Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2013/01/26/2766597/defenseman-carle-headed-to-merrimack.html#storylink=cpy

DU Hockey Visits UMD's Amsoil Arena For 1st Time

(above) Duluth's Amsoil Arena is on the waterfront of Lake Superior
The University of Denver is the only WCHA school that has yet to pay a visit to the University of Minnesota-Duluth's AMSOIL Arena. This weekend’s series will mark the 192nd and 193rd meetings ever between UMD and Denver -- but the first in Duluth since Dec. 4th, 2010.

The Pioneers do hold the distinction of being the Bulldogs’ opponent for final game ever at the 45-year old Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center. UMD prevailed in that confrontation, shading the Pioneers 2-1.

The new arena has boosted Duluth's attendance sigificantly in the past three years.  UMD’s last regular season appearance in Duluth (a 5-4 victory over Michigan Tech University on Jan. 12) was played before a standing-room only crowd of 6,829 -- the largest to ever take in a UMD home game. UMD is currently averaging the sixth best home attendance (6,255 a night) of any team in the nation.

The new arena has also boosted play on the ice for the Bulldogs.  The Bulldogs are 24-13-4 lifetime at the new building.

UMD has been riding a hot streak of late in league play.  The Bulldogs are unbeaten in eight of their last 10 WCHA engagements (7-2-1) and had reeled off five straight league victories before dropping a 5-1 decision at Colorado College in their most recent WCHA outing on Jan. 19.

Clarion Editorial Asks "Why Is Boone Unofficial?"

(above) Good questions asked of DU's Administration as they continue to bury their heads in the sand
From: DU Clarion
by Chris Bach

Coming to DU this past fall, I believed our school mascot was none other than the renowned, famous Boone. It was only brought to my attention in the past couple of weeks that Boone is our unofficial mascot. 

This is discouraging, because I looked at Boone with a sense of pride for my school. Instead, the red-tailed hawk, Ruckus, took his place [read entire article].

Warrior Unveils DU Lacrosse Gloves

(above) Crimson & Gold Denver Burn lacrosse gloves by Warrior

Shore & Zucker Help AHL West All-Stars To Win

(above) DU alums Jason Zucker scored the first goal and Drew Shore scored the fourth goal for the AHL West All-Stars last night

DU alums Drew Shore & Jason Zucker each scored a goal and an assist to help the AHL West All-Stars to a 7-6 victory on Monday night in Providence, RI.  DU alum Matt Donovan played for the East and recorded two shots on goal.
.
Ryan Hamilton's goal with 11.2 seconds left in regulation capped a hat trick and gave the Western Conference All-Stars the victory over the East. 

Houston Aeros forward Justin Zucker opened the scoring for the West at 7:39 of the first for a 1-0 lead.

The West finished off the opening period with a 4-1 lead on Drew Shore's goal at 15:11.

Boone Hockey Jerseys Available In Youth Sizes


Custom Boone jerseys are now are available in Youth Small through Youth XL.  As always, all adult sizes are available.

Same great custom jersey in the miniature versions with mini Boones.

Also the tie hoodies are also available in youth sizes. 

Production time on all custom Boone Jerseys are now 8-16 days from order, so order yours now to arrive in time for the CC and North Dakota battles in Magness Arena.

Lacrosse Magazine Ranks DU Preseason #6

Lacrosse Magazine is counting down its preseason rankings throughout the month of January. The University of Denver came in at #6 and the article breaks down the Pioneers strengths and weaknesses.

DU's big stars this season will be Freshman Gordie Kerber, Cam Flint, Carson Cannon, Jeremy Noble and Wes Berg.

Vote For DU's Basketball Student Section Online


The University of Denver is up for Naismith Student Section of the Year and they need your votes to help them get to the next round! 

At last check, DU was ranked No. 47 in the nation in the voting but need to move within the Top 25 to advance to the next round. Denver is behind Utah State among WAC schools
Let’s show the nation that DU has one of the best student-sections around.

DU Lacrosse Recruits For 2013-2015

Listed below are high school players who have committed to the University of Denver lacrosse program in upcoming years.
2013
#16  Zach Miller, M, Hill Academy (Ont.)
Brian Wegner, LSM/D, Regis Jesuit (Colo.)
Colin Siracuse, D, St. Peter's Prep (N.J.)
Connor Flynn, M, Charlotte Catholic (N.C.)
Jake Woodring, M, Eden Prairie (Minn.)
Max Planning, M, Gonzaga (D.C.)
Christian Burgdorf, D, Westfield (N.J.)
Tyler Pace, M, Blue Ridge (Va.)
Joey Ward, LSM/D, Great Valley (Pa.)
Scott McGowan, LSM/D, St. Margaret's Episcopal (Calif.)
Dallas Bridle, A, Hill Academy (Ont.)
Ryan Purcell, G, MacArthur (N.Y.)

2014
Colton McCaffrey, A, Chaparral (Colo.)
Matt Jones, D, Kent Denver (Colo.)
Trey McGee, A, McDonogh (Md.)
Sean Mayle, M, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.)
Joe Reid, M, Casa Grande (Calif.)
Alex Ready, G, Manheim Township (Pa.)
Connor Donahue, A, Bishop Guertin (N.H.)
Jeremy Bosher, M, NorKam Secondary (B.C.)
Brendan Bomberry, A/M, Hill Academy (Ont.)
Matt Billings, LSM/D, Georgetown Prep (Md.)  

2015
Colton Jackson, M, Rock Canyon (Colo.)
Josh Haubenstock, M, Ramapo (N.J.)
Ryan Harnisch, F/O, St. Margaret's Episcopal (Calif.)
Dylan Johnson, D, Cherry Creek (Colo.)

DU Recruits Shine In USHL/NHL Prospects Game

(above) DU recruit Garrett Gamez assisted on the game winning goal in the USHL/NHL Prospects Game last night
Two of DU's most promising forward recruits, Garrett Gamez and Trevor Moore, participated in the 2013 USHL/NHL Prospects Game last night in Muskegon, Michigan.  Gamez & Moore helped Team West to a 2-1 victory over Team East.

Gamaz assisted on the game winning goal. 
 
Jason Cotton gave the West a 2-0 lead 1:53 into the second when he took a no-look pass from Tri-City teammate Gamez in the high slot and ripped a shot into the top left corner past East starting goalie Charlie Lindgren of the Sioux Falls Stampede.

"We had a good forecheck going on that goal, and I got a great pass from Gammer," said Cotton, who is bound for Northeastern University in the fall of 2014.

Many scouts and collegiate representatives were on hand to witness the second annual Top Prospects Game.
2013 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL) - 34 gms, 3 goals, 13 assists
F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL) - 30 gms, 6 goals, 2 assists
F Landon Smith (Chicago, USHL) - 30 games, 10 goals, 5 assists
F Connor Chatham (Omaha, USHL) - 37 games, 13 goals, 12 assists
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL) - 34 games, 6 goals, 16 assists
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-18) - 37 games, 7 goals, 13 assists
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL) - 41 games, 7 goal, 8 assists
F Trevor Moore (Tri-Cities, USHL) 35 games, 15 goals, 23 assists
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-18) 36 games, 7 assists
.
2014 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL) - 38 games, 3 goals, 12 assists
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-17) 35 games, 4 goals, 9 assists
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 30 games, 6 goals, 5 assists
.
2015 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 31 games, 5 goal, 13 assists

PioNation: DU vs. CC Watch Parties Around USA

February 2, 2013 

DU Hockey vs. CC - Chapter Watch Parties

(click on your city for more information or to register)

Boone Hockey-Tie Hoodies Available Online

(above) Vintage Boone hockey tie hoodies are available in black or red
$65 each or three for $130 plus shipping

LogoYourTeam.com has added vintage Boone hockey tie hoodies to their existing line of Boone Hoodies & Hockey Jerseys. They are the best hockey vintage hoodies available on the market.
CURRENT SPECIAL:

Use special promo code: OURBOONE

Buy two Boone Hockey Tie hoodies and get third one FREE.  Features awesome Denver Boone sewn in twill on the front.

News & Notes From Around PioNation

(above) Drew Shore #50 made his NHL debut last night in the Montreal Forum
DU's mens basketball team will play tonight at New Mexico State on ESPN-U at 9 PM.  It should be fun to see the team on national TV.
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DU alum Drew Shore made his NHL debut for the Florida Panthers last night in a 4-1 loss against Montreal.  His parents David & Sarah, who are also DU alums, flew up to Montreal to watch the game.  Drew was called up after Florida had a rash of injuries.
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The USNDP Under-18 team upset Michigan State 3-1 on Tuesday night in an exhibition game.  DU recruits Will Butcher scored a goal and Gage Ausmus had an assist.  Great to see DU recruits playing well against college level competition.  Bodes well for next season.
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DU alum Tyler Bozak was incredible for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday night.  He went 22-26 on faceoffs and played alongside Gopher alum Phil Kessell on Toronto's top line.  Despite some late heroics the Maple Leafs lost 2-1.
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DU alum Patrick Wiercioch is off to a fast start for the Ottawa Senators in his first season in the NHL.  He has two assists in his first two games this season.  He played 8 games for the Senators last season.
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The University of Denver’s new library will be named for alumnus Ed Anderson following a major donation from the Boston-area venture capitalist and his wife, Linda Cabot. The library will be named Anderson Academic Commons and slated to open March 25. The building has been rising on the site of the former Penrose Library.

DU Hoops @ New Mexico State On ESPN-U

WAC STANDINGS
The University of Denver men's basketball team has ripped off seven straight victories in conference play.  On Wednesday night they travel to New Mexico State for a nationally televised game on ESPN-U.

The tip-off is at 9 PM MT which must be past the Aggies bed time because they are encouraging their students to wear pajamas to the game.

DU Hoops In The Running For Star Point Guard


(above) Regis Jesuit point guard Josh Perkins [HS Junior] is considered to be one of the top 60 recruits in the country

From: Denver Post
by Ryan Casey

It may be a longshot, but the University of Denver is in the running for one of the top point guards in the country.   Josh Perkins, Regis Jesuit's basketball star, has narrowed his list of schools to nine: Arizona, Colorado, Denver, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico and Stanford.

All but Duke have offered Perkins a scholarship.

Perkins, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound combo guard averaging 25.3 points, 5.8 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game for the eighth-ranked Raiders (9-3). Tuesday, he scored 27 points and had nine rebounds and six assists in a 74-61 win over George Washington. University of Kansas head coach Bill Self was there to watch.

He is rated as the No. 58 player in the nation by ESPN.com, and the No. 8 point guard by Scout.com.

St Cloud State 5 - Denver 1 FINAL

(above) It was a frustrating night for the Pioneers
The University of Denver had not been swept in 60 straight WCHA series dating back to 2008.  That came to an end on Saturday night as St. Cloud State University crushed DU 5-1 to complete the sweep.

Joey LaLeggia scoed DU's lone goal on a power play.
“Our defensemen struggled mightily to transition the puck up the ice and that’s been one of our strengths. St. Cloud took it away.”
- DU Coach George Gwozdecky


St. Cloud State 5 - Denver 2 FINAL

(above) Scott Mayfield reaches for the puck on Friday night
St. Cloud State University used relentless pressure to break down the University of Denver on Friday night at the National Hockey Center.  DU managerd to tie the game at 2-2 early in the third period, but three goals in the last half of the final period did in the Pioneers.

Zac Larraza and Nick Shore scored for DU. 



4 DU Alums Selected For 2013 AHL All-Star Game


DU alums Matt Dononvan, Beau Bennett, Jason Zucker and Drew Shore were selected for the American Hockey League's 2013 All-Star Classic, to take place Jan. 27-28 in Providence, R.I. 

Beginning Friday and until Jan. 24, fans will have the opportunity to vote for the starting lineups for the 2013 AHL All-Star Game by visiting facebook.com/theahl and completing the official CCM AHL All-Star Fan Ballot.

Video: DU's Drew Becke 2nd Rd MLS Selection


(above) DU defender Drew Becke was selected in the 2nd Round of the MLS Super Draft by the Columbus Crew

St. Cloud Times: Olkinuora Remains Hot

(above) The St Cloud Times profiles Juho Olkinuora
by Mick Hatten

St. Cloud State has struggled to score goals in its last four games, scoring eight goals. The Huskies will look to get its offense going this weekend against one of the hottest goaltenders in the country.In his last eight starts, sophomore Juho Olkinuora is 4-0-4 with a 1.56 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage [Read entire article].

The Goal Czar Becoming A Legend In Norway

(above) Former DU star Luke Salazar is the poster boy for Norweigen team Frisk Asker
DU Alum Luke Salazar is leading his team in scoring by a wide margin this season.  In his first year of professional hockey, Salazar has 10 goals and 30 assists in 33 games.  The leading scorer on each team in Norway wears a gold helmet.

Clearly the Force is with Luke this season.

NHL's Central Scouting Mid-Term Draft Rankings

(above) The 2013 NHL Draft will held in New Jersey
The NHL's Central Scouting released their 2013 Mid-Term Rankings of draft prospects and several players with DU ties made the list. Of course making the list and even being ranked fairly highly is no guarantee of getting drafted next summer.  Last year former DU player Dakota Mermis was ranked #77 and DU forward Quentin Shore was #107 and neither player was selected six months later.

Players can use the second half of the season to propel themselves up the list as Paul Stastny did in 2005.

DU recruit Trevor Moore [5'10 175 lbs.] is ranked #108. With 15 goals and 23 assists in just 35 games, he is having a sensational season with the Tri-City Storm in the USHL.  Look for Moore to move up in the final rankings, but obviously his size may be a factor against going in the first few rounds.

Next on the list with DU ties is defenseman Will Butcher [5' 10 191 lbs.] at #170.  At one point, Butcher was listed on several NHL Mock Drafts as a late first round selection last year.  Even though he's having a very nice season with the USNDP Under 18 team [34 games, 6 goals, 13 assists].

Finally at #186 is Quentin Shore.  Shore has been on fire in the first five games of 2013 and should move up the list.  If he can keep it up for the remainder of the season, he may be drafted.

Some will be surprised that DU recruit Gage Ausmus [6'1 210 lbs.] was not listed.  His size is within NHL specs but a lack of goals this season, probably hurt his ranking.

Special Order Custom Made Hockey Jerseys

(above) Own a piece of ice hockey history and remind our friends down South about the good old days

Nineteen Fifty-Seven was a glorious year for the Colorado College hockey program.  The Tigers had just won their second NCAA National Championship in ice hockey and the future appeared bright.

Less than a year later the Colorado College hockey program would be thrown into disarray by a decision by the school president.  Just five days before the University of Denver would defeat North Dakota to win the 1958 National Championship, Colorado College President Dr. Louis T. Benezet, threatened to revamp his school's hockey program and "reduce the number of Canadians on CC's roster."

The rest as they say is history.  Colorado College hasn't won anything of note since.

Now you can relieve this epic piece of hockey history.  These "CC Sucks" hockey jerseys are sure to become collectors items.

Potential DU Recruits In NW Take Different Paths

(above) DU, CC, Wisconsin and a handful of schools are battling the WHL for the services of Canadian Ryan Gropp
From: Seattle Thunderbirds Blog

In 2011, the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds [major juniors] selected Kamloops, British Columbia-native Ryan Gropp [6'2 180 lbs] with the sixth overall pick in the draft. Gropp, a talented left wing, is now 16 years old. His father played hockey at Colorado College in the mid-Eighties and he is expected to be an NHL Draftee in 2015.

Gropp, while continuing to leave his options open, has expressed an interest in pursuing the NCAA hockey route and his current actions fuels speculation that he'll pass on the WHL. He has been rumored to be looking at Colorado College, Denver and Wisconsin among others.

Carlos Sosa, a practicing attorney in the state of Washington and co-founder of Turning Point Sports Management with former NHL player Darcy Tucker, has worked with players at every level of major hockey, ranging from the NHL to the CHL to the NCAA.

"Ryan Gropp is an exceptional hockey player," said Sosa, the former Thunderbirds radio color commentator. "Everybody in the business knew that [Gropp's] family was very educated and really believed in university education. On top of that, the father played university hockey. Given those facts, it was probably reasonable to expect that Ryan would choose the NCAA route."

The Thunderbirds ended up liking Gropp so much that they decided that drafting him with their first-round pick was worth the risk -- a risk that's taken with every single choice in the Bantam Draft. 

Right wing Connor Honey, at the time a 17-year-old hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, had attended Thunderbirds training camp prior to the 2011-12 season. After the camp ended, Honey chose to keep his NCAA options open, deciding that he would play a couple of seasons in the United States Hockey League [USHL] before he would be eligible to suit up for the University of Denver, where he'd offered a verbal commitment.

Midway through the season, Honey stating that he'd like to play for the Thunderbirds, thereby sacrificing his NCAA eligibility.

In this world, a verbal commitment is nothing because it can be discarded by both sides.

Honey, who had been playing for the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers under former DU assistanct coach Derek Lalonde, was obligated to follow through on his spoken commitment to Denver, which he had made when he was 16. As is the case with top notch football and basketball players who offer a verbal pledge to one school and sign with another, seeing a teenager change his mind really shouldn't come as a surprise.

Fitting somewhere in between Gropp and Honey is Bonney Lake, Washington native Dylan Gambrell. Having gone undrafted in the WHL's Bantam Draft, Gambrell turned some heads at Thunderbirds camp last month as a 16-year-old.

Since Gambrell has committed to the University of Denver, many have been curious about the likelihood that Gambrell instead chooses to play for the Thunderbirds. Turning Point Sports Management acts as Gambrell's advisory committee, offering advice to both the player and his family to help them make the best decision's for the player's future.

"Dylan is a special case. I've known him since he was 7 years old. I've coached him and I've coached with his father. He's an exceptional player that has really developed in the last two years into an extraordinary player," Sosa said.

Having gone undrafted, Seattle chose to add Gambrell to their protected list, indicating an interest by the team in closely watching his development.

"He has options and he's going to keep those options open. Him and his family are going to make a decision at the time and place of their choosing as to which options they're going to accept," Sosa said. "They've made a verbal commitment to Denver and their intent at this point is to honor that commitment. But again, anything can happen. All options are open."

The circumstances surrounding Gropp, Honey, and Gambrell are all unique in their own ways and point to the constant competition between CHL teams and American universities to attract top-level hockey talent.

For those players whose development situations may take longer, Sosa believes the NCAA may be a better choice, but still says it's ultimately a personal preference and the choice of the player.

"If your choice is purely 'I want to get an education,' then go to college. Just realize that if you're not one of the top end guys, you're not going to get there very quickly. It may even get to the point where you can't start college until you're 19, where most non-hockey college students are starting at 18." 

Each option remains a great path that may eventually lead to hockey stardom. However, with such even competition, both sides are constantly trying to gain the upper hand and things can get ugly.

In the cases of Gropp, Honey, & Gambrell, each comes from a different background and has different influences.

Often universities & major junior teams can have a good idea about where a player is headed, but until it's in writing, and even sometimes after, nothing is set in stone.
2013 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL) - 32 gms, 3 goals, 11 assists
F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL) - 27 gms, 5 goals, 2 assists
F Landon Smith (Chicago, USHL) - 30 games, 10 goals, 5 assists
F Connor Chatham (Omaha, USHL) - 34 games, 12 goals, 11 assists
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL) - 31 games, 6 goals, 14 assists
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-18) - 34 games, 6 goals, 13 assists
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL) - 38 games, 5 goal, 9 assists
F Trevor Moore (Tri-Cities, USHL) 35 games, 15 goals, 23 assists
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-18) 33 games, 6 assists
.
2014 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL) - 35 games, 3 goals, 12 assists
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-17) 33 games, 4 goals, 9 assists
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 29 games, 6 goals, 5 assists
.
2015 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 29 games, 4 goal, 12 assists

Denver 3 - Nebraska Omaha 3 FINAL OT

(above) Boone pimps his @DU_Boone Twitter account during the Root Sports broadcast on Saturday night
The University of Denver and Nebraska-Omaha skated to a 3-3 tie on Saturday night at Magness Arena.  DU goaltender Jussi Olkinuora improved his record to 7-1-4 on the season.

Zac Larraza, Shawn Ostrow & Paul Phillips scored for DU.

DU remains tied for first place in the WCHA with UNO but eight teams remain within two wins of first place.  The Gophers, North Dakota & St. Cloud State have two games in hand and are just one or two points out of first place.




Denver 7 - Nebraska Omaha 4 FINAL

The University of Denver may have been outhit, outplayed, outshot & outmanned on Friday night against the University of Nebraska-Omaha, but timely goals stole the show.  DU rang up goals seemingly at will and usually against the flow of play.

DU used the offensive good fortune to roll to a 7-4 victory.  Zac Larraza &  Matt Tabrum scored twice to pace Denver.

The Pioneers are tied for first place in the WCHA with UNO, but eight teams are within two wins of first place.




DU vs UNO Games To Be Televised Nationally

Friday, January 11

8:00 PM MT       Nebraska-Omaha at University of Denver

Saturday, January 12

7:00 PM MT       Nebraska-Omaha at University of Denver

CC Losing Streak Examined By Springs Columnist

(above) Colorado Springs Gazette columnist David Ramsey examines the Tigers losing steak and searches for answers
by David Ramsey

In the past 47 games, CC has won just 17 times. That’s all. Last season ended with nine wins in the last 25. 

The Tigers are winless in their past seven, and last weekend’s 8-4 loss at Nebraska-Omaha ranks among the worst performances of the Owens era, which started in 1999.  This is a lost team wandering through a mind-numbingly awful season.

The immediate future does not look promising. The Tigers tangle with North Dakota this weekend in a deafening, hostile arena. North Dakota has scored at least four goals in four of its past five games. The Tigers have allowed 55 goals during their 12-game tumble [read entire article].

Boone Rockin The Shades This Weekend

(above) Boone's new shades will debut on Friday night at Magness
Boone will be rockin' the shades at Magness Arena on Friday night.  Because no matter where he goes there's always gonna be haters. Now he can ignore them with his new Hater Blockers cus no one wants to see a UNO fan.

Denver Post: No Mid-Season Recruits To Be Added

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

In his 19 years at DU, Head Coach George Gwozdecky has never brought in a player at midseason, and he won't start this year. The winter quarter began Monday, and all of next season's recruits who have already graduated high school will remain playing for their junior-A teams [read entire article].

Matt Donovan Asks Questions Of El Capitán

DU hockey alum Matt Donovan was so eager to get involved in the first-ever "Pioneer Minute" that he fired off six questions for DU hockey captain Paul Philllips.

Fans can also take part in the first-ever "Pioneer Minute" series and submit questions for their favorite Pioneers.
 
DU hockey senior captain Paul Phillips is the first "Pioneer Minute" student-athlete of the series. Submit your questions via the Denver Pioneers' Facebook Fan Page or the @DU_Pioneers twitter feed. Questions will be collected until Tuesday at Noon MT.

Phillips will then sit down to answer all your questions on camera. The video will then be posted on the Denver Pioneers' Facebook Fan Page and to the @DU_Pioneers twitter feed at the end of each week.

Two DU Recruits Named To USHL Prospects Game

(above) Trevor Moore is averaging over a point a game for the Tri-Cities Storm
Two of the 40 players selected for the 2013 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game are University of Denver recruits. Californians Garrett Gamez and Trevor Moore will play in the January 23rd game. 

It is the second season for the event, which will showcase many of the top players in the USHL who are eligible for the 2013 NHL Draft. The selection process was completed in cooperation with USHL general managers, NHL scouts and team personnel, and NHL Central Scouting.
2013 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL) - 31 gms, 3 goals, 10 assists
F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL) - 25 gms, 5 goals, 2 assists
F Landon Smith (Chicago, USHL) - 30 games, 10 goals, 5 assists
F Connor Chatham (Omaha, USHL) - 32 games, 10 goals, 11 assists
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL) - 28 games, 5 goals, 14 assists
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-18) - 32 games, 6 goals, 12 assists
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL) - 36 games, 5 goal, 7 assists
F Trevor Moore (Tri-Cities, USHL) 33 games, 14 goals, 20 assists
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-18) 31 games, 6 assists
.
2014 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL) - 33 games, 3 goals, 11 assists
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-17) 31 games, 4 goals, 8 assists
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 27 games, 6 goals, 4 assists
.
2015 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 27 games, 4 goal, 12 assists

Video: Cornell Coach Calls Out WCHA Officiating


(above) Cornell University hockey coach "won't be bringing Cornell out west ever again" due to egregious officiating

DU 2 - Cornell 1 FINAL

The University of Denver used a third period goal by Larkin Jacobson to sweep Cornell University on Saturday night at Magness Arena.  It was Jacobson's first collegiate goal in a season and a half at DU.

Jacobson [6'1 215 lbs.] had been used primarily as a checking forward at DU, but his first goal turned out to be huge.  He is also the step-son of NHL Player Ruslan Fedontenko.

Cornell scored in the first minute and then DU goaltender Juho Olkinuora held them scoreless for the remainder of the game.

Daniel Doremus opened the scoring for DU with just 45 seconds remaining in the first period.

DU remained at #9 in the Pairwise Rankings and will play WCHA leading Nebraska-Omaha next weekend at Magness Arena. 



Dakota Mermis Gets Two Assists In 1st OHL Game

(above) Dakota Mermis recorded two assists on Friday night
by Steve Green

Dakota Mermis readily admits the last few days have been a whirlwind.

Travelling from Denver to St. Louis to London, meeting his new teammates with the London Knights, getting settled in and skating a couple of times at the Budweiser Gardens. Oh, and playing in his first Ontario Hockey League game Friday night on the eve of his 19th birthday.

He started the game and ended up with a pair of assists as the Knights whipped the Saginaw Spirit 8-2.

“It was great,” he said. “When you have the talent we have in this room, it makes my job a lot easier. All I have to do is get the puck up to the forwards and let them score.”

His play belied the emotions he was feeling as the game approached.

“A little bit of nerves, but mostly excitement just to be here,” the native of Alton, Ill., just north of St. Louis, said when asked what was going through his gut and his head before the game.

Mermis has played before crowds as large as Friday night’s while he was at the University of Denver and with Green Bay of the USHL. However, he’s still getting acclimatized to life as a Knight.

“I’ve heard a lot about this league and this team, especially,” said the Knights’ 12th-round draft pick in 2010, adding he felt the OHL was the best vehicle in which to improve his skills. “I like to get up into the play, but I know it all starts with defense. You’ve got to take care of your own end first.

“Obviously I don’t know the system that well yet so for now, I’m mostly just going to play my game.”

And that’s exactly what the coaching staff is expecting, said assistant coach Jeff Paul, who’s in charge of the blue-line corps.

“Is it his first game? Yes. But is he the prototypical young player? No. There’s a lot expected of him.” 

With captain Scott Harrington and fellow rearguard Olli Maatta at the world juniors, the Knights have received yeoman work from several others who helped shore things up at the back — players such as Kyle Platzer, Paxton Leroux and Tyler Ferry.

But when Harrington and Maatta return, the Knights could have as many as eight defencemen on the roster. That will mean competition for ice time.

DU Coach Earns Gold Medal At World Juniors

(above) USA's Under 20 Team defeated Sweden 3-1
USA's Under-20 Team rolled to a gold medal-clinching 3-1 victory over Sweden in Ufa, Russia on Saturday afternoon. University of Denver assistant coach David Lassonde was part of the winning effort as he assisted Head Coach Phil Housley at the tournament.

Lassonde was in charge of the goaltenders and USA backstop John Gibson was named MVP of the Tournament and shattered several American records in the process.

The trip to the top of the podium is America's second in the last four years and, after wins in the U-17 and U-18 tournaments, suggests that this age group represents the most successful the country has produced.

The title was sweet redemption for a program that finished seventh in 2012, but the final itself was hardly the masterpiece that was its 5-1 semifinal win over the Canadians.

DU 5 - Cornell 1 FINAL

(above) Quentin Shore scored two goals against Cornell
As  turmoil swirled around the University of Denver hockey program this week, the players appeared not to notice as the Pioneers rolled to a 5-1 victory over Cornell University.

DU jumped out to an early lead, scored three power play goals and once again received another stellar effort from the Juho Olkinuora in the nets.

DU received goals from Ty Loney, Shawn Ostrow, Nick Shore and Quentin Shore scored twice.  David Makowski & Chris Knowlton had two assists each.

Scott Mayfield recieved a game misconduct for roughing & grabbing the facemask and was ejected with 5 seconds remaining in the game.  Since he did not receive a game disqualification, he will be back in the lineup tomorrow night.




Chambers Article Questions Dakota Mermis' Commitment

(above) Mike Chambers sheds some light on Dakota Mermis' departure
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post penned an article today portraying a player that hasn't been happy with his coaching, his utilization or his playing time on his last three teams.  Whether the unhappiness stems from overbearing parents, pressure from family advisers or the player himself or a combination of all three is not answered.

Like an onion, its going to take time to peel back the true story about Dakota Mermis' departure from the University of Denver.  Many will ask why this departure different from the half dozen or so other student athletes that left their teams over the XMAS Break or the dozens of other players who choose major juniors over college hockey every year.

Dakota Mermis is not an elite hockey player at this time.  He was battling for playing time with six other players, most of whom had statistics and performance far superior than Dakota's.

This was not a major recruiting coup for the London Knights.  They did not acquire a player who will be a sure-fire NHL prospect.

This was a loss for the University of Denver, because Dakota Mermis was well on his way to becoming a very steady, reliable defenseman over the next three or four seasons.   In time he could of developed into a leader and perhaps a star.  It takes even the best players years, not months, to develop to an elite defenseman in the WCHA.

Dakota left DU to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL.  Sooner or later he's going to discover that sixth men at DU rarely transition to NHL stardom.