Video: Hitler Selects A New Pioneer Mascot For DU

DU Alum Phil Heath Wins Mr Olympia Again

University of Denver basketball player Phil Heath won his third Mr. Olympia title on Saturday evening in what would be one the greatest Mr. Olympia competitions in the history of the sport.

The 49th edition of the contest had three Mr. Olympia winners on the stage competing against each other for the coveted prize (Phil Heath, Dexter Jackson and Jay Cutler). In the end Phil Heath walked away with the Sandow trophy and a cheque for $250,000. Phil accepted his award with a tribute to his wife, who was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.

DU Alum Joe Colborne Traded To Calgary Flames

The Toronto Maple Leafs traded center Joe Colborne to the Calgary Flames for a fourth-round pick in the 2014 draft. That pick could become a third-rounder if Colborne scores 10 goals or reaches 35 points this season and the Flames make the playoffs.

Calgary's GM Jay Feaster said that the Flames had been watching Colborne (6-5, 23 years old) for a while and finally made an offer.

“As an organization we have had many discussions this past year about Joe, but never made an offer,” he said in a statement. “With the opportunity to speak with Brian Burke [Flames' director of hockey operations] and learn about Joe's hockey sense and character from someone who had him as a player and knows him so well, it became clear to us that this is the type of young, big center we need. He fits in very well with our rebuild and provides size up the middle.”

Burke, formerly the GM of the Leafs, was presumably intrigued by Colborne's combination of size and skill. Colborne, who has just 16 NHL appearances in his career, was fighting to make the Leafs' roster but is expected to see significant time with the rebuilding Flames.

Facebook Campaign To Remove Chancellor Coombe

(above) Let the fun times begin...

Denver Post: DU Looking To Surprise Opponents

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

For the first time in 13 years, the University of Denver hockey team is unranked to begin the season. That's actually good news for first-year coach Jim Montgomery, who plans on cashing in on those low expectations.

Take it to the bank: DU will be ranked early into the season [read entire article].

DU Goaltender Evan Cowley's New Mask

(above) Freshman goaltender Evan Cowley's mask

DU Will Lose Three Forwards To Start Season

Zac Larraza will miss six to eight weeks, Brad Hawkinson will miss the entire season and Emil Romig has been suspended by the NCAA for eight games.

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has the details.

Local DU Hockey TV Coverage Continues Decline

The University of Denver and ROOT SPORTSTM announced today that the network will broadcast six regular season Denver hockey games, six men's basketball games and one women's basketball game this season.

This marks the 13th consecutive year, and 20th season overall, that the network has been the official television partner of the Pioneers. 

Root Sports televised six DU hockey games in 2012-13, seven games in 2011-12, twelve games in 2010-11, eighteen games in 2009-10, sixteen games in 2008-09 & fourteen games in 2007-08.

DU 2013-14 RSRM TV Schedule

Western Michigan - Nov. 15

Air Force - Nov. 23

Brown - Jan. 3

St. Cloud State - Jan. 10

North Dakota - Jan. 25

Miami - March 7

Bootleg Boone Stickers Appearing On Campus

NCAA All-American Assists Denver City Lax Program

(above) Former Hopkins lax All-American Kyle Harrison [center] flanked by DU star Terry Ellis [in Boone shirt]

Kyle Harrison won the 2005 Tewaaraton Trophy [Lacrosse Heisman Trophy] and was the first overall pick in the 2005 Major League Lacrosse Draft.

These days he plays on the LMX Pro Lacrosse Tour, helps coach a small college program in Los Angeles and recently showed up in Denver to run a lacrosse camp for inner city kids.

North Dakota Citizens Named "Ugliest Residents"

(above) The Daily Beast ranked North Dakota's residents "least attractive" Source
(above) Two-time SI cover girl Kate Upton's parents went to DU

DU Hockey Featured In "Breaking Bad" Episode

(above) That's a 1998 DU @ Wisconsin hockey game on the TV
During the final scene of last night’s penultimate Breaking Bad episode, Walter White makes a desperate call to his son, Flynn, from a New Hampshire bar. The episode is titled “Granite State,” in honor of White’s hideaway home in New Hampshire. It wasn’t surprising then that, as Walt pleaded with Flynn on the phone, a hockey broadcast played in the background.  

Sports Illustrated's "Extra Mustard" features the transcript of the episode and the details of the 1998 between DU and Wisconsin.

DU Ski Team Mentioned In Sports Illustrated

(above) Sports Illustrated mentioned DU's 21 NCAA Championships in Skiing

Bozak Makes Living Being Phil Kessel's "Wingman"

(above) DU alum Tyler Bozak signed a $21 million contract this offseason
by Michael  Traikos

It was the first day of training camp and Tyler Bozak had just finished talking with reporters when Phil Kessel walked by.

As he did, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward called out, “Hey Bozie, you gonna have a good season?” 

To which Bozak responded: “Yeah, if you are.” Both players laughed, but it was not exactly a joke. While Kessel might not need Bozak’s help to score 30 goals this year, it does not work the other way around. Bozak will not have a good year unless Kessel has one. Even then, it is not a given. In the last two years, Kessel has finished sixth and seventh in NHL scoring. Bozak finished outside the top 100 both times [read entire article].

DU Women's Soccer Ranked #15

FROM: Soccer America
 
RANK TEAM (RECORD) PREVIOUS

1. Virginia (7-0-0) 2
2. Stanford (5-0-1) 3
3. Wake Forest (6-0-1) 4
4. Notre Dame (6-1-0) 8
5. North Carolina (7-1-0) 1
6. UCLA (6-1-0) 6
7. Florida State (6-0-2) 7
8. South Carolina (7-0-1) 9
9. Portland (5-1-1) 11
10. Georgetown (7-0-0) 13
11. Penn State (6-1-1) 15
12. BYU (4-1-1) 5
13. Santa Clara (4-2-0) 18
14. Florida (6-1-1) 19
15. Denver (7-0-0) 20
16. Duke (4-3-1) 12
17. California (5-0-1) 17
18. Baylor (6-0-2) 16
19. Kentucky (6-1-1) NR
20. Texas Tech (7-1-0) NR
21. West Virginia (4-2-2) 10
22. Michigan (6-1-0) 14
23. Maryland (5-2-0) 24
24. Minnesota (7-1-0) 21
25. Virginia Tech (6-1-1) 22
25. Butler (5-1-2) NR

Colbourne's New Path To The NHL Will Be A Grind

TORONTO — In order to take a step forward, Joe Colborne has to take a step back.

Not back to the minors, where the Toronto Maple Leafs prospect spent a majority of the last three seasons. But to the bottom of the team’s depth chart, where a first-round draft pick with top-line potential is now eyeing the fourth line as his ticket to the NHL.

It is part of the transformation that Colborne is trying to undertake in an attempt to make the Leafs’ roster out of training camp. The 23-year-old was a No. 1 centre in college and in the minors, where he was relied upon to score big goals and play big minutes. And while he is certain he can play that role in the NHL one day, he realizes that if he is going to earn a spot on head coach Randy Carlyle’s team it will be in a role where he is valued more for his size and defence than his goal-scoring ability.

“I mean, whatever the coaching staff wants me to do I’ll do,” Colborne said before Sunday’s pre-season opener against the Philadelphia Flyers in London, Ont. “Obviously, I have trust in my offensive ability and I know I can play a scoring role in this league. But if we already have a solid couple of lines there, then I’m more than happy to play the role they want me to do and get my foot in the door and continually build that trust with the coaching staff.”

This is the challenge of any young player who is trying to define his game at the next level. Colborne, who has the size and skill to be a top-six forward, might have scored in the past. But almost everyone in the NHL has scored in the past.

Colborne, who would have to clear waivers if he were sent down to the minors, should have the inside track to starting the season as the fourth-line centre. That might not be where he sees himself as a player but the coaching staff has made it clear that ice time has to be earned. If Colborne wants to end up with a corner office, he will have to get there by starting in the mailroom.

To that end, Colborne spent this summer training with power skating instructor Barb Underhill to become faster, and he shot hundreds of pucks at the old concrete shed at his parents’ place in Alberta to become more of a scoring threat. But unless he can show the ability to play a fourth-line energy role, he might not get a chance to show what else he can do [read entire article].

#11 UCLA Defeats DU Volleyball In Close Matches

(above) Boone and several members of DU's basketball team watch the volleyball action against UCLA on Thursday night

The University of Denver volleyball team pushed #11 UCLA all evening long, but came up on the short end of a 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-18) decision on Thursday night in the opening match of the 2013 Denver Invitational.

The loss marked the Pioneers’ second straight following a three-match winning streak and dropped their overall mark to 5-3. UCLA improved its season record to 6-1 with the victory.

Photo: Matt Donovan In Brooklyn

Chevy Signs With Colorado Eagles

Marc Cheverie
The Colorado Eagles signed their second goalie on Tuesday in former University of Denver star Marc Cheverie.

Cheverie is the fourth former DU player signed by the Eagles for the 2013-14 season, joining Kyle Ostrow, John Ryder and Paul Phillips.

BOT Chairman's Letter At Odds With Boone Policy

(above) Former President Bush spoke at a DU event last night that raised $670,000 for the University of Denver
From: Denver Post

The former Chairman of the University of Denver Board of Trustees, Trygve Myhren, wrote the following letter to the Denver Post on Monday. Those of you following the Boone Saga over the past decade, might be amused to hear his thoughts on how an "excellent university" conducts itself in the community.
On Monday, the University of Denver welcomed and honor former President George W. Bush at our 16th annual Korbel Dinner. Some have stated that the university should not have invited Bush. I believe they may misunderstand the role of excellent universities in our society.

The university, as distinct from our students, faculty and alumni, does not take positions on political or social issues. Therefore, it does not ban speakers or act discourteously to them. This would be antithetical to our mission as a safe haven for the expression and examination of all points of view in a politically polarized society.

I am thankful Bush graciously accepted the invitation to serve as our keynote and be recognized with Korbel’s Global Service Award.

DU embraces the right of everyone to speak openly as well as everyone’s right to listen peacefully. The university has a history of promoting the discussion of different perspectives. Recent provocative Korbel speakers have included George Soros, Madeleine Albright (daughter of Korbel School founder Josef Korbel), and Korbel graduates Condoleezza Rice and Gen. George Casey Jr.

Trygve E. Myhren, Denver

DU's Chis Udofia: NCAA's Most Underrated Player

by Scott Henry

With nearly 4,500 players in college basketball, they can't all be stars. Whether they toil in the shadow of more lauded teammates, play in minor conferences or simply on losing teams, there may be reasons their names aren't widely known. That still doesn't make it fair, however.

1.)  CHRIS UDOFIA - The Denver Pioneers can be brutal to watch if you want players to run. Coach Joe Scott's offense was the second-slowest in America last season according to Ken Pomeroy. 

Still, DU had the talent to threaten for an NCAA berth, and team leader Chris Udofia is the prime example. 

At only 6'6" and 200 pounds, Udofia is still one of the nation's most feared shot-blocking threats. A career two-BPG player, Udofia had only one game with no swats last season. His 9.0 block percentage ranked 64th nationally. Oh, and he swiped 1.6 steals per game last year, too. 

On the offensive end, Udofia led the Pioneers in scoring and should see a bigger share of the chances with top wingman Royce O'Neale transferring to Baylor. Udofia's been a steady 50-percent shooter throughout his career and is an improving three-point presence, but will need greater consistency at the foul line. 

 Denver's deliberate style will make it difficult for any player to put up gaudy offensive numbers, but Udofia will get his scores by being one of the nation's top defensive playmakers. As he told the Denver Post last January, "Different years, you have different jobs. We have a good bunch of players and no one has to do it all." 

Without O'Neale, Udofia will have to do a bit more, but in a new conference—the Nate Wolters-less Summit League—Denver will still have the horses to contend for its first-ever NCAA bid.

DU Bans Boone Imagery On Goalie Masks

(above) DU Freshman goaltender Evan Cowley's new goalie mask
(above) The University of Denver has redacted a long-standing tradition of featuring past mascots

Gopher Hockey Player Cited For DUI On Moped

(above) Blue Chip Freshman recruit Gabe Guertler was busted for driving his moped under the influence
Gophers men’s hockey coach Don Lucia suspended incoming freshman Gabe Guertler on Sunday for violating team rules.

The indefinite suspension comes before official team workouts have begun but will last at least until November. Guertler’s status will be re-evaluated then

Hennepin County public records show that Guertler was arrested early Saturday morning by the University of Minnesota Police Department and charged with drunken driving.

He was released later that morning. He is scheduled to make a court appearance on Oct. 11. He faces up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A university representative confirmed that Guertler was driving a moped when he was pulled over.

DU Puts The Screws To Local UND Hockey Fans

(above) North Dakota hockey fans ... keeping things classy since ... well, never
by Brad Elliott Schlossman

The University of Denver is trying to make some money on UND men’s hockey fans — or keep them out of Magness Arena this season.

When single-game tickets go on sale Friday morning for UND’s road series at Denver, the Pioneers will require that fans buy tickets to two other selected Pioneer games if they want to go to a UND-DU game. The website doesn’t currently list which other games will be part of the three-game pack, but it won’t be a second UND-DU game.

For fans who don’t want to purchase sets of three, there are two other options.
The first is getting them through the UND Alumni Association, which has a number of tickets for that series.

The other option is for fans would to get group tickets, which can be purchased by groups of 20 or more.

The new single-game ticket policy comes after several years of UND’s fan base — and its large alumni base in Colorado — virtually turning that series into a home game for UND.
.
Before last year’s series, Denver captain Paul Phillips explained the UND fan factor to U.S. College Hockey Online.

“As crazy as it sounds, even though it’s a home game for us, it’s kind of like a home game for them,” Phillips said. “They bring so many fans with them and their fans are so loud. It’s real important that we can’t let their fans get into the game. We have to throw the first punch.”

DU Hoops Schedule Features 2 Pac-10 Opponents

The University of Denver's 2013-14 basketball schedule features several marquee opponents. Nonconference home games include Stanford, Wyoming, Belmont & UC Irvine. Road games include Cal, Colorado State, UTEP and St. Joseph's, plus the Great Alaska Shootout.

15 opponents participated in the 2013 postseason, including six NCAA Tournament teams, and 11 teams won at least 20 games last season.

DU Official Admits To $100,000 Mascot Blunder

(above) The Mascot Debacle's official cost was $100,000 ... the long-term costs are unknown
The April 5th meeting of the Faculty Senate Minutes contained an interesting nugget when University of Denver Kevin Carroll, Vice Chancellor of Marketing & Communications, presented an update on the Mascot Development Project

Carroll admitted under questioning that DU would spend $100,000 on proposed mascot. He added that the money would be paid back to the university through "royalty payments." 

Now that the project has been mothballed, the "royalty payments" won't be happening.

DU has flushed $100,000 down the drain; money that could of been used for scholarships, faculty pay raises or lowering tuition increase.

Six months later, one wonders if the actual cost of the "Mascot Debacle" won't be far greater. How much damage to alumni donations, lost ticket sales and of course the damaging publicity to the university in local, state and national media?