FAA Looking At CC Students Mid-Air Harlem Shake


From: Colorado Springs Gazette

On a Frontier Airlines flight from Colorado Springs to San Diego, the Harlem Shake strikes again. 

Colorado College students enroute to San Diego for an Ultimate Frisbee tournament filmed their version of the wild dance in the aisle of Flight 157, according to a story in The Catalyst, CC's student newspaper.

After more than 400,000 hits online, now comes an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

“They are still looking into it, it’s still open,” Tony Molinaro, a spokesman for the FAA told the newspaper. “…I don’t know where the [investigators] were told about it, but when they saw the video they just decided to look into it because it is better to be safe than sorry.”

According to The Catalyst, in the video, one student starts dancing in the center aisle near the front of the aircraft. After about 15 seconds of music, everyone on board starts dancing in what one passenger called “a riot on a plane.”

I hope that this whole situation is solved with the FAA…,” Matt Zelin, the sophomore who filmed the dance and member of CC’s Frisbee team, told the newspaper. “I don’t see there being any reason why this should cause any trouble. We asked the staff and they said it was safe.”

Both DU @ Minnesota Hockey Games Are On TV

The #2 ranked University of Minnesota men's hockey will play against #10 Denver at Mariucci Arena. 

Friday's series opener will be televised on the Big Ten Network while Saturday's regular-season home finale is on FOX Sports North. Both games are slated for 6 PM MT starts. 

Minnesota (21-6-5 overall) is 92-71-12 all-time against the Pioneers. However, Denver (16-10-5) has won eight out of the last 10 matchups between the two conference competitors.

Mile High Mids Blogger Pens Boone Essay

By Brendon Loy
"...when we see that being ripped out for reasons that make no sense"
Not that it matters much what I think, as a mere outsider who roots for the DU basketball team, but the above-quoted point seems key to me. 

I've read a lot of statements by anti-Boone folks, from the Chancellor's 2008 letter to quotes in the Clarion to comments here and elsewhere, and I've tried to read them with an open mind (after all, I don't really have a dog in this fight), yet I've never seen an articulation of the reasons for eliminating Boone that actually makes sense to a neutral third-party observer. It all feels like coded diversity-speak, preaching to the choir instead of trying to persuade those on the fence. There MIGHT BE good reasons to eliminate Boone, but if there are, they aren't being articulated well at all. It seems like the anti-Boone folks don't particularly feel the need to try and persuade others that they're right, and that's a shame. They need to try harder, IMHO.

Don't get me wrong, I've seen knee-jerk reactions are both sides. Members of majority groups shouldn't automatically scoff at minority groups' concerns and say they're just being oversensitive, because there are times when their concerns are very legitimate. (For this reason, the simple "put it to a vote" idea strikes me as somewhat problematic.) Also, it isn't enough to just cry "tradition" and leave it at that, because there certainly ARE cases where "tradition" must give way to a concern for being respectful of particular groups. 

The elimination of the mascot at my mother's alma mater, the University of Illinois, comes to mind. My mom had a lot of fond memories of Chief Illiniwek, but she also ultimately came to recognize that, reluctantly, yes, he had to go. The reasons for that made sense. But with Boone, it's far less self-evident WHY he's offensive (particularly if his name were to be changed). Again, MAYBE HE IS offensive, but you can't just *assert* that without explaining why, or say "he doesn't reflect DU's diversity and the true Pioneer spirit" (which is a meaningless statement without elaboration -- mascots aren't supposed to be mirrors held up to a student body, so this "diversity" argument just sounds like ivory-tower P.C. mumbo-jumbo to anyone outside the bubble). 

This issue would, I think, be far less bitingly divisive if the anti-Boone folks would more convincingly EXPLAIN why they think Boone must go. As it is, it tends to feel like they're ignoring their opponents, and pushing through these anti-Boone measures regardless of what anyone thinks, instead of truly engaging those with whom they disagree.

Perhaps I'm wrong, being an outsider to this situation. But that's the impression that I get. IMHO, even if the anti-Boone folks ultimately stick to their guns on the decision, they need to engage in more discussion and explanation and persuasion, so that people on the other side of the issue don't feel like they're just being ignored.

And for heavens' sake, anti-Boone folks, don't respond to the concerns with some variation of "Boone has to be eliminated because he offends some people" and leave it at that. That's just not good enough. Sometimes people are offended for good, valid reasons; other times, people are offended because of misinformation or misinterpretation, or just because, yes, they're overly sensitive. (I said earlier that we shouldn't just automatically assume this, but sometimes, in certain situations, it's true.)

More information is needed to determine which of those situations this is. If you want to get rid of Boone, the logical burden is on you to convince people of the need for that change (since you're the ones proposing to change the status quo), which means you need to explain why the offense taken over Boone is *rational* and *legitimate*, not just say "some people are offended" as if that ends the discussion.

Just my two (okay, like five) cents.

DU Hoops Faces Massive Big Man On Saturday

(above) New Mexico State's 7'5 Freshman Sim Bhullar
From: Denver Post
by Irv Moss

The University of Denver Pioneers (18-8), have climbed into second place on the strength of a seven-game winning streak. New Mexico State, (19-9), meanwhile, has a giant in its corner, 7-foot-5, 360-pound  Canadian Sim Bhullar.

The Pioneers begin their stretch run Saturday at home against New Mexico State, which defeated the Pioneers 53-42 earlier this season.

"You can't change what you do because of him (Bhullar)" Scott said. "It's not about him. You have to do a good job on their team."

Scott likes how his team keeps improving.

"If we keep playing well, something good has to happen to us," Scott said. "I hope our schedule has been the thing that really has prepared us for these last three games" [read entire article].

DU Senate Resolution To Remove Boone

(above) The Dirty Deed Done Dirt Cheap
LetsGoDU2 has the entire text of the University of Denver's Undergraduate Senate Resolution to Condemn the Boone Mascot.

Mile High Mids Blog breaks down the Resolution and interprets the effects of the Senate's actions.

Come Out And Support Our PIONEERS

(above) Saturday will be a great day to be a PIONEER
"One thing is certain--we will always be the Pioneers"
Chancellor Coombe's email to students in 2008

DU Student Senate Bans Boone Funding

(above) Chancellor Coombe Daddy approved a task force to bring a new mascot to DU
From: DU Clarion
by Sarah Ford

Last night the University of Denver Undergraduate Student Government (USG) passed a resolution [15 votes to 6 votes] banning the use of student activity funding by campus clubs to purchase materials with the image of the Denver Boone mascot.

A student and faculty “task force” formed by student Will Guy and led by Student Body President Sam Estenson has begun to examining the possibility of instituting a new, official university mascot by next year. Estenson said there is no possibility that Boone will be brought back and re-approved as the official mascot of DU.

According to Estenson, the task force will come up with a new school mascot, including Greek Life, Athletics, the Center for Multicultural Excellence (CME), the Office of Student Life, the marketing department and the Provost.

According to Guy, the task force has also started hearing ideas for a new mascot as well, though they are not making any official suggestions at this point. He said they have had suggestions for images such as an astronaut, gold miner, an ox and an elk.

Boone Controversy Goes To Student Senate Tonight


(above) Mile High Mids Blog looks at recent events on campus swirling around Boone


Let's face it. One thing you can say about Coloradans is they don't like outsiders.  Drive to the Rockies and count how many bumper stickers say "Texans Go Home" or "Visualize Moving Your Yuppie Ass Back To California."  The practice apparently goes back to the 1800's when Native Americans didn't like the influx of Pioneers.

Tonight a former Boone performer, DU Senior Zeke Perez and a current Boone performer will appear in front of DU's Undergraduate Student Government.  Its going to be a circus because the after all the grandstanding, the USG will "decide" Boone is not a viable option for a school mascot.  If only O.J. Simpson had it this easy in court.

The DU Clarion reports that a DU task force has started hearing ideas for a new mascot, though they are not making any official suggestions at this point. Suggestions for images such as an astronaut, gold miner, an ox and an elk have been proposed.

Of course no one really knows specifically why Boone is so offensive to the students.   They've never proposed an alternate mascot.  Rumor has it they will purchase the new mascot with customized $20 bills without President Andrew Jackson on the front because, like Boone, he's offensive.

CBS' Eye On Hockey Lauds Olkinoura's Stick Save

(above) Jussi Olkinoura's amazing Stick save on Friday night

From: CBS Eye On Hockey
by Chris Peters

You might recall the dazzling save Jake Allen made for the St. Louis Blues earlier this week. Well, University of Denver goaltender Juho Olkinuora might steal the title for stick save of the year. 

With Denver clinging to a 5-4 lead, Olkinuora made a big pad save on a point shot, but the rebound went right to the stick of North Dakota's Corban Knight with a completely open net. 

Consider that Olkinuora was still recovering from giving up that rebound on the point shot and that Corban Knight, a Florida Panthers draft pick who has been on the CBSSports.com Hobey Baker Award Watch on more than one occasion is one of the elite players in college hockey. 

The reflexes and athleticism (and maybe a little luck) it takes to make a save like that is just mind boggling. 

Allen's was pretty great, but Olkinoura had to make two saves in quick succession and essentially saved the game for his team. Denver held on to beat North Dakota 5-4 and get a huge WCHA victory heading towards the postseason.

Behind The Scenes Of DU's Harlem Shake Video


(above) Before you can make an epic viral video you must first round up 200 students in costume 

(above) Boone invites 3,500 "Friends" to participate in the video
(above) DU students gather on Driscoll Lawn
(above) Its OK to bring your teddy bear
(above) The star must look perfect
(above) The crowd grows on Driscoll Lawn
LINK: Facebook Evite Builds Viral Video Event

DU Recruit Brad Hawkinson Profiled

(above) DU recruit Brad hawkinson is playing for the USHL Lincoln Stars this season
From: Lincoln Star Journal

Brad Hawkinson: 18-y.o. Forward 5-11", 190 Lbs. Aurora, CO.

“Two years ago, I played three or four games (for the Lincoln Stars as a fill-in player), and then last year was my first full season here. I was playing midget hockey in Colorado at the time. It was kind of cool. I got to play in the home opener, and we never played in front of fans back in Colorado, so it was kind of a shock. It was kind of a shock that they called me up, but it was a lot of fun. The game was just so much faster than what I was used to.

“Earlier this season we had a few guys injured and we were short some defensemen. I’m kind of a defensive-center anyway, and they asked me if I could jump back and play defenseman.

“I’ve never really played D in my life, so they threw me in against these forwards that are NHL Draft picks, so it was kind of a shock. You just have to be aware of where they are on the ice. It’s a lot more pressure back there. I’d never admit that to the D, but it’s stressful.

“I’m committed to the University of Denver, and I’ll go in next year. I’ve wanted to go there since I was a tiny kid growing up. That’s all I really knew as far as college hockey. I committed two years ago when I was a junior. The coach that recruited me, Derek Lalonde, had coached me growing up through DU summer camps that I always used to go to. Now he is actually the head coach (of the United States Hockey League’s Green Bay Gamblers).

“My most memorable goal in the USHL is when I scored in overtime last year in Fargo to close out a (second-round) playoff series. That was pretty cool. I remember everything about it, pretty much. It was my first shift in overtime, and I didn’t even know if I’d get to go out in overtime. Ralfs Freibergs, he’s at Bowling Green now, threw one at the net, it went off my shin pad and right to my stick. I just took a whack at it and it went home. It was kind of cool to score a goal of that importance. I hadn’t really scored that much that season.

“Kevin Roy, (the Stars' record-holder with 54 goals in one season), was my roommate last year. We still keep in real close touch, and hopefully we’ll hang out again this summer somewhere. At first, I didn’t really know who he was, and I’m like, ‘Oh, great, they put me with the French-Canadian kid.’ He came to tryout wearing a pink headband and capri pants and I was like, ‘Come on.’ We ended up being best friends and we’re still best friends to this day.

“(Roy) was a great kid. He never talked about how many goals he had or how sick he was. He helped me along, and I helped him out with stuff off the ice. We were good for each other. He didn’t have his driver’s license all year. I drove him around the entire year — to school, practice, friends' houses. Everywhere. And then he decides to get his license a week before we leave. That one week before we went home, he drove everywhere.

“My dad was a fighter pilot in the Air Force for 20 years. My mom and I lived in Utah at the time, and he was stationed in Saudi Arabia. The only sport that we got in Utah was the Colorado Avalanche. I just kind of started watching Avs games and he comes back and I’ve got my little hockey stick and everything — I guess he never heard the end of that one. He’s gone for four months and he comes back and life has kind of changed (for hockey). I lived all over — Arizona, Utah and Colorado.

“This final two months of the season is going to be a hard schedule (as we try to make the playoffs). The playoffs last year were awesome. Everything, even as stupid as it was, we bleached our hair. Even just little things like that. The atmosphere around it and being around the guys for that last little stretch and playing with that urgency was so much fun.

“I’m graduated from high school, but I’m taking Russian on the side to get ready for college. I’m going to minor in Russian. I’m majoring in international relations — like international security. Hopefully, I’ll get a job with the CIA, Homeland Security, Air Force intelligence, something like that. If hockey doesn’t work out, you got to have a backup plan.”

News & Notes From Around PioNAtion

(above) Beau Bennett is congratulated by Sidney Crosby after scoring his first NHL Goal
DU alum Beau Bennett scored his first goal, a game winner, on Sunday as Pittsburgh defeated Tampa Bay 5-3.
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The University of Denver basketball team won its 7th game in a row, defeating Northern Iowa 63-57 on Saturday.  The Pioneers next game is the ESPN3 & Altitude nationally televised game against New Mexico State.
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DU's lacrosse team defeated Canisius 11-4 on Sunday to sweep the Frontier Airlines Face-Off Classic.

North Dakota 6 - Denver 1 FINAL

The University of Denver jumped out to a 1-0 lead on Saturday night at Magness Arena, but North Dakota responded with six straight goals to split the weekend series.


.Grand Forks Herald Recap
.
.

DU Lax Rolls Over #12 Lehigh 18-10


The University of Denver lacrosse team outscored Lehigh 12-3 in the second half en-route to an 18-10 victory over #12 Lehigh on Saturday afternoon in the Frontier Airlines Face-Off Classic at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. The win brings Denver's record to 2-1, while Lehigh now sits at 2-1.

"We've been working hard all week," said head coach Bill Tierney. "We asked the guys to come out and play hard this week and even though we made some of the same mistakes in the first half that we did last week, I thought we played much better in the second half. Once we got on a roll, it really got their confidence up and we really shot well today."

Freshman Gordie Koerber tallied a career-high four goals and his second career hat trick, while Law finished with three goals and four assists for his seventh career hat trick. Sophomore Wes Berg finished with his fifth career hat trick, second of the season, while senior Cameron Flint recorded two goals and two assists. Sophomore Eric Adamson and junior Jeremy Noble scored two goals apiece.

Denver 5 - North Dakota 4 FINAL

(above) Joy in PioNation
(above) Lots of Boone sightings on NBC Sports Network telecast
The University of Denver scored three goals against North Dakota in the second period to take control of a thrilling game at Magness Arena on Friday night.

Denver Post Game Recap
.

DU Alum Peter Mannino Features Boone On Mask

(above) DU Alum & AHL goaltender Peter Mannino with Boone as a Monarch on his mask

Denver Post: DU & UND Locked In NHL Arms Race

(above) DU Alum Drew Shore had two assists last night for the NHL Florida Panthers
From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

The recent spike in former University of Denver hockey players making it to the NHL has put another competitive spin on the Pioneers' rivalry with North Dakota.

Combined, DU and North Dakota have 18 alumni collecting NHL paychecks this season, a massive number when you consider both schools are mid-majors, with an undergraduate enrollment less than 12,000.

"It's a big reason guys go to one of these two programs," said DU freshman Nolan Zajac, brother of former North Dakota forward Travis Zajac of the New Jersey Devils. "Everyone wants to go to the next level, and guys from Denver and North Dakota do that often" [read entire article].

Denver Post: Lax Tourney Keys Busy DU Weekend

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Year No. 4 of coach Bill Tierney's tenure with the University of Denver men's lacrosse team includes high hopes of advancing to its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament.

The Pioneers, who made it to the Final Four in 2011 and to the Elite Eight last year, begin their home schedule this weekend with the Face-Off Classic at Barton Stadium.

No. 11-ranked DU (1-1) plays No. 12 Lehigh (2-0) on Saturday and Canisius (0-0) on Sunday [read entire article].

DU Alum Displays USA vs. USSR Hockey Ticket

(above) DU Alum Dan Brooks' Miracle on Ice hockey ticket stub
Thirty-three years ago today [Feb. 22, 1980] the USA played the Russians in Lake Placid, NY. at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. The "Miracle on Ice" hockey game between the United States, made up of amateur and collegiate players, defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union 4-3.

8.500 people packed the Lake Placid Field House that afternoon.  There was controversy even before the puck drop.  The Soviets refused to move the starting time from 4 PM to 8 PM for television and the game was not televised live by ABC.

University of Denver Alum Craig Patrick was the assistant coach on the team, but a teenager in the arena would also go on to play hockey at the University of Denver.

Dan Brooks the son of head coach Herb Brooks, was in the stands that afternoon and posted the photo above on Facebook today.  Dan played four years at DU on the blueline in the late Eighties [107 games, 5 goals, 12 assists].

Boone Promotes NMSU Hoops Game


DU vs. New Mexico State
March 2nd
4 PM

The Boone Squad threw together a five minute video to promote the University of Denver's March 2nd basketball game against New Mexico State University. The game will be televised live on ESPN3, ESPN Plus & Altitude.

Westword Blog Pimps DU's Harlem Shake Video

(above) Westword's Blog pimps the Boonester's dancing debut
More publicity for DU's embattled non-official student mascot.

From: Westword
"A group of University of Denver students got a surreal lesson last week at the intersection of pop culture and political correctness, social activism and Internet memes. While filming a Harlem Shake video with DU's former mascot, Denver Boone, the group got an earful from three other students who believe that the bearded, coonskin-cap wearing pioneer symbolizes the subjugation of Native Americans in the Old West.

To read more about this story, check out "Boone Town" in this week's Off Limits. "

Coloradan Troy Terry Commits To DU

Angelo Ricci Tweeted today that Troy Terry [5'7 130 lbs] has committed to play for the University of Denver. Terry has spent the past several years playing for the Colorado Thunderbirds.

“Troy is a tremendously skilled and extremely intelligent hockey player.  He is a young man that has not even come close to reaching his potential as a player.  DU is getting a very special young man with a tremendous upside,” stated DU alum and Thunderbirds Director Angelo Ricci.

His PeeWee coach for the Thunderbirds, Kenton Murphy assessed Terry's ability for the Red Line Report several years ago. He heaped praise on his star forward.

“He’s got unbelievable vision and game sense,” Murphy said. “His hands are magical. I coached [current New Jersey Devils star] Zach Parise when he was a Pee Wee, and he reminds me a lot of Zach Parise. He’s so talented.”
2013 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL) - 38 gms, 3 goals, 15 assists
F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL) - 40 gms, 8 goals, 4 assists
F Landon Smith (Chicago, USHL) - 36 games, 11 goals, 6 assists
F Connor Chatham (Omaha, USHL) - 47 games, 14 goals, 14 assists
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL) - 41 games, 6 goals, 19 assists
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-18) - 45 games, 7 goals, 13 assists
F Trevor Moore (Tri-City, USHL) 44 games, 17 goals, 30 assists
D Gage Ausmus (U.S. Under-18) 44 games, 1 goal, 8 assists
D Nick Neville (Texas, NAHL) 45 games, 5 goals, 18 assists

2014 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL) - 46 games, 4 goals, 13 assists
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-17) 44 games, 4 goals, 9 assists
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 30 games, 6 goals, 5 assists
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL) - 49 games, 11 goal, 8 assists

2015 Recruiting Class Updated Stats 
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 45 games, 5 goal, 19 assists

2016 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Troy Terry (Thunderbirds, AAA) 41 games, 14 goals, 35 assists

North Dakota Gears Up For DU Rivalry Weekend

(above) North Dakota comes to Magness Arena this weekend
Friday TV: NBC Sports Network
Saturday TV: Root Sports-Rocky Mountain

From: Grand Forks Herald
by Brad Schlossman

University of North Dakota hockey player Danny Kristo remembers getting a talk from three seniors before his first college hockey game. 

Chris VandeVelde, Darcy Zajac and Chay Genoway sat down the team’s 10 rookies and explained to them that the season-opening nonconference games against Merrimack could end up determining the University of North Dakota’s postseason fate five months down the line. 

“I remember them telling us that these are the games that make or break you at the end of the year,” Kristo said. “It helps to go through it personally, but they drilled that into our brains right away.

“I think that’s why we’re there every year. We know how important those nonconference games are and we’ve had a good nonconference record the last couple years.”

One team that did take care of business in nonconference play this season is the University of Denver. The Pioneers entered a late-December Hall of Fame Game against Boston University on an eight-game winless streak, but managed to knock off the Terriers in a one-game shot.

Denver, which currently sits in solid position at No. 11 in the Pairwise Rankings, would be nine spots lower at No. 20 if it lost to the Terriers.

UND is sitting in strong position at No. 6, thanks in large part to a Friday night win over Boston University at home. UND broke a 2-2 tie in the third period and went on to win 4-2. Had UND lost that game, it would be six spots lower at No. 12.

“The older guys who have been through it understand the ramifications of it and how the Pairwise can change in the last month and a half of the season,” UND coach Dave Hakstol said. “Without question, we make a very strong point coming into camp in the fall to have an understanding of how everything is put together and how important nonconference games are.”

Twitter: DU Hockey Legend Defends Boone

(above) This season Boone is a monarch on Peter Mannino's goalie pads
(above) Peter Mannino weighs in on the controversy after reading about Boone in Westword

University of Denver hockey alum Peter Mannino is one of DU's greatest hockey heroes.  Most Outstanding Player of the 2005 Frozen Four, DU's all-time leader in shutouts [15], second all-time in DU save percentage and holds a handful of other records.  Currently playing for the AHL Manchester Monarchs, he's also played in a handful of games in the NHL over the years.

As a Senior, Mannino spearheaded a committee of athletes and students to bring Boone back as the official mascot at the University of Denver.  That committee built a landslide of student and alumni support for Boone that was unceremoniously squashed by DU Chancellor Robert Coombe in 2008.

To this day Mannino proudly sports Boone on his professional hockey equipment.

Westword Looks At the Latest Boone Controversy

(above) Westword takes a look at Boone
"DU doesn't have an official mascot, says university spokeswoman Jordan Ames, though the school is researching the possibility of creating one in the near future."
-DU Spokesman Jordan Ames
From: Westword

The University of Denver Pioneers have always had that fighting spirit, but over the past decade, some of that fighting has focused on the school's longtime — and now former — mascot, a bearded, coonskin-cap-wearing pioneer named Denver Boone. 

Created in 1968, the cartoon character was designed by a Walt Disney artist and served as the school's official mascot for thirty years. But in the late 1990s, some students began to complain about Boone, saying that the smiling, chubby-cheeked character was named after Daniel Boone and represented a way of life that resulted in the destruction of many Native American tribes and the deaths of thousands of people [read entire article].

DU Hockey Visits Twin Cities Road Trip

(above) Click on image to register for pregame event in Minneapolis

DU Student Government Plans To Condemn Boone

(above) Boone & Students do the Harlem Shake

Last night the University of Denver Undergradate Student Goverment discussed the Boone mascot issue at the University of Denver.  In 60 days the DU Student Senate would like to "pass a motion officially condemning Boone and stop all funding that supports anything with the Boone image." The student committee would prefer no mascot but left open the possibility of one day finding a new mascot

The current Boone mascot was 100% funded and built by alumni, fan & student donations.  The mascot was presented as a gift to the DU student body to promote school spirit on campus and make DU sporting events more fun.

In the past five years through private donations, Boone has traveled to DU sporting events in Boston, Madison, Minneapolis, Baltimore [twice] and Washington DC.  Two DU students have been sent to Mascot Boot Camp in Delaware & Pennsylvania.  Over $50,000 has been spent through alumni donations to fund the program.

The money spent by the alumni on Boone meant that no student activity or DU Athletic Department dollars were ever spent on Boone.  The money was all raised privately.

The USG wants to take away the students unofficial mascot and replace it with --- nothing.  Doesn't seem like much of a plan.

PioNation Heads To Vegas For WAC Tourney



The WAC Basketball Tournament will be held in Las Vegas March 12-16, 2013 and many DU fans are making plans to attend.  Not only will the DU Men's & Women's basketball team be competing, but there will be many other basketball games going on in Las Vegas at the same time.

The WAC Tournament will take place at the 9,500 seat Orleans Arena.  DU will play their first game on the second day of the Tournament, Thursday March 14th.

The Mountain West Tournament featuring Colorado State & Air Force will be playing over at UNLV, the West Coast Conference featuring Gonzaga & St. Marys will take place at the Orleans Arena just before the WAC Tourney and the PAC 12 Tourney will be at the MGM Grand.

Students "Go Western" For Friday's UND Game

Hoops Coach Joe Scott Calls For Student Support

(above) In today's Denver Post DU basketball coach Joe Scott challenged the student body to help the team
From: Denver Post
by Irv Moss

The Pioneers head into their final four games of the regular season 17-8 overall and in sole possession of second place in the WAC at 13-2.

Scott's question: How many teams are 13-1 over their past 14 games? The coach knows one of them is his own.

Scott is hopeful that the DU student body will increase its attendance at the three vital games.

"I'd like to think that will happen," Scott said. "If our students come out, it will be a great boost for our team" [read entire article].


Twitter: DU Plays Pond Hockey During Bye Week

(above) The DU hockey team went up to Evergreen to play pond hockey last week

News & Notes From Around PioNation

(above) DU Men's Hoops keeps rolling with a 62-41 victory on Saturday night over SJSU
Beau Bennett appeared in his first NHL game on Friday night for the Pittsburgh Penguins in Winnipeg.
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Boone's DU Halem Shake Video received over 10,000 hits in the first 48 hours.
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The DU Lacrosse team was upset by Penn State 15-12 on Sunday.  The game was played on the home field of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Photo: Zuckers 1st NHL Goal

(above) Notice "University of Denver" sweater in left corner of photo

VIDEO: Jason Zucker's 1st NHL Goal


(above) Jason Zucker scored his first NHL goal on Sunday to help the Minnesota Wild defeat Detroit 

From: FoxNews.com

The Minnesota Wild have had to work a bit harder to generate any offense this season. That's what made Jason Zucker zooming past everybody for a highlight-reel goal such a welcome sight.

Dany Heatley, Zucker and Torrey Mitchell all scored in the second period to rally Minnesota over the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on Sunday night.

It was Minnesota's first regulation win since Jan. 29 and just the second time it scored at least three goals in regulation over the last nine games.

After Heatley snapped a nine-game scoring drought to make it 2-1, Zucker went coast-to-coast and scored his first NHL goal to tie it. 

Zucker was called up on Saturday to try and spark the Wild's offense. The 2010 second-round pick showed off his speed and made a slick move on Valtteri Flippula to break free and score unassisted.

"For me, I skate fast and I try to get the puck on net," Zucker said. "That's what I do."

Asked about his shoot-first mentality, Zucker smiled and said: "I'm not exactly a passer. I'm trying to get the puck on net and limit my passing."

Several Minnesota players are sick, but Zucker's pure speed and the play of backup goalie Darcy Kuemper made the Wild feel better.

Zucker led AHL Houston with 19 goals and 41 assists.

Drew Shore Scores First Career NHL Goal

University of Denver alum Drew Shore scored his first NHL goal last night after the puck bounced off the Washington Capitols goaltender three times, then off Shore's stick, then off another Washington player and into the net.

The goal put Florida up 5-3 in the third period, but Washington would score two goals late to tie the game and would then win it in overtime.

Maxim Retweets Boone Hockey Jersey Photo

Maxim Magazine's Twitter account [Feb. 11th] retweeted our photo of Alexa Sandberg wearing a Denver Boone hockey jersey.  Alexa will be appearing in the April 2013 edition of Playboy just in time for the Frozen Four.  Unfortunately, she won't be wearing the Boone jersey in the magazine.

Thanks go out to KandyMag.com and DU alum Ron Kuchler for setting up the Boone jersey photo shoot in California.

As always you can purchase Boone hockey jersey just like Alexa's at LogoYouTeam.com

Create Your Own Boone Products & Clothing

One question that generates the most reader emails to LetsGoDU; "How can I order Boone T-shirts, sweatshirts or even baby items for the grandkids?"

Its easy to create your own Boone products.  Just drag the high resolution Boone image above to your desktop.

Online companies such as www.CustomInk.com can take the Boone image and print it on any of their products such as coffee mugs, bags, clothing, hats or hundreds of other items.

The best part, you can order just one item, a couple for your family or a dozen or more for your softball team.

As always, you can purchase high-quality embroidered Boone hockey jerseys and hockey tie hoodies at LogoYouTeam.com

DU Students To Travel To Honduras To Provide Aid

(above) DU students taking notes last year in Honduras

Instead of lying on a beach during Spring Break, a  group of motivated University of Denver students will travel to Honduras in March to provide aid to the global community and gain experience towards their degrees. The group of DU students have been fund-raising and building awareness at Pioneer hockey games at Magness Arena with a table in concourse. 

DU Global Medical Brigades (DUGMB) formed a local Chapter last year of Global Brigades. The worldwide student-led nonprofit organization provides medical, human rights, clean water, micro-finance and environmental assistance in underdeveloped countries.  DUGMB is one of 70 chapters from North American & European universities.

During last year’s mission to Honduras, DUGMB was able to assist over 800 people in two of Honduras's poorest communities.

This year the student group is larger and has more abitious goals. From March 17-23, a group of 40 DU students and several healthcare professionals will travel back to Honduras to provide medical and dental aid to Hondurans living in the rural community of San Lorenzo. Many Hondurans have never had a physical or any medical assistance.

DU student volunteers have been working to raise awareness and funds for medical supplies to staff a clinic in San Lorenzo and provide medical assistance.

Video: Condor Gets Loose In Bakersfield


Ever wonder what happened to former University of Denver hockey player T.J. Fast? He spends his time dodging enraged condors on the bench in Bakersfield, California. Fast has appeared in three games this season for the Condors, with no goals or assists.

Time Lapse Video Of Magness Arena This Weekend


Three-day time lapse of the University of Denver's Magness Arena, from basketball to hockey & back from Brendan Loy on Vimeo.

Denver Lacrosse 14 - Duke 12 FINAL


Erik Adamson scored five goals and #9 Denver used a 9-0 run to open the second half to defeat #6 Duke, 14-12, in the season-opener for both squads on Saturday afternoon at Koskinen Stadium in Durham, N.C.

The loss end Duke's 10-game home win streak and is the Blue Devils' first loss in a season-opening game since 1998. Duke (0-1) and Denver (1-0) are the lone two ranked teams to face off against a ranked opponent to start the 2013 campaign.

Trailing 8-5 at intermission, Denver scored nine consecutive goals, including four by Adamson, to claim a 14-8 lead with 11:46 left in the fourth period when Eric Law found the back of the net [read entire article].

Colorado College 6 - Denver 5 FINAL OT

(above) DU students at World Arena during a wild third period
The University of Denver hockey team scored three times in the last six minutes of regulation to force overtime on Saturday night at World Arena.  But its was Colorado College who scored with 10 seconds remaining in overtime to steal the victory.





DU Lacrosse To Face Duke At 10 AM on Sat.


The University of Denver men's lacrosse team will open the 2013 season on Saturday at 10 a.m. MT as it takes on the Duke University Blue Devils from Koskinen Stadium in Durham, N.C. The game is considered by many as the premier match-up of the weekend.

Week 2: LetsGoDU Photo Caption Contest

Last week we featured a photo of DU hockey player Zac Larraza staring down the University of Minnesota-Duluth skating cheerleader team.  An alert reader suggested a Photo Caption contest and the comments poured in.

On Thursday LetsGoDU received an email from a member of the UMD skating cheerleaders accusing our blog of "insulting & libeling their cheer team."

She went on to mention that our reader comments were "degrading & veering the line of sexual harrassment and that she was extremely offended by the sexual innuendos directed towards them."

She added that Mr. Larraza, "skated through their formation twice, tried to ruin their routine & purposely bumped into one of the cheerleaders."

So with that in mind, lets head into week two of Photo Caption Contest.

Boone Debuts On Root Sports Pregame Show

(above) Boone gets more facetime on TV

GOLD PAN TROPHY: Denver 1 - CC 1 FINAL

(above) Pregame view from the DU Student Sectiom
(above) Nolan Zajac gives Jordan DiGiandothe business
“It was a good, road playoff-type game for us, and I thought we competed hard and won more puck battles. I liked our level of competition and effort tonight, and the only thing missing was a W. That was a really good goalie we were playing against who’s been unbelievable since Christmas.”
-  Colorado College Head Coach Scott Owens
The University of Denver secured the annual Gold Pan Trophy over rival Colorado College with a 1-1 tie on Friday night at sold out Magness Arena.  The tie handed the season series to DU with a insurmountable 2-0-1 record against CC.

Larkin Jacobson scored for DU and once again Juho Olkinuora was fantastic between the pipes.

The Pioneers will face the Tigers on Saturday night at the World Arena in Colorado Springs.