Original Denver Boone To See Mascot In Annapolis

Doug Hirsh

DU alum Doug Hirsh was the original Denver Boone from 1968-1970. He  helped rally student support at both basketball and hockey games.  During his four years at DU Bill also played lacrosse with DU hockey legends Keith Magnuson and Craig Patrick.

The DU Special Events Committee held a contest in the fall of 1968 to find a nickname for the new DU Mascot.  Steve Kiley, a junior mass communications major, won the contest with the "Denver Boone" title. Doug volunteered to help out the effort and soon became the first in a long line of Denver Boones.

This weekend Doug will travel from his home in Massachusetts to watch DU play Loyola in Annapolis.  Denver Boone will be there and it should be a great reunion between the original Boone and our latest mascot.

LaLeggia Becomes DU's 10th WCHA R.O.Y.

Joey Leggs Named WCHA Rookie Of The Year

1960 - George Kirkwood

1961 - Jack Wilson

1967 - Keith Magnuson

1969 - George Morrison

1983 - Craig Redmond

1987 - Dave Shields

1988 - Rick Berens

2005 - Paul Stastny

2011 - Jason Zucker

2012 - Joey LaLeggia

DU's Future Schedules Include Pleasant Surprises

Next season will be the University of Denver's final season in the WCHA. The DU hockey staff has been been busy working on next year's schedule and the complexities of forming the National Collegiate Hockey Association in 2013 and beyond.

The Presidential Debate at Magness Arena [Oct. 3rd] may impact the hockey practice and exhibition schedule, but it remains to be seen if any regular season games have to be juggled.

Boston University will visit the Pioneers next season for in the U.S. Hall of Fame Game. DU hosted this event in 2008 against Notre Dame and the Hall of Fame Dinner the night before featured Bret Hull and several other USA hockey legends inductions. The dinner was hosted at on the floor of Magness Arena and it was an epic evening.

Cornell will visit DU for a two game series next season. This will be a rematch of the incredible 1969 National Championship Game played in the Broadmoor Arena in Colorado Springs featuring future NHL legends Ken Dryden, Keith Magnuson, Craig Patrick & George Morrison. DU won 4-3 on Tom Miller's goal with less than 10 minutes to play.

The University of New Hampshire will be the marquee program visiting Magness Arena for the Denver Cup.

In a surprising development, Minnesota and Wisconsin are negotiating with DU to visit Denver every other season, while the Pioneers will return the visits in alternating years. It is exciting to hear that these rivalries will continue despite the departures from the WCHA. Minnesota and Wisconsin alums in Colorado will be thrilled to hear of this development.

Starting in 2013-14 DU will play the Air Force twice per season.  This great rivalry has become very popular recently, so doubling the number of games against Air Force will be another positive scheduling move.

DU is in conversations with the Boston schools about continuing the cross-country rivalries.

With NCHC league play against Miami, North Dakota, Colorado College, Minnesota-Duluth and an emerging rivalry with road-trip potential against Nebraska-Omaha there are exciting times ahead for DU hockey fans.

Former DU Players With Stanley Cup Ties

(above) DU alum and NHL Hall of Famer Glenn Anderson won the Stanley Cup six times

With Boston's Stanley Cup victory last night it brings up University of Denver alumni with connections to the Stanley Cup.  For all DU's success on the ice in college hockey, the Stanley Cup has remained an elusive prize for DU Alums.

DU alum and NHL Hall of Famer Glenn Anderson won six Stanley Cup as a player with the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers..

DU star John MacMillan played on two Stanley Cup winning teams in Toronto in the early Sixties  and has his name engraved on the Cup. MacMillan is the only DU player to ever win a National Championship at DU and a Stanley Cup.  He won each twice.

DU alum Ron Grahame's son and wife's names are engraved on the Cup.

Incoming Freshman forward Larkin Jacobson's step-father Ruslan Fedotenko has won it twice.

Former DU coach Ralph Backstrom won the Cup six times with Montreal.

Former DU player and head coach Marshall Johnston's name is engraved for being the Director of Pro Personnel for Carolina Hurricanes in 2005.

Former DU star Craig Patrick's name is on the Cup twice as General Manager of the Penguins in '91 & '92. Craig also won two National Championships at DU.  He is probably best remembered for being Herb Brook's assistant coach on the Miracle on Ice Team in 1980.  Craig's father and grandfather are also engraved on the Cup.  All three of them are NHL Hall of Famers.

DU star and current head coach of the Florida Panthers, Kevin Dineen, doesn't have his name on the Cup yet, but one of his brothers and father are on there.

Former DU Captain, Paul Messier's little brother Mark, won the Cup six times.

Former DU player Keith Seabrook's older brother Brent won the Cup with Chicago last season.

DU Alum Patrick Mullen is the son of 3-time Stanley Cup winner and Hall of Famer, Joe Mullen.

Former DU player Alex Shibicky's father, also Alex, won the Cup with the Rangers in 1940.

Danny Talbot's father, Jean-Guy, won 7 Stanley Cups with Montreal between 1956 and 1966.

Jim Bales uncle, Bobby Taylor, won 2 Cups with the Flyers in 1974 and 1975.

Brian Morenz's distant cousin was NHL Hall of Famer Howie Morenz who won 3 Cups with Montreal.

Jim Wiste, Keith Magnuson, Peter McNab & Matt Carle lost Stanley Cup finals.  Peter McNab's father and brother are engraved on the Cup.

There may be others....

DU Legend Murray Armstrong Passes Away

(above) DU legends Keith Magnuson and Murray Armstrong

2009 Denver Post interview with Murray Armstrong

Sources: DU Penrose Library, DU Hockey Alumni Association

Legendary University of Denver hockey coach Murray Armstrong passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday.

Born on New Years Day 1916 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Murray would play in the NHL (Toronto, New York Americans, Detroit) before becoming one of the greatest college hockey coaches in history, amassing five National Championships at the University of Denver.

With the arrival of Armstrong in 1956, the University of Denver Ice Hockey Program began an era of unprecedented success. The man often referred to as “The Chief” came to Denver after a stint as the head coach of the Regina Pats junior team in Canada. The relationship with the Pats would serve him well as he repeatedly made recruiting trips to Canada to reload the Pioneers during the offseasons.

Murray saw the potential for championships at Denver. Not only were the facilities there but the citywide support as well. He wanted to see his Pioneers win the national title within three years but they won the championship in just two. Armstrong went on to lead the Pioneers to five national championships (1958, 1960, 1961, 1968 and 1969). On four other occasions his teams finished as the runners-up. His 11 Frozen Four appearances and eight WCHA regular season championships will withstand the test of time. In 1977 Armstrong retired but he had established a tradition of excellence that lives on to this day.

Under Armstrong's watchful eyes, the Pioneers hosted several high-profile international opponents at the DU Ice Arena. Denver tied the Soviet Union National Team 4-4 during the 1958-1959 season and beat the American National Team with a score of 7-5 in 1960. That same American National Team won the gold medal at the Winter Olympics that year. The 1960-1961 Pioneers team is widely regarded as one of the finest collegiate hockey team ever assembled. They finished with an incredible 30-1-1 record on their way to another NCAA Championship.

The Pioneers won another two NCAA Championships in 1968 and 1969. During those golden years some outstanding players wore the Crimson and Gold, including George Kirkwood, Bill Masterton, Jerry Walker, Marty Howe, Grant Munro, Keith Magnuson, Cliff Koroll, Craig Patrick, Jim Wiste, Jim Shires, Gerry Powers and Marshall Johnson.

Murray retired to Florida in 1977 and played golf well into his Nineties.

Murray Armstrong 1916-2010

In accordance with Murray’s request, there will be no funeral services. His family plans to scatter his ashes on his home golf course according to his wishes. Any of the hockey fraternity that wants to send a card or note to Murray’s wife/family can do so at 607 Mulligan Way, St. Augustine, FL 32080.

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL (December 8, 2010) -- Legendary DU hockey coach, Murray Armstrong, has died of complications, following a series of strokes. He was 94, just 24 days shy of his 95^th birthday.

Armstrong coached the DU Pioneers from 1956 until 1977, amassing one of the most impressive records in college hockey history. His teams won five NCAA Championships and finished as runners-up four times.

After playing junior hockey, he played 9 years in the National Hockey League in the 1930s and 40s, finishing his career with the Detroit Red Wings. After World War II he then coached the Regina Pats until he was hired by the University of Denver.

When he arrived he promised to give DU a national championship in three years or he’d quit. He delivered on the promise in only two years.

Armstrong often said his proudest accomplishment was “all of the fine young men” whose lives he touched. He was in contact with many of his former players to the end.

In 2009, his former players created a book of “Murray-isms” – some of his sayings that live on. They called it “Don’t Think, It Weakens the Club.” Among his favorite sayings: “Excuses are for losers.”

He retired to Venice, Florida in 1977 where he pursued his other sporting passion – golf. He played the game regularly until 2010 when he was 94.

In 2000, he and his wife moved to St. Augustine, Florida, to be closer to his son and his wife.

Armstrong is survived by Freda, his wife of 68 years, and his son, Rob.

Memorial donations should be directed to: Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.

"Old Time Hockey" With The Chicago Blackhawks

(left) DU Alum Keith Magnuson was one of the toughest players in the NHL in the 1970's

From: Chicago Tribune
by John Kass

With the Stanley Cup finals between the Blackhawks and Flyers getting more physical by the game, I got an interesting call from a former hockey doc.

"I don't think the spectators, if they've never played hockey themselves, truly understand the mentality of the hockey players, how they disregard pain and their own doctor's orders," said Dr. Antonio Ramos when I met him in his office in the Pilsen neighborhood.

Ramos, now 85 and retired, was a surgeon at the now-defunct Henrotin Hospital, the unofficial Blackhawks trauma center. That led to his hobby, stitching up Blackhawks as one of several team doctors in the old days.

"There was Tony Esposito, the goalie, getting a stick inside his mouth that ripped it up, with incredible trauma, and going back to play," said Ramos.

"And Bobby Hull years ago, in the playoffs with Montreal, struck in the face with a puck, the entire bone structure of the face having disintegrated, and playing," Ramos said. "And of course, there was DU alum Keith Magnuson."

Ramos' colleague was a plastic surgeon, Dr. Randall McNally. Now 80 and retired, McNally remembers Magnuson literally fighting to get back on the ice.

Magnuson's jaw had been broken in two places. The trainer, Skip Thayer, had Magnuson flat on his back on one of the training tables.

"His (jaw) bone was exposed through the skin, and he had a bad laceration," said McNally. "I looked to Magnuson and said, 'You're done, Keith.' "

Magnuson hated how that sounded. He wanted to play.

"Magnuson got up and started trading punches with Skip because he wanted to return immediately," McNally said. "They were really going at it. To his credit, Skip did not punch him in the face, just the body."

Eventually, doctors were able to convince Magnuson that going back out onto the ice with his jawbone protruding from his cheek wasn't such a good idea.

"There's the unwritten old hockey rule," Blackhawks great Stan Mikita told me. "No matter how hard you get hit, you get up and take your next shift on the ice. If you've got a broken leg, you'll fall and then you'll know it. But you take that next turn."

Mikita said there were good hockey docs and bad hockey docs.

"The good ones would stitch you up so you could get back on the ice and play," Mikita said. "If you really want to hear some hockey doc stories, you better call another DU Alum Cliff Koroll. If you don't like them, then you have no sense of humor."

As a rookie out of the University of Denver, Koroll, now president of the Blackhawks alumni organization, was sent to a Blackhawks farm team. He met his team on the road and was warned about the other team's doctor. Home-ice doctors often treated both teams.

"One of the guys said, if you get cut tonight, then you better get cut early," Koroll recalled. "It turned out the other team's doc liked to drink a little bit, and the longer the game went, the drunker he got."

As the game ended, Koroll took a stick above the eye. With blood running down his face, he was dispatched to the other team's training room.

"I'm laying on the table when I hear ice clinking in a glass," Koroll said. "The old guy's walking down the hall. He hits one wall, hits the other wall, staggers up to me with a scotch in his hand and starts stitching."

Later, Koroll met his teammates at a local night spot where they rehydrated themselves. Then it was back to the hotel for much-needed sleep. But all Koroll could do was stare at the ceiling.

"I remember telling my roommate, 'Jimmy, I can't sleep, I can't close my eyes.' I go into the bathroom to take a look. Do you know what the doctor did? He'd stitched my eyelid to my eyebrow. That's why I couldn't close my eye."

Koroll freed his eyelid with manicure scissors, went to sleep and got treatment at a hospital the next morning.

Later, when he was called up to the Blackhawks, Koroll's mouth was hit with a stick, tearing the heck out of it, and it wouldn't stop bleeding.

The man who stitched him up that night was Dr. Myron Tremaine, the head team doctor and brother-in-law of Hawks patriarch Arthur Wirtz.

"He puts a few stitches in and starts tying a knot. Then somebody got hurt upstairs and he runs off and throws his rubber gloves on the floor and drops the scissors. The needle and the thread were resting on the Indian head logo on my jersey."

When Tremaine returned, he picked the gloves from the floor, but couldn't find the needle.

"He's searching for the needle, it gets caught in his coat sleeve, and when he turns away, he starts dragging me across the table by my lip. I'm crawling after him, grunting like a pig trying to tell him, stop, stop, but he pulls a chunk of meat right out of my mouth."

The old Hawks I talked to respectfully remember McNally and Ramos, but they weren't too fond of Tremaine. It was probably the brother-in-law-of-the-boss thing.

"Wasn't he a gynecologist?" asked Bobby Hull.

No, I said, he was a surgeon.

"A gynecologist, that's what I heard," said Mikita.

No, a surgeon.

"Well, if he wasn't a gynecologist," said Koroll, "then why were there stirrups on the end of the training table?"

Replica 2004 National Championship Ring

(above) DU's most unlikely championship ring

(above) The ring honors former DU great Keith Magnuson

An alert reader spotted this 2004 National Championship ring for sale on eBay. We checked around to see if the ring was stolen or perhaps the coach had pawned it in Vegas during a taping of Pawn Stars. So far, it seems this is just an extra ring that was made at the factory as a "Salesman Sample." For $2,000 it can be yours.

College Hockey's 2003-'07 National Championship Rings

DU Today: Miracle On Ice's DU Connection

(above) Craig Patrick, Tom Miller, Keith Magnuson & Murray Armstrong with the 1969 National Championship trophy won in World Arena against Cornell

From: DU Today
by Nathan Solheim

On Feb. 22, 1980, the United States Olympic hockey team — which consisted of amateur players from the college hockey ranks — upset what was considered the world’s greatest hockey power, the Soviet Union, in Winter Olympic competition in Lake Placid, N.Y. The victory, now known as the “Miracle on Ice,” resonates across the sports landscape to this day because of its worldwide political ramifications and a David-beats-Goliath quality.

The University of Denver didn’t have a player on the team, but alum Craig Patrick (BA economics ’69) was behind the bench for the Miracle on Ice. Patrick played four years of hockey at DU and then played professional hockey for a decade. As his playing days wound down, the head coach for the 1980 team, Herb Brooks, asked him to serve as the assistant coach. Patrick would go on to work as DU’s athletic director from 1987–89 and as a general manager with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers (read rest of story).

DU Hockey Alums Talk During Reunion Weekend

This video does a great job of showing the reception before the game on Saturday night for DU's 60th Hockey Reunion. The pre- and post-game receptions were held in Hamilton Gymnasium.

All the players received DU throwback jerseys with their names and numbers stiched on. The jerseys were donated by DU alums Matt Carle, Paul Stastny & two other donors.

Magnuson Remembered at 60th Anniversary Celebration

(above) University of Denver alum Keith Magnuson was a true Pioneer

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post wrote a great article about University of Denver alum Keith Magunson today. Magnuson may have been sorely missed at this weekend's 60th Anniversary of celebration, but his spirit lives on at DU.

Keith won two National Championships at DU and had a long career with the NHL Chicago Blackhawks. He is also the only DU player to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated . Check out the article.

*****There's also an online poll attached to the article asking about DU's chances this season. Vote however you like, but more votes show the Denver Post management that its important to cover DU hockey.

Boone Helped DU Win 1969 National Championship

(above left) One of greatest photos of DU hockey is this famous photo of Keith Magnuson and the 1969 National Championship trophy. (above right) Boone on Tim Gould's helmet

Thanks to an alert LetsGoDU's reader, we found Boone in this photo. Boone is on the helmet of DU player Tim Gould. Gould is photographed with Craig Patrick, Keith Magnuson and Tom Miller. These players formed the nucleus of DU's 1968 and 1969 National Championship teams.

Sadly, Magnuson passed away in a 2004 in a tragic auto accident. He will be missed this weekend at the 60th Anniversary celebration but not forgotten.

Craig Patrick would go on to help the USA win a gold medal in the 1980 Olympic Games (Miracle on Ice) as an assistant coach. Later he would be the General Manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins when the team won two Stanley Cups.

Snoopy Senior Tourney Is Annual DU Reunion

(above) The championship winning DU Alumni Team will have plenty of bragging rights at DU Hockey's 60th Anniversary

Editor's Note: The final installment of LetsGoDU's four-part series focuses on the common bonds that exist between the upcoming 60th anniversary reunion of DU Hockey and the Snoopy Tournament. Included are thoughts from all of the alumni players from this year’s Snoopy team. Thanks again to DJ Powers who has given us this wonderful glimpse into DU's rich hockey tradition.

Exclusive to LetsGoDU
By DJ Powers
Staff Writer - NCAA
Hockey's Future (http://www.hockeysfuture.com)
Future Considerations (http://www.futureconsiderations.ca)

This October, the University of Denver will celebrate 60 years of Pioneers hockey. While this reunion celebration spans the entire history of the program and takes place about once every ten years, another DU hockey reunion takes place every July in Santa Rosa, CA. called the Snoopy’s Senior World Hockey Tournament (aka The Snoopy Tournament).

The commonality between the Pioneers hockey 60th anniversary reunion and the Snoopy Tournament are the many alumni involved. All of the alumni who participate in the Snoopy Tournament played under the legendary Murray Armstrong and some were even members of DU’s earliest NCAA Championship teams.

Of the 15 players who donned the crimson and gold jersey at the Snoopy Tournament this year, nine were DU alumni.

The Snoopy Tournament, in many ways, is an annual reunion to the men who participate in it each year. It is about being reunited with a fellow Pioneer and being with family. To understand just how close these men are, all you have to do is watch how they interact with one another – both on and off the ice. It is a fraternity that is unlike any other.

“This (Snoopy Tournament) for us is so special,” said Wayne Smith. “This is our group in our particular period, so we have great, close relationships within this particular group and so this almost serves as our annual get-together for a reunion.”

All nine alumni players gave their personal insights into what the 60th anniversary reunion means to them at last month’s Snoopy Tournament. While not all of them will be attending the October celebration, most will.

“Well we’re looking forward to the 2009 reunion,” Norm Kvern glowingly intoned. “It’s the 60th anniversary of DU hockey and we’re encouraging all alumni, their spouses, and their friends to please come out and have a great time because it’s going to be a wonderful reunion and be a lot of fun for everybody. We live in Denver, so we’ll host anybody and a cocktail party too. We’ll share a few cold beers at the Campus Lounge, the Stadium Inn and where ever else that may be required.”

“I’ll be there at the reunion and very much looking forward to it,” added Bill Pettinger. “I booked it about three months ago and just really looking forward to getting reacquainted with all of the guys.”

What makes reunions such as these so special are the many fascinating, humorous and heart-warming stories. Simply put, even the best writers in the world could never dream up most of this stuff. When you hear the stories, you also see the emotions too, whether it’s about the newest word that Murray Armstrong had put into their vocabulary or going back to the day that Keith Magnuson was taken from them.

“I think it’s wonderful that so many of the people are getting together again and having a lot of fun and recounting old tales, past glories and the humorous moments,” said Smith. “Whether I’ll be there or not, I don’t know right now, but we kind of think that we will be. We may make a special trip to Denver because that’s where our children and grandchildren are, so we may work something out depending on what our schedules are. We’d like to be there.”

Players such as Ron Grahame are even making it a family affair.

“I will be at the reunion with my wife, Charlotte and my son, Jason, who graduated in ’03. 60 years is pretty special. I’m hoping that there are a lot of DU alums that will come back and kind of get to get reacquainted with each other and find out what everybody is doing. I think it’ll feel like people never left and that they do come back. It would be very special if they would do that. I don’t think there are any real goals, other than the fact of trying to get alumni back to the campus who haven’t been there for a long time to see the campus and just to get reacquainted. I don’t think there’s anything that’s special about what the alumni in 60 years are trying to do for the current program, but it’s going to be nice because it’s during the season. They can see a game and see how the game has changed.”

The reality that this particular group will dwindle in the coming years is something that they have all accepted and try not to think about. And it is also an indication that these reunions in Denver will see fewer of the original Pioneers in the years to come as well.

““I think it’s great because when we get to this age, we get to see these eight or nine guys that we don’t get to see that don’t still play hockey,” said Wayne Wiste. “So going back there and seeing everybody for the last time will be great because we all have our health going down and it may have something working with me too. So that’s why I’m really anxious to be going back, to see some of those guys that I haven’t seen in a long time.”

“I hope to see a lot of people that I really don’t know like people from the 60’s to today and the people that were there before us, so I hope a lot of people will show up,” added John MacMillan. “It may cause a lot of camaraderie that may not be there simply because I don’t know anybody that played in the 70’s and might know some of the guys that played on the early teams, the really early teams, but I don’t know. A lot of those guys are gone or not doing well (health-wise). I think it could be a lot of fun, which may cause what Donny (Cameron) is trying to build here (at the Snoopy Tournament), and really support the team for Gwozdecky there.”

One player who will not be attending the 60th anniversary reunion is defenseman Bob Peers, but he also has a pretty good reason too.

“I think that’s great to have a program that is as strong as it has been over that period of time. I think Michigan is the one program that we look at record-wise that have achieved a similar thing, but Michigan is also a bigger school. I think the University of Denver on a whole, for a relatively small school to have national champions, a hockey scene and what they’ve had is a major accomplishment. I think the recognition that it’s getting is really great, but I’m not going. Dolli’s mother is having her 100th birthday that same weekend. So that’s important to both of us.”

All of the alumni on the DU Snoopy Tournament team know just how much work and how many people were involved in making the upcoming 60th anniversary reunion celebration possible, and players such as Jim Wiste and Don Cameron wanted to be sure to acknowledge some of them.

“There’s a lot to coordinate that people don’t realize that goes into it and yet it’s only for two or three days,” explained Wiste. “So I’m looking forward to it. Peg (Bradley-Doppes) has been so helpful and the school has been unbelievable. They should be thanked for it because they have spent so much for everything and have helped us so much. I think that should be put across. Ronnie Grahame has helped a lot and he’s with the university. George has given us ice time too. They could just say to us “do what you have to do,” but they’ve done more than that and I think that’s important. That’s also what makes us feel good and makes us want to do things for them as well.

"We’re going to see guys that we haven’t seen in a long time. I’m going to meet players that I’ve never met that played for DU. I think our tradition is there. Here at the Snoopy Tournament we’re known as the University of Denver team and 80 to 90 percent of our players are from DU. I was just talking with some people and I was telling them that I think what helps an organization is their tradition, whether it be pro or just college. The schools that seem to do well have good traditions and I think that’s so important down the line when you look at a Notre Dame or a Michigan."

"Michigan might be our rivals (at the Snoopy Tournament), but you have to respect them for their tradition. We have that too and we want to continue it. I’m from Saskatchewan, so the day that I came down here I was a young boy from a small town who was all of a sudden in Denver. I’ve made my home here and my life has changed. When you look back at it, Murray always said “things will never be the same for you because you’re going to change, whether it be hockey or your life or your style or things like that.” So I think these are things that we don’t have enough time to go over in every respect because you’re thinking about things like the friendships. I think the biggest thing is that you don’t see players in a long time and they’re like brothers. I think the DU tradition is one of the strongest in hockey. If not, we’re in the top five and we’re on the map. I think hockey put DU on the map.”

“I’m really looking forward to it, added Cameron. “The people behind it have worked really, really hard. Most of the alumni have been back at one time or another, but this one is covering a lot of years. So it’ll be interesting. They’ll be some things that I’m sure will happen, like the 60s teams will gather, and the teams before us and the teams after us will gather too. And then there will be times when we all will get together. One of the beauties about DU hockey is that it spans so many years. We certainly know the names of the guys from the 50s and we’ve met most of them. They would maybe able to relate to us a little bit. We would be able to relate to the guys after us and they relate back to us, so after awhile it’s just that same ‘ol thing. It’s that common bond and the pride of playing in a great program. You also get see everyone in person at DU. So when we have the reunion it will be quite nice.”

While the upcoming 60th anniversary reunion is sure to rekindle and even begin new friendships between the many generations of players who will be present, it will also remind us all of the importance of preserving a cherished and illustrious tradition that is known as DU hockey.

In some ways, the Snoopy Tournament serves as an endearing albeit little known testament to that tradition. And as long as DU continues to have teams in the tournament, the past will continue to live on and come to life with those who make the pilgrimage to California each summer to participate in this very unique hockey reunion.

DU Legend & Campus Lounge Owner Jim Wiste

(above) DU Alum Jim Wiste pictured with Joanie at the Snoopy Senior Hockey Tournament this summer is Santa Rosa, California

Editor's Note: As a lead-in to the upcoming 60th anniversary celebration of Denver Pioneers hockey, LetsGoDU begins a four-part series comprised of stories coming out of last month’s Snoopy Tournament in Santa Rosa, CA in which the DU alumni team successfully defended their Marcie (60A) Division championship.

In this first installment, Jim Wiste (DU '69) shares his insights with Hockeys Future writer D.J. Powers on a variety of topics including playing for the legendary Murray Armstrong, current head coach George Gwozdecky, and how he came to own one of the DU hockey community’s favorite gathering spots, the Campus Lounge. The "Campus" located near DU, is annually ranked as one of the best Neighborhood Bars in Denver by Westword.

Exclusive to LetsGoDU
By DJ Powers

Q: Let’s start off with DU Hockey's upcoming 60th Reunion Celebration. Are you planning to be there and what are some of your thoughts about it?

JW: Oh yes! I think it’s going to be fantastic. It’s 60 years when hockey started in Denver. A guy by the name of Doug McKinnon is going to drop the first puck. He was DU’s first captain. I think there are two players from the original team that I think was in ’49. There were seven coaches and I think there are seven NCAAs (championships). I think it’s going to be great for the university and great for the players to come back. We had a 50-year reunion obviously ten years ago and now this is our 60th year. I don’t know if there’ll ever be another one just because all of the coaches may not be alive much longer that have coached (over the years).

Q: How did you come to play for the University of Denver?

JW: Well, in those days it was really surprising because Murray was the only person that recruited that also coached. He would look in the papers to see who was doing well and then he would maybe make an appointment to see your parents. He made one trip up to Saskatchewan and would come into my living room and sit down. Then he would say to my father “you know, if he were my son this is what I would suggest that he should do.” (Laughs) You know, he kind of hurt the university because his recruiting budget was probably only about 3,4, or 500 dollars and he drove everywhere. Back then it was a handshake. You didn’t sign a Letter of Intent. I didn’t know if I had scholarship until I came down and found out that I was in the dorms and that my books were free. So I thought ‘oh, maybe I have a scholarship.’ But now, it’s like everything else. Now, they make big thing out of a (player) signing with all of the legality of it and other teams trying to get somebody. But back then it wasn’t anything complicated. So it was just Murray saying that he wants a player on his team and he tells him. Other than that, it wasn’t anything fancy.

Q: What was it like playing for Murray?

JW: Well, Murray was kind of a legend in his own time because he had good teams and was the best motivator that I’ve ever seen. I played pro for ten years and I’d never seen a better motivator. Murray could motivate you. He was a salesman in his younger days and he could sell you. He would grab you by the hand as you walked out of the dressing room before a really important game and he would look into your eyes, be spitting into your face and say “good luck to you, son.” Then you would go out there and as we (players) used to say the piss is running down your leg during the national anthem, so you’d better be ready for the game. When Murray motivated you, he was good at motivating you. They only had one coach, so it was hard to teach a lot of players. We worked on fundamentals and did skating drills and different other things, which were really important, but not like it is now. They have film that they can break down everything and they can tell you if your little pinky is out of joint. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but you can back it up.

Murray was also respected. Out of respecting him, you worked hard for him. He was a man’s man. I think he was honest with his players and he worked you hard. Now I think the players have got it so soft. But I think the players today will tell you that they have a broader variety of things to do. They’ll do weight programs and running and so forth, whereas we were just mainly on the ice.

Q: What were some of the best things that Murray had taught you that you were able to take with you and apply to yourself as both a hockey player and as an individual?

JW: I think the integrity for being an honest person. He always used to have this saying that you could look yourself in the mirror in the morning when you’re shaving and you’ve given your best. That’s kind of one of the sayings that he had. There’s a book out that somebody wrote on Murray’s sayings because he always had these sayings. Like if you got hurt, he would always say ‘tape an aspirin to it. It’s a long way from your heart. You’re ok.’ And these were things that we all put into our repertoire and still say to each other. If you had a question, Murray would say ‘honest to God, Jim?’ George (Gwozdecky) has done a great job with the players too, but they’re two different eras. And people try to compare the two and you can’t. George has got to have guys out there looking for new players. He has to have help. Murray couldn’t have done this.

Q: What are some of the similarities do you personally see between Murray and George?

JW: I think George has great respect by his players. He has great character and doesn’t put up with anything if there’s a problem. The team comes first to him, and Murray was like that too. Actually they’re both kind of a lot alike in a way. George has made a name for himself, won some NCAAs (championships), and has been one of the top five coaches (in the NCAA) for about the last four or five years. It’s hard to come into the situation that he did after Murray Armstrong, who was here for 25 years. But George has made his own niche and I think winning those championships were important. So I think George and Murray are lot alike in their characters.

Q: Obviously not any player can play at DU. It takes a special type of player that could not only play at DU but also succeed there. Players who’ve come here such as Rhett Rakhshani and Tyler Ruegsegger, and even recent former players like Gabe Gauthier and Adam Berkhoel had not only the talent, but have (or had) the character that made them fit so well into the DU system. In terms of character, how are these players similar to those that played at DU when you were there?

JW: I’m fortunate to be able to skate with them. I met Rhett Rakshani and can see why he’s the captain. Mark Rycroft when he was here at DU was like him (Rakhshani) too. So they’re no different from the players that played for Murray. The same kind of guys that play for George played for Murray. Both are character people, as well as other guys like J.P. Testwuide. It’s a fraternity and in those guys, you can see that they pick it up. Just looking at their skills on the ice, you can tell that they’re way better than we were. But we never got a chance to meet them through the old-timers hockey. When you look at a player on the ice, they’ve got a helmet on and a mask. And you hardly recognize them until their senior year. And now we get to see them in the dressing room. George has a deal where he’d have alumni come in and talk to the team. You ask him what he wants you to talk and he would say whatever you want. And he’d even open the door up. And we’ve all done that. Alot of the players (that are alumni) have. So I think that’s pretty good on George’s part that he would take the chance on allowing us to talk about anything to the team that we wanted, whether it be what it’s like to be a freshman or anything about hockey or about life. I think the players always enjoyed it because a lot of the older guys would have things to say. And I give George credit because that’s like saying ‘come into my bedroom and you can say what you want.’ He wasn’t afraid to open the door. That shows me that he is self-sufficient with his own operation. When you can say that, you’re not hiding anything because I can walk into the dressing room and say I think this or that. Now George would say ‘say what you want to say. I don’t care what you talk about, just talk about something.’ I’ve had a lot of my other (Snoopy) teammates do it and we’ve all approached it from different angles. Some have approached it on a humorous angle and some have approached it on a serious angle. Well, I think that brings character into it. So I give George credit for that. He’d just look at you and say ‘do what you want to do.’ I’ve talked to them (the team) a couple of times and depending on how well the team is doing or what’s happening, it’s hard to tell them when they’re in first place what they’re doing wrong. Yet when they’re struggling, it’s not my job to tell them what to do right because I’m not their coach, but George has opened up those doors and just told me to say what I want to say.

Q: Let’s shift gears here for a bit and talk about the Campus Lounge. How did that all come about?

JW: Well, when I finished hockey, I had played about ten years, I wanted to do well in something and had no idea. I really hadn’t done anything in ten years, so with my degree I thought it was tough, but I wanted to be my own boss. I’ve always loved the food business, and actually the Whites owned it. John White played for DU and I knew his dad pretty well. One day he skated with us and asked if he ever wanted to sell his business. Each time we skated, I’d talked about it a little more. And the funny thing about it was that I didn’t know a thing about the restaurant business. Maybe it was a good thing because otherwise I probably wouldn’t have bought it. (Laughs) So that’s how I bought it and it’s been 33 years. It’s kind of nice because when I go and watch sports and talk sports, I’m fortunate to do something that I enjoy doing. Sure, there are a lot of tough things, but it’s been good to me. The DU people have been good to me. They’ve frequented my place. The faculty and other sports teams like the Boston Bruins or the Chicago Blackhawks would come in too. So that’s how I got into the business.

Q: I know that you had played professionally for a number of years. So what was it like making that huge jump from college to the pros?

JW: We were probably, and really and truly, the first college players to come out. There were players such as Keith Magnuson, Cliff Koroll, and myself, along with Tony Esposito with Chicago. College players never played in the NHL back then. Now it’s unbelievable. It was good and bad because players would take an extra run at you because you were a “college player” and maybe felt that you weren’t tough enough. They were jealous of you because you had a college education. So we were kind of the pioneers of that. I’m proud of that. Now you look down the roster and there’s I don’t know how many college kids that are in the NHL. It’s unbelievable. But we were really the first to come out. I think college players are more dedicated and I think they have a vision of what they want to do. I’m not downgrading the other guys, but that’s how much college hockey has come along too. Like when DU starts each year, they may have eight freshmen coming in and by the senior year they may have two or three because the rest have all turned pro already. So that shows the quality that they have and things like that. So we were kind of the pioneers on that end. I remember going to Chicago’s camp. We trained before we even went to camp and the other pros didn’t. We were in better shape and focused on what we were doing a little more. Now all of the pros do that. Maybe we helped them in a way that they didn’t know about because it’s an all-year job now. In the old days, you went to camp thinking that you could get into shape in about two or three weeks. Now these guys are practicing all the time.

Q: As an outsider, I have the opportunity to look at how you guys interact with one another both at the rink and away from it. And while all of you are friends and come from different mothers, you’re all brothers too.

JW: Well there’s an old saying that if you can’t be yourself around your friends, then they’re not your friends. If I can’t say what I want to say around my friends, then they’re not my friends. I might say the wrong things, but I can do it. Who else can I do it around? Who will forgive me or who will help me? So a lot of people look at us and say ‘you guys are kind of honest with each other.’ We’ll look at each other and say you’ve got this wrong in a joking way or you might say ‘you’re being an ass.’ (Laughs) So that’s the biggest compliment that you can pay your friends is to be yourself among them. And you know, it doesn’t come overnight. You have to gain that respect or have that respect to give. So I think we’ve done that and it’s carried on. At least I hope it has carried on. There have been a couple of hiccups along the way, but how can you have a program that doesn’t? When you’re on top, there’s nowhere to go but down a little bit. DU has been picked first this year and that’s the kiss of death in a way, but you know what? I’d rather be picked first than last. I think that shows the strength of our program too. We all go to the games and we all support them. The reunion is going to be great. I think it’s always tough too because we’re all at that part in our lives where we’re going to lose a few each year. So that’s tough.

Q: Would you say that “family” is a more generally accurate description of the team, especially in the way you guys support one another?

JW: Oh yeah, and we all are. We’re sitting there tonight, playing in the over-60 group, we all know that we can’t do the things that we used to do, but we’re just sitting there cheering each other on. If a guy gets hurt, we’re all concerned. We’re friends and we’re here because of that. There’s still that competitiveness. You can’t lose that because let’s face it you still want to win. If you can look into mirror and say that I gave it my best, then that’s all that matters. Even when I played pro, I remember one of the older pros that was our goalie say to me after we had been beaten 7-2, “I played the best that I could.” And I thought, he was right. He tried his best and did his best. If don’t play your best, then you’ve got a problem. Maybe you could say that I could’ve been in better shape or more prepared. But those go on in life and in business. So be prepared and be there. Hockey is no different than running a business. You’ve got to be organized and have leadership and do a lot of things, so those things carry on. I think they’re important. I’m fortunate enough to be here talking to you and say that I’m a Pioneer and I’m proud of it.

Q: In your personal opinion, how would define a Denver Pioneers hockey player?

JW: I would like to define him as dedicated, sincere, honest, hard working, and compatible with other people. Maybe we would like to have everything but we can’t. But I think a lot of those qualities are maybe 80 percent of what they are because if he isn’t then all the other guys would give him a hard time. Like maybe we would have a guy that’s a little bit of problem and we would all say ‘c’mon, you have to lighten up.’ (Laughs) We would govern ourselves. We’ve always done that. I think they still do that. So when you bump into a guy and if he’s a Pioneer, then he’s your friend. And if he needs help, you help him. If he needs some advice, then you give him some advice. And I think it’s sincere. So those are the things that you look upon as a Pioneer.

Q: What was the greatest memory that you took from your time at DU?

JW: I think winning an NCAA championship was a great memory. But I don’t like to say that everything is about winning because I know some guys that didn’t win. They always say that you’ve won an NCAA championship. That’s not really it. I think the friendships with guys like Cliff Koroll, Keith Magnuson and the guys that I met that I went to school with is a great memory. And it’s not just in hockey either. The people that I’ve met when my life changed and I couldn’t mention them all was the best thing that I’ve gotten out of it. So if you asked what the biggest thrill from hockey, I’d say winning the NCAA championship. They always say that what you can go back to is priceless, which are the friendships that we formed. And we’re all still good friends.

The "Original Denver Boone" Contacts LetsGoDU

(above) Doug Hirsh was the "Original Denver Boone" from '68-'70

When the first student who ever wore the Denver Boone costume contacts LetsGoDU via email, we drop everything.

DG,

I just discovered your blog and am delighted you are waging the battle to bring Denver Boone back to campus. I was the original Denver Boone at DU and served from 1968-1970. I enjoyed my participation at both basketball and hockey games.

Several years ago I had an opportunity to meet Chancellor Ritchie and ask him about his decision to switch to a hawk for a mascot and after hearing his lame explanation, I revealed to him that I was the original Boone and thought his reasons were weak.

Last summer you may have read in the Denver Post a column by Bill Husted who was promoting the return of Boone. Bill and I were high school roommates and I told him I was ready to return to campus to fight the good fight. All that was needed was an airline ticket.

During my 4 years at DU I played lacrosse and played with Keith Magnusson and Craig Patrick. Two weeks ago I attended the DU vs Albany lacrosse game and this Sunday I will be in Providence to see DU play Brown.

Keep up the good work.

Doug Hirsh '70

Keith Magnuson's Number Retired By Chicago

The late great Keith Magnuson's #3 was retired by the Chicago Blackhawks last night. Magnuson won two National Championships at DU in 1968 & 1969.

Magnuson passed away in an automobile accident in 2003.

DU Students Involved In Seperate DUI Tragedies

(left) Keith Magnuson's number is being retired by the Chicago Blakhawks tonight

Two extremely sad tragedies occurred within five days of each other in September. Although both incidents occurred "off campus," they involved University of Denver students and are eerily similar. Sadly these incidents were passed on to us on the same day that Keith Magnuson's number is being retired by the Chicago Blackhawks.

• Clarion Report

• Channel 4 Report

The University of Denver's greatest hockey player, Keith Magnuson died in a DUI incident in 2003. Tonight his jersey number is being retired by the Chicago Blackhawks.

from: Daily Herald

The resemblance is stunning.

The same shock of red hair, the same easy smile, and the same quiet determination in his eyes.

He is Kevin Magnuson, the 31-year-old son of the late Blackhawks defenseman Keith Magnuson.

Nearly five years after his father died in an automobile accident at 56, Kevin, along with his mother, Cindy, and sister Molly, will represent the family as his dad's No. 3 jersey is retired tonight in a ceremony at the United Center.

Like his dad, Kevin Magnuson won a national championship in college - Kevin at Michigan and Keith a pair at the University of Denver. After college, Kevin, who lives in Chicago, played professionally for a while in the ECHL and now is a practicing attorney.

On the eve of the big ceremony, Kevin sat down with the Daily Herald to talk about his dad.

Q. What do you think your dad would think of all this?

A. He would be beside himself. The amount of pride he had as a Chicago Blackhawk - he was so proud to be a Chicago Blackhawk, and it's just a great culmination of his career.

Q. How much do you keep up with the Hawks these days?

A. I'm an avid fan. I think I've missed maybe three games so far, and if I'm not there I'm watching it on TV or listening on the radio. It's in my blood. That was something my dad and I enjoyed; we would talk after every game. I'm a fan for life.

Q. How did you survive those lean years?

A. Myself and C.J. Koroll - Cliff' Koroll's son - ran the Blackhawks alumni box. It was amazing how there were very few ticket requests.

There would be a lot of nights where C.J. and I would be up there by ourselves. We would be the only ones high-fiving. We stuck it out; we knew that it would come back. Now it's so much fun to walk into that building and really be proud of the team that's on the ice.

Q. Your dad was a fighter. Do have a little bit of that in you?

A. I have a little bit of aggressiveness in me. I wasn't the fighter on the team, but everyone knew that I would. A lot of players sought me out just to test me. I was right along with my dad: I won some, I lost more than I won. But you showed up.

Q. What was it like to watch videos of your dad fighting?

A. It was awesome. In high school and definitely when I'd bring teammates back from college, they'd want to watch tapes of my dad. My dad would be there and he'd tell us the inside story. We just laughed, had a few beers.

Q. Was it tough to watch when he'd lose a fight?

A. I just like the fact that, here he is getting beat up by (Philadelphia's) Dave Schultz - the guy was an animal - that was tough.

But he'd come out and say, "Let's do it again," and that's Chicago in a nutshell - that fighting spirit. You get knocked down, you get back up and just keep going. It's eerie to say, but he was basically saying, "You're going to have to kill me before I'm going to say no."

Q. But then he'd come home-

A. He'd come and give you noogies and love you. He was an unbelievable dad.

Q. What's the ceremony going to mean to your mom?

A. It's going to be tough because she knew how much it would have meant to my dad. It's very cliché to say he'll be there, but he really is going to be there. I know he's going to take over for me when I have to say a few words.

Q. What does the Blackhawks organization mean to you and your family?

A. They've really given us every opportunity in our lives. Whether it was me playing hockey for a long time - I was introduced to the sport through my dad. The Wirtz family - the loyalty my dad showed them, they've shown back tenfold.

Q. When you're driving around and you think of your dad, what's the first thing you think of?

A. His phone calls. We talked every day. "How's your day going? What's going on?" I'd have questions about life decisions, and he'd say, "Here's how I'd handle it." That's a tough thing to replace.

My mom, she would always give it one perspective and he'd give it another, and then I'd balance the two, and usually it was the perfect answer.

Q. When that banner is raised, what do you want the fans to think of when they think of your dad?

A. The pride of being a Chicago Blackhawk and what it means to take that pride and carry yourself every day with it. And once your career is over, still be proud of being a Blackhawk and use that for the greater good of society. Giving back - he was really, really great at that.

Former Player Update: George Morrison

(above) George Morrison scored 70 goals and 45 assists in 64 games at DU

George Morrison scored DU's second goal of the game in the 1969 National Championship contest against Cornell. The 4-3 victory is considered to be one of the greatest in DU hockey history for several reasons. It came against Cornell goaltender Ken Dryden, it was Murray Armstrong's last championship and it was Keith Magnuson's final game at DU.

Today George Morrison is battling a brain tumor, but his daughter Sloane wrote to LetsGoDU and said that George was "thrilled to hear of all the support and love," when we reported on his illness last month. She asked if we were interested in some photos from George's playing days at DU.....Are you kidding? We'd be honored to post them.

Get well George. Pioneer Nation is still cheering for you. And Sloane, thanks for sharing the picture and updating us.

Backstrom Elected To Colorado Hall Of Fame

From: 9news.com

The Selection Committee of the Colorado Sports Hall Of Fame has elected former DU hockey coach Ralph Backstrom into its Class of 2009. Backstrom will join fellow Pioneers Murray Armstrong, Bill Masterton, Keith Magnuson & basketballer Vince Broyla (complete HOF Roster list).

Ontario native Ralph Backstrom was a member of six Stanley Cup champions with the Montreal Canadiens and was the NHL’s rookie of the year in 1959.

His connection to Colorado began when he joined the World Hockey Association’s Denver Spurs in 1974.

He bought a home in Parker and has been a Colorado resident ever since, including during brief coaching and playing stints elsewhere.

He was both an assistant coach and head coach at the University of Denver, where he led the Pioneers to the Frozen Four, a WCHA title and was National Coach of the year in 1986. He was also the founder of Roller Hockey International and founded and was co-owner of the phenomenally successful Colorado Eagles Central Hockey League franchise that is based in Loveland and draws from all of Northern Colorado.

The mission of the Colorado Sports HOF is to honor, by public acknowledgment or commemoration, those individuals who merit recognition and distinction for their exploits, accomplishments and leadership in sports and athletic endeavors in the state of Colorado. Equally, to build and make available programs and support for youth in our state, to cultivate character and citizenship as they grow toward leadership in our state and throughout the Nation.

DU Library Digitallizing Classic Hockey Photos

(above) Legendary DU Coach Murray Armstrong won five National Championships. Also in photo Tom Zajac (foreground) and Lindsay Thomson (background)

(above) A Russian player is helped to the locker room during DU's 4-4 tie on Jan. 10, 1959

(above) The DU ice hockey team poses for a portrait around a Packard automobile at Reed Auto Sales on 5901 E. Colfax Ave in Denver. All team members wear uniforms that read: "Tom Reed Auto Sales."

(above) Craig Patrick, Tom Miller, Keith Magnuson & Tim Gould celebrate DU's second straight National Championship in 1969

The University of Denver's Media Relations is is in the process of digitizing its old athletics photos in the Special Collections Department for use on the internet. Check out the link to see dozens more hockey photos.

The photographs were compiled from several sources including the records of the Division of Athletics and Recreation held by the University of Denver Special Collections and Archives. The following image book is a compilation of the University of Denver Men's Ice Hockey photographs and will be added to over time.

Needless to say this is going to be a "Boone" to DU and college hockey buffs.

Note – Some of the attributions are vague and/or contain errors, but many of the captions can probably be updated with the help of the DU Media Guide and other sources.

Magnuson's #3 To Be Retired By NHL Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks Website

The Chicgao Blackhawks announced today the former DU great Keith Magnuson's No. 3 will be retired to honor him and Hall of Famer Pierre Pilote who also wore the number.

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today the organization will retire jersey No. 3 in honor of defensemen Keith Magnuson and Pierre Pilote during the a 2008-09 regular season home game to be announced at a later date.

"In keeping consistent with honoring our past greats, the Blackhawks are proud to announce that we will be retiring the number three for two wonderful gentlemen," Blackhawks President John McDonough said. "The number three hanging in their honor will be a continuing memory to our fans and players on what it means to be a distinguished member of the Blackhawks family."

Magnuson spent 11 seasons in a Blackhawks uniform (1969-80), racking up 1,442 penalty minutes and 139 points (14 goals, 125 assists) in 589 career games, which includes captaining the squad for three years (1976-79). The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, native helped Chicago reach the postseason eight times, collecting 164 penalty minutes and 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists) in 68 career playoff outings.

Following his playing career, Magnuson served as Chicago’s head coach during the 1980-81 campaign before helping organize and serving as president of the Blackhawks Alumni Association. He passed away tragically in an automobile accident on Dec. 15, 2003, at the age of 56.