Twitter: PioNation Reacts To Gwozdecky Firing

Tweets From Around PioNation

News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

(above) Fox Sports Rocky Mountain & DU hockey sideline reporter Alanna Rizzo was profiled in the Denver Post this week

The Denver Post profiled DU Hockey sideline reporter Alanna Rizzo. In January, Rizzo created a controversy by coming down hard on Grand Forks on hockey fans for what she described as obnoxious behavior during a game between DU and the University of North Dakota.

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The CHL Allen Americans announced today that they have acquired veteran defenseman and DU Alum Erik Adams from the Colorado Eagles in exchange for future considerations.

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The AHL Peoria Rivermen signed defenseman Adrian Veideman yesterday. Undrafted, Veideman attended the University of Denver where he won back-to-back NCC National Championships with the Pioneers. While at Denver, he was a teammate of Rivermen defenseman T.J. Fast during the 2006-07 season and was the recipient of the Dr. Ralph Verploeg Award as Denver's Most Inspirational Player that same season.

DU Alum Kurt Overhardt Represents NHL Players

(above) DU Alum Kurt Overhardt is a sports agent for many NHL stars

University of Denver graduate Kurt Overhardt is a Denver-based NHL agent who represents some of the league's top players. His clients include Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco and young forwards Kyle Turris of the Phoenix Coyotes and T.J. Hensick of the Avalanche.

Overhardt advises two Hobey Baker Award winners in former DU defenseman Matt Carle of the Philadelphia Flyers and center Brendan Morrison of the Anaheim Ducks, plus former Pioneers Wade Dubielewicz, Connor James, Ryan Dingle, Adrian Veideman, Glenn Fisher, Geoff Paukovich and J.D. Corbin. [read rest of article]

DU Alum Andy Thomas Called Up To AHL Today

Former DU Captain Andrew Thomas has been called up to the Iowa Chops of the AHL. Obviously this calls for a celebration and what song better summarizes the situation than the theme song from "The Jeffersons."

Thomas will join former Pioneers Ryan Dingle & Adrian Veideman on the team.

DU Hockey Blog Updated

DU Hockey Blog previews the five most exciting upcoming weekends at Magness Arena this season. They also have details of two goaltender camps that Marc Cheverie attended and will attend this Summer. Former volunteer assistant coach PJ Deluca has a new gig and Adrian Veideman will be playing in the AHL next season.

Denver Post: 6 Teams May Be Looking At Dineen

(above) Don't forget to vote for former DU player Kevin Dineen in the Denver Post Online Poll today. You could technically vote for Dineen more than once if you "cleared" the "cookies" in your web browser & then "refreshed" the Denver Post page, but you didn't hear that from us. :-)

From: Denver Post
by Adrian Dater

The competition really could be tough for the Avs in landing Todd McLellan and/or DU Alum Kevin Dineen as a coach. There are six other teams without a coach right now besides the Avs, and it’s pretty clear that some, if not all, are waiting for their respective teams’ seasons to end to get a chance to interview them.

Dineen’s Portland Pirates currently lead the AHL’s Eastern finals 3 games to 2, with Wilkes-Barre. DU Alums Ryan Dingle and Adrian Veideman play for the Pirates, while Connor James plays for Wilkes-Barre.

DU Alums Still Playing In Pro Hockey Playoffs

Thanks to the crack research staff (Duper) in the basement of LetsGoDU's World Headquarters in Denver, Colorado we've determined that the following DU alums still have a shot at winning league titles this season. We'll continue to cover their exploits until they are eliminated from the playoffs.

AHL Atlantic Division Finals
Portland Pirates vs. Providence Bruins
Portland
Ryan Dingle
Adrian Veideman
Providence
Brett Skinner

AHL East Division Final
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins vs. Philadelphia Phantoms
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
Connor James

AHL North Division Final
Toronto Marlies vs. Syracuse Crunch
Syracuse
Mark Rycroft

AHL West Division Final
Chicago Wolves vs. Rockford Ice Hogs
Chicago
Kevin Doell
Rockford
Gavin Morgan

CHL Finals
Arizona Sundogs vs. Colorado Eagles
Colorado
Erik Adams

Overseas
Jussi Halme's club, Tappara, won the bronze medal in sm-liiga in Finland.

DU Alum Named To ECHL All-Rookie Team

From: ECHL Website

(left) Adrian Veideman won two National Championships at Denver, was Captain of DU in 2006-07 and was shifted from forward to defensman by the DU coaching staff

Former DU player Adrian Veideman was selected to the ECHL All-Rookie team yesterday. The ECHL announced its All-Rookie Team for 2007-08 as determined in a vote of ECHL coaches, who were asked to select a goaltender, two defensemen and three forwards. A rookie is defined as a player who has played in less than 25 professional games prior to the start of the current season.

Adrian Veideman of Augusta is second among first-year defensemen and tied for 10th overall with 39 points in 65 games. He is second among rookie defensemen and tied for seventh overall among defensemen with 10 goals. Veideman, who will turn 25 years old on Apr. 13, was selected to the ECHL All-Star Game after ranking second among rookie defensemen with 13 assists and third with 16 points in 26 games. He is under AHL contract to Portland and has two points (1g-1a) and two penalty minutes in six games with the Pirates.

LetsGoDU Odds and Ends

DU Alum Adrian Veideman was credited with an assist last night in the ECHL All-Star game in Stockton, California. His American Conference team lost 10-7
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Another DU Alum, Paul Stastny is supposed to appear on the premier edition on "Inside The NHL" tonight (Thursday) on the cable TV network HDNet. Supposedly he's walking around the University of Denver campus talking about his college days. It will be broadcast twice at 4:30 PM MST & 6:30 PM MST just before the Avs-Wild game in High-Def on HDNet (the Dan Rather Reports station on Direct TV)
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The Camrose Kodiaks released a press release on DU's newest recruit Shawn Ostrow and his expected arrival at DU in 2009.
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LetsGoDU had over 5,000 visitors last week for our biggest week ever. Thanks must go out to WCHA referee Randy Schmidt for all the blog hits
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Don't forget to vote for Peter Mannino for Hobey a few times. The fan votes don't mean much, but hey you're helping the cause.
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2009 will mark the 60th year of varsity hockey at the University of Denver. A Committee is being formed by former hockey captain Bruce Hill (1985-88) to orchestrate various events. The Committee will work with the Athletic Department to host a massive reunion sometime next year. LetsGoDU will be working with the Committee to publicize the events and drum up interest. Stay tuned for more details.

ECHL All-Star Adrian Veideman Talks About DU

(above) DU alum Adrian Veideman will play in the ECHL All-Star game tonight. It will be televised on Comcast Sports Southeast at 8:30 MST

Q & A with Adrian Veideman

D.J. Powers of Hockey's Future.com caught up with former Pioneer Adrian Veideman at the ECHL All-Star game in Stockton, California. She has written articles for LetsGoDU in the past including the outstanding series about the 1960's era DU hockey alums that compete in the Snoopy Old Timers Hockey Tournament in California every summer. We can't thank D.J. enough, and make sure to check out Hockey Future's Website for the best coverage of tomorrow's NHL stars.

Special to Let’s Go DU
By DJ Powers

The former University of Denver Pioneer is off to a strong start to his pro career as a member of the ECHL’s Augusta Lynx. In 35 appearances this season, Veideman has posted 23 points (four goals, 19 assists). He recently was called up by the Portland Pirates and during his brief stint helped guide the Pirates to their fourth straight win.

I caught up with Adrian Veideman after the Skills Competition portion of the ECHL All-Game festivities on Tuesday in Stockton to chat about both the pros and his days at the University of Denver.

Q: So how does it feel to be here at the ECHL All-Star Game?

AV: It’s definitely an honor to be here. I’m just happy to be representing the Augusta Lynx and the ECHL at this awesome event.

Q: You scored a goal in the rapid fire competition against Daniel Manzato from the Las Vegas Wranglers. Take me through how it happened.

AV: It’s definitely a new thing for me. I’d never done anything like that before. (Laughs) It’s definitely a fun experience out there. It was kind of cool just to be out there with another guy (Tomas Kudelka of the Elmira Jackals) that I don’t even know, but we’re teammates for now and tomorrow. I just closed my eyes, took a shot and it went into the net.

Q: You recently had a stint with the Portland Pirates (AHL). What was the experience like there for you?

AV: It’s a great experience as a hockey player to get the call to go to the next level. The players at the next level are definitely bigger, stronger and faster. It’s one of the best leagues in the world. I’m just happy to get the opportunity to be up there and show them what I have to offer.

Q: When you played up in Portland, you actually had one of your former Denver teammates, Matt Laatsch, as one of your coaches. So what was that like for you?

AV: Well Matt and I are great friends and we’ve always been great friends from our Denver days. It’s great seeing him progressing his coaching career up in Portland. Our relationship up there is strictly professional, obviously. He helps me tremendously. In the summertime we hang out quite a bit. It’s definitely a neat experience to play for somebody that you’ve played with and just knowing where he came from.

Q: With Portland being the AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, have you had any contact with them and have they been watching you to perhaps offer you a contract or maybe Portland offering you a contract?

AV: I’m currently under contract with Portland. I went to Anaheim’s rookie camp this summer, so they know what I offer and hopefully the future is strong.

Q: Hopefully we’ll be seeing you back up in Portland again in the near future.

AV: Hopefully, I’ll be able to get back up there and they’ll give me the call soon. But they wanted me here and I wanted to represent the Augusta Lynx for having a strong first half of the season.

Q: What are some of the specific areas, skill-wise, have you been working on since playing with Augusta?

AV: Just coming from the confidence factor. In college, I wasn’t the go-to guy. Now that I’m a professional, I’m looked to being a leader and be a go-to guy on the ice. It’s just maintaining my confidence out there as well as to continue to progress my skills.

Q: One of the things that I noticed that you did when you played at the University of Denver, was that you had played at both the forward and defense positions. In the ECHL media guide, they list you as a defenseman. Have you played up front at all this season with either Augusta or Portland?

AV: It’s interesting that you’d ask that question because usually two or three times in a game (with Augusta), I’ll go for a shift at forward, depending on how we’re doing. Up in Portland, I played a game at forward. Being a versatile player is definitely something that I think teams like. I’ll continue to maintain both aspects of the game.

Q: Do you have a preference of which position that you like playing better?

AV: Right now, I think I’m more comfortable playing back on defense. I’m still a young defenseman and I’ve only been playing defense for two years. It’s definitely something that I need to keep working at as well as maintaining my forward skills.

Q: Obviously, you came from a great program at the University of Denver. What were some of the adjustments that you had to make going from the college game to the pro game?

AV: I think the biggest adjustment that anyone has to make from the college game to the pro game is just the lifestyle within the rink. You don’t have to go to school. You don’t have to worry about studying, preparing for tests or things like that. With the pro game, you definitely play more games and you have to be mentally more ready. As far as college, it was a great experience and the pro game is too.

Q: If there were one or two things that Coach Gwozdecky has taught you that really prepared you for the pro game, what would they be and why?

AV: I think the main thing that Coach Gwozdecky has taught me was to be a leader in all aspects, not just on the ice, but off the ice as well. He has taught me to just always be helping people and to make sure that you’re seen in the community as a guy that is good on and off the ice.

Q: With your pro schedule the way it is, I realize that it’s difficult, but do you keep up with the Pioneers?

AV: I think I keep track of the Pioneers more than I do myself sometimes. Those are my roots and they gave me great opportunities there, so I’ll definitely be a Pioneer for life.

Q: What do you feel are some of the greatest memories that you have of your time with the Denver Pioneers, would say winning the national championships?

AV: Well, those are always the best and obvious memories. I think the most profound personal memory that I have of Denver is getting my degree. They gave me that opportunity and it’s something that nobody can take away from me as well the rings that I got for the national championships. Along, with those good memories, there were some bad memories. The last couple of years we fell short. Those are things that make you a stronger person and a stronger hockey player.

Q: With the Pioneers doing so well this season, that has to feel pretty good to you.

AV: It does feel great. The guys that I’ve played with the last couple of years that haven’t had as much success in their college careers as I have, it’s good to see them having some success and it makes me feel good that maybe there was something along the way that I did to help them progress and become better players and better persons.

Q: Do you miss it?

AV: Of course, I miss it. College was a very unique experience and I think every hockey player should have to go through that. Just the schooling aspect and getting that degree is something that I think everybody needs to go through. It’s definitely true.

Q: Finally, something that is very unique to Denver Pioneers hockey that I have to ask you. In your career, how many oranges and how many lemons did you win?

AV: ooh. I’m pretty sure that I only had three or four max in the orange department, but lemon-wise, I had a stint in my sophomore year where I had it for four weeks straight, but that was only because we had a bye week in there. It’s kind of neat that you would ask that question. So I definitely had more lemons than oranges.
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by D.J. Powers of Hockey's Future.com

Adrian Veideman Scores First AHL Goal

(above) Former Pioneer Adrian Veideman scored his first AHL goal yesterday

Pirates rookie Adrien Veideman scored a goal and an assist as the Portland Pirates continued their offensive success in 5-1 win over the Lowell Devils on Sunday afternoon at Tsongas Arena. Veideman was recently called up from the ECHL. (rest of story)

DU Announces Post Season Awards
Fisher Wins MVP, Ruegsegger's GPA Creates Buzz

From: DU Athletics Website

(left) Glenn Fisher capped off a tremendous DU Career by winning the Bill Masterton award as DU's MVP

Senior goaltender Glenn Fisher earned Most Valuable Player honors, while redshirt freshman Brock Trotter, freshman Tyler Ruegsegger and senior alternate captain J.D. Corbin earned two awards each as the University of Denver celebrated its 51st Annual Hockey Awards Evening tonight at The Cable Center on the DU campus.

In addition to honoring Fisher, the Pioneers celebrated their 2006-07 season and said goodbye to seniors Steven Cook, Mike Handza, Ryan Helgason, Danny King, Adrian Veideman, Corbin and Fisher. DU also honored junior Ryan Dingle, who left DU after three seasons when he signed a professional contract with Anaheim on March 27.

Fisher earned the Bill Masterton Memorial Award (MVP) after enjoying his finest season as a Pioneer by leading the team with a 13-9-2 overall record. He established career bests with a 2.32 goals against average and .919 saves percentage. Fisher recorded three shutouts, including back-to-back shutouts against Wisconsin and Michigan Tech, and ended Minnesota's 21-game home unbeaten streak with a 31-save shutout effort on Jan. 19. He stopped a career-high 47 shots in a 4-3 overtime win at St. Cloud State and set a personal best with a shutout minutes streak of 158:03. Fisher was named one of 10 finalists for the inaugural Lowe's Senior CLASS Award for classroom, character and community in addition to performance in the hockey rink during this season.

Trotter earned the Leading Scorer Award and "Star of the Year" Award. He made a successful return to the ice after suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury early last season. Trotter became the first DU freshman to lead the team in scoring since Dave Shields in 1986-87 when he netted a team-leading 40 points on 16 goals and 24 assists. He tied for the team lead with 12 multi-point games, including four three-point efforts. Trotter set a career high with three assists in DU's 5-1 win over RPI on Oct. 21. Trotter helped DU to 13 home wins and was named the No. 1 star in three games this season.

Ruegsegger was honored with the Barry Sharp Memorial Award as DU's top freshman and shared the Dr. Art Mason Award as DU's top scholar-athlete with King. Ruegsegger led the Pioneers with a +15 plus/minus rating, while finishing fourth on the team in scoring with 34 points on 15 goals and 19 assists. Ruegsegger netted two points in his collegiate debut against Miami and was named the Red Baron WCHA Rookie of the Week for Jan. 16-22. Ruegsegger tallied a 3.96 GPA in general business this year for the Pioneers, while King earned his second consecutive Dr. Art Mason Award after posting a 3.91 grade-point average in finance and marketing during his senior season.

Corbin earned his second consecutive Dr. Ken Bredesen Award for sportsmanship and first Bob Martin Memorial Award for community service. Corbin committed just two penalties for four minutes and tallied six points on two goals and four assists in 10 games. Corbin missed 30 games this season after suffering a broken leg and ankle injury in practice in October. He made a triumphant return to the lineup when he netted his first career game-winning goal in DU's 4-3 overtime win over Frozen Four participant North Dakota on Feb. 23. Corbin shared the community service award with freshman Brandon Vossberg. Corbin and Vossberg participated in the Skate with the Pioneers event to benefit the Starlight Starbright Foundation and visited local children's hospitals and elementary schools. Corbin and Vossberg volunteered for the D.U. Youth Hockey program, participated in the Qwest Food Drive and made several public appearances on behalf of the Pioneer hockey program.

Sophomore J.P. Testwuide captured the Murray Armstrong Award as DU's most improved player. Testwuide proved to be DU's most versatile player this season. He started the season as a defenseman before combining with Handza and Cook on Denver's top defensive forward line. He contributed three assists and finished third on the team with 63 penalty minutes.

Veideman was honored with the Dr. Ralph Verploeg Award as DU's most inspirational player. Veideman led the Pioneers to their sixth consecutive 21-win season and a fourth-place finish in the WCHA. The Sicamous, British Columbia, native scored 13 points on three goals and 10 assists, while recording three multi-point games. Veideman missed four games after suffering a concussion against Colorado College, but returned in time to lead the Pioneers to their 12th Wells Fargo Denver Cup championship in 15 seasons.

Sophomore Chris Butler earned the Keith Magnuson Memorial Award as DU's top defensive player. Butler earned honorable mention All-USCHO All-America honors after scoring 27 points on 10 goals and 17 assists. He earned Ice Breaker Invitational and Wells Fargo Denver Cup All-Tournament honors, while leading DU with 110 blocked shots. Butler tied for second among WCHA defensemen with 20 points and seven goals in league play. He earned Red Baron WCHA Defensive Player of the Week honors for Oct. 9-15.

DU Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Nancy Sampson recognized DU's 10 All-WCHA Academic honorees. Zach Blom, Butler, Cook, Corbin, Fisher, Helgason, King, sophomore Patrick Mullen, Testwuide and junior alternate captain Andrew Thomas were all honored for earning a 3.0 GPA or better this season. In addition, Blom, Cook, Corbin, Fisher and King were recognized for winning WCHA Scholar-Athlete Awards for GPA's of 3.5 or better.

DU Senior Players Give Intramurals A Whirl
Veideman Looks Solid Between The Pipes

From: The Clarion (DU Student Newspaper)
by Ryan Boulding

(left) Will NHL scouts will be decending on Magness Arena to see Veideman play goaltender this Spring?

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The Denver Pioneers varsity hockey team was just over .500 this season, despite a disappointing loss in the first round of the WCHA playoffs, for the second year in a row.

What appeared to be a dismal ending to last season for seniors on the team is now starting to turn around.

Normally varsity team players are not allowed to participate in their sport's intramural counterpart, but this quarter is seeing an exception to that rule.

"For the remainder of this season, we're letting the outgoing seniors play," said Brad Logar, sports program manager for DU's Division of Athletics and Recreation. Only those players without remaining eligibility can participate.

Foregoing the rules, Logar intends to keep a totally stacked team from running away with a plethora of wins while acknowledging the fact that competing against Division 1 players isn't very much fun. Varsity seniors are limited to two a team, and a few of them are even taking on a different role than their norm.

Adrian Veideman, for instance, has been spotted in the bulging visage of a goaltender, despite his training as a defenseman.

"I just like to come out and play hockey for fun," said Sarah Pifer, a third year finance and marketing double major. "I'm the only girl on my team and I like the adrenaline rush from pushing myself to keep up with the guys."

This is the attitude that Logar wants intramural participants to embody.

"Intramurals are just for fun," said Logar. "You are just playing for a t-shirt, so keep that in mind and have a good time."

This isn't always the case though, as hockey is one of those sports where tempers can flare. According to Logar, incidents come with the territory, and it isn't uncommon for a player to get kicked out of a game for their behavior. One player last year was suspended for the season when he struck an opposing player in the throat with his stick.

"While I play for fun, there's always a competitive undertone to intramural hockey because of DU's culture surrounding the game," said Pifer.

Despite the competitive nature of the sport, incidents are relatively few and far between as a sense of camaraderie can be see between players.

"It's great to meet and play with so many students who love the game," said Pifer.

Denver's 2007 Recruiting Class Still Not Finalized

• Steve Cunningham-LW (3/19/07) Burnaby (BCHL) 6'1 195
• Dusty Jackson-LW (3/19/07) So. Minn. (NAHL) 6'3 195
• Tyler Bozak-RC (11/2/06) Victoria (BCHL) 6' 175
• Marc Cheverie-G (11/8/05) Nanaimo (BCHL) 6'2 195
• Jesse Martin-RC (10/28/05) Tri-City (USHL) 5'10 170
• Kyle Ostrow-LC (8/17/05) Nanaimo (BCHL) 5'9 160
• Jason Gregoire-LW (2/1/07) Lincoln (USHL) 5'11 175 (2007 or 2008)
• John Lee-RD (10/3/06) Moorhead H.S. 6'1 170 (2007 or 2008)
• Riley Nash - DU or Cornell (2007 or 2008) (Uncommitted)
  

DU's recruiting picture is currently muddled due to Dingle's departure and Paukovich rumors which continue to swirl. The good news is that if they leave, DU has a budding superstar in Jason Gregorie waiting in the wings, who chose DU in a recruiting battle with North Dakota.

Also hanging over DU's head like a huge matzah ball is Riley Nash who is trying to decide between DU & Cornell. His brother plays at Cornell, but he also likes DU. The odds may be slightly tilted in Cornell's favor, but its too close to call.

Forwards
2007 has the chance to be DU's deepest recruiting class since the mid to late Sixties when DU landed Magnuson, Koroll, Wiste, Powers, Morrison & Trembecky within a few seasons. Its to early to tell if there is another Stastny or Carle in the group, but certainly Denver has not had four (five if Nash comes) recruits the caliber of Ostrow, Bozak, Martin & Gregorie in one class. Three of the four are Top 5 forwards in the USHL & BCHL and Bozak was the leading scorer in the BCHL.

Cunningham & Jackson will provide some much needed depth and may find a role of the team if they bring an expected physical presence.

Defensemen
The question at DU right now is, "Who's coming in to play defense?" TJ Fast left in mid-season and Adrian Veideman graduated and yet, DU has no defensive recruits at this time. John Lee, brother of Brian is waiting in the wings, but he's may not be ready for the WCHA. He spent most of last season at Moorhead High School where he was a Mr. Minnesota Hockey finalist.

Goaltending
Marc Cheverie has had an up and down season in goal in the BCHL, but he is already drafted by the NHL. He chose DU over UND and has an incredible upside potential since he's 6'3".

If DU gets Nash and Gregorie comes in 2007, I'd take DU's class over Wisconsin's. If neither come, DU's recruiting class is probably third or fourth behind Wisconsin, Minnesota & UND.

DU's Tournament Hopes Hang By A Sliver

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Travel plans for the University of Denver hockey team are on indefinite hold. Although discussing next season might seem premature for fans clinging to hope that the Pioneers will make the NCAA Tournament and play next week at the Pepsi Center's West Regional, realistically it's time to look ahead.

And the future is bright despite the disappointment of a season-ending slide. Assuming that three professional-caliber players return, the 2007-08 team could be among the best in coach George Gwozdecky's 13-year tenure. This season's top eight scorers and nine of the top 10 are scheduled to return, and junior goalie Peter Mannino, the 2005 Frozen Four MVP, could finally have goalie duties all to himself.

The Pioneers have just one senior defenseman in captain Adrian Veideman, and with the exception of winger J.D. Corbin and goalie Glenn Fisher, the rest of DU's seven-member senior class are role players.

However, after losing Brett Skinner, Matt Carle and Paul Stastny early to the pros over the past two years, it would not be surprising if DU loses more underclassmen. The biggest flight risks are Mannino, sophomore defenseman Chris Butler and junior center Ryan Dingle. Mannino (2.19 goals-against average) and Dingle (22 goals) are undrafted free agents, so they can negotiate with any NHL team. Butler's rights are owned by the Buffalo Sabres, who chose him in the fourth round in 2005.

Butler, 20, leads DU in ice time, blocked shots and points by a defenseman. He grew up in St. Louis with Stastny, who left DU last summer after his sophomore season.

"If last summer was an indication of how the NHL was going to approach the new (collective bargaining agreement), every team that has a draft pick, or considers a free agent a top prospect, is going to look at possibly pursuing these kids," Gwozdecky said. "We'll just have to wait out the NHL season, and the playoffs, and see what happens."

Survival scenario

DU could receive the No. 4 seed at the West Regional if the following events take place:

* Wisconsin beats Michigan Tech in the WCHA Final Five play-in game Thursday, but the Badgers fail to win the league tournament.

* St. Lawrence, seeded No. 1 in the ECACHL, and Michigan State, No. 3 in the CCHA, both lose two games in their respective tournaments.

* Dartmouth, Quinnipiac and Lake Superior State don't win their tournaments.

Thanks For A Terrific Season

Firstly and most important I want to say thank you to the Seniors. They were a part of two incredible National Championships. I often said, "If DU never won another game after Boston, I'd still owe a debt of gratitude to the players who were involved with that experience." Obviously they've tested that philospophy, but I mean it.

Thanks to Seniors Veideman, Handza, Helgason, Corbin & Cook who ALWAYS played their hearts out, often with injuries. We can't thank them enough. These guys made so many sacrifices for the Program, while others got the glory.

Thanks to Glenn Fisher who was always MONEY in the Third Period and leaves DU with one of the best winning percentages of any goaltender who played here.

And to Danny King, two rings & All-WCHA Academic Team multiple times. I'd still take King over Brett Sterling any day.

In reality the death bell tolled for this team when we lost 3-0 to CC last week. With everything on the line and so much to play for, DU couldn't answer the challange. For the first time in four years, extraordinary effort couldn't get the job done.

When you look at the second and third period last night and you see the effort extended trying to fulfill their dreams and make it to Pepsi Center, it breaks your heart. These kids wanted it badly and missed the prize by one or two wins.

This is a team that won four games in overtime. They won or tied FIVE games in the last 10 seconds of regulation or overtime. Simply amazing. The team deserved a better fate than this.

Finally to the DU fans, some of who have spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars to buy Regional tickets that are now basically worthless. You deserve more, but hopefully DU will make the Frozen Four next season and the "investment' will be worth it in the long run.
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It was an incredible season and everyone associated with the Program deserves props. I don't care if they win or lose only that they play hard. This team played their guts out repeatedly all season long, particularly during the last ten games of the season. They just weren't good enough and thats not a crime. They've introduced thousands of new fans to college hockey in Denver and revitialized the Program. Tough way to end the season but thanks again to everyone.

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And oh yeah. CC still SUCKS...

WCHA Playoffs

DU Hopes To Build On Dramatic Comeback

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

(left) DU battles the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend

Something must give for the University of Denver hockey team this weekend.

The Pioneers host Wisconsin in a best-of-three playoff series at Magness Arena, and if DU doesn't win two games - something it hasn't done against a Western Collegiate Hockey Association opponent since Dec. 15-16 - the Pioneers could be finished for the season.

But don't bet the ranch on the Badgers, the defending NCAA champions, just yet.

DU has been swept only once this season, Dec. 1-2 by Colorado College, so Wisconsin must buck an even bigger trend to beat the Pioneers twice.

"We haven't strung a couple games together like we've wanted to lately, but (last) weekend was a steppingstone for us," DU captain Adrian Veideman said. "I think you're going to see a different team beginning Friday night."

Veideman was referring to the Pioneers' wild, 5-5 overtime comeback Saturday night at Colorado College. The Pioneers stormed back from 3-0, 4-1 and 5-2 deficits, finally tying it by scoring twice in the final 36 seconds of regulation.

The tie gave DU the one point it needed to finish fourth in the WCHA, a point ahead of CC, and host the seventh-seeded Badgers.

"Darkest hour"

DU went 1-4-2 in its past seven games, but coach George Gwozdecky said the way the Pioneers ended the regular season Saturday is a great way to begin the playoffs.

"With some of the challenges our team faced over the last few weekends, and to be able to respond at our darkest hour and turn it into our finest moment, was really important," he said. "Not only am I proud of our resolve, but I believe this team can be a special team."

Fighting the forecheck

DU has been shut out in its past two games at home (3-0, twice), and Wisconsin also blanked the Pioneers 3-0 on Jan. 6 at Magness Arena.

DU won that series opener 3-1, but Wisconsin outplayed the Pioneers for most of the weekend by using an aggressive forecheck. The Badgers created a bevy of turnovers by not allowing the Pioneers to make an adequate first pass.

"Since that series, I think everybody saw what Wisconsin did and everybody we've played has tried to emulate that," Gwozdecky said. "Because of what Wisconsin did to us is why we've worked on it in practice so much and have improved in that area."

Clarion Looks At DU-CC Rivialry

"We don't like them & they don't like us." - Paukovich

From: DU Clarion Student Newspaper

by Brooks Kirchheimer

For many, the Colorado College v. DU hockey rivalry may not be in the same category as the Yankees vs. Red Sox, Duke vs. North Carolina and many other historic rivalries, but for players and fans alike, it means quite a lot."
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CC is the best series of the whole year, at the beginning and end of the year. It is definitely the most fun to play in. The atmosphere is great and it is a fun time of the season," said senior J.D. Corbin.
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The Pioneer and Tiger rivalry datesback to the 1949-1950 season, which was DU's first season of college hockey. Denver owns a 151-101-9 record against the in-state rivals and has outscored the Tigers 1,242 to 1,059. Also, the Pioneers have gone 7-4-1 in the last 12 meetings including going 3-0-1 against CC last season. "Being from Denver, it is probably the thing I look forward to the most. I used to watch the series when I was little and it is for bragging rights in the state. We don't like them, they don't like us. It is such a great rivalry," said junior Geoff Paukovich.

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Head Coach George Gwozdecky's favorite game of the rivalry and a game he says helped kick start interest in college hockey in the state of Colorado occurred during the '95- '96 season. It was just Gwozdecky's second season as head coach at DU and the Pioneers defeated then No. 1 CC 3-2 in not a NCAA Frozen Four game or regular season game, but in the Denver Cup. The game was held at McNichols Arena and sold out with over 16,000 screaming fans in attendance. "That really told me what a great rivalry it was and it was a great experience for me," said the 13th year coach.

It is not only about pride and bragging rights, but also about the Gold Pan trophy which has been a part of the rivalry since the days when CC used to play at The Broadmoor Arena. "Gold Pan on the line. We have had it ever since I have been here and we don't want to lose it," said Paukovich.

For some Pioneers, the Gold Pan has always been in the lovely confines of Magness Arena. "This rivalry means a whole lot. I mean, we won the Gold Pan freshman year and we have had it ever since, these next two games coming up our huge for my pride and huge for the program," said senior Adrian Veideman.

The rivalry has not only taken place on the ice, but it is always a heated battle between fans whether at Magness Arena or down at the World Arena in Colorado Springs. There have been fights between fans in concourses, Tigers with nooses around their neck and T-shirts making fun of the other team. "It has gotten better; I think the rivalry from my standpoint has gotten better. I have learned more about it and been able to appreciate it more and more importantly I think both teams have become more competitive over the past six or seven years, in the league and nationally," said Gwozdecky.

One main example of that would be when DU and CC met in the first round of the Frozen Four in 2005. The Pioneers won 6 to 2 and went on to win their second straight NCAA title. "I think 2005 NCAA Frozen Four semifinals [is] probably my highlight of playing CC, but it is always fun playing those guys, because of the high tempo and intensity," said Veideman.

This weekend will be no different; there will be crazy student sections, loud cheers, dismantled Tigers and a battle for a brand new Gold Pan trophy. "We are going to funnel all of our attention into that Friday night game here and see if we can get ourselves a chance to be playing for all the marbles on Saturday night," said Gwozdecky.

New Gold Pan Unveiled

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

Saturday night, nearly three years after the University of Denver lost the original Gold Pan, a new traveling trophy that signifies the state's NCAA hockey bragging rights will be unveiled at the World Arena in Colorado Springs.

At the conclusion of DU's two-game, home-and-home series against Colorado College, the new Gold Pan's manufacturer, Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Co., will deliver the trophy to the winning team.

The 20-pound bronze sculpture is significantly different from the original Gold Pan, simply an authentic silver mining utensil. The new trophy is supported by three hockey sticks and a puck, with inscriptions on the face of the pan that read "DU" and "CC" in school fonts and "Rivalry since 1949."

CC coach Scott Owens oversaw the project. He was a CC assistant coach under Don Lucia when Lucia and former DU coach Frank Serratore unveiled the first Gold Pan in 1993.
"It's a big deal," Owens said.

No one has to convince DU seniors Adrian Veideman, Mike Handza and Glenn Fisher. The Pioneers took control of the Gold Pan in 2004 and have owned its rights since. But the senior class had only a brief time with the trophy as freshmen because it went missing after DU won the 2004 NCAA title.

"The senior class, especially, really wants it," Handza said. "The freshmen don't really know what it means until we either lose it or get it back."

DU needs to win both games to control the new trophy. CC needs only to tie one of the games, because the Tigers swept the Pioneers - 5-1 and 3-2 - on Dec. 1-2. The Gold Pan goes to the winner of the four-game, regular-season series, but it must be won outright.

"Players on this team haven't had success with the Gold Pan, and once you get it, it's hard to get it away," Owens said.

Fisher can't imagine losing it as a senior.

"It's a big deal, and there is a lot of other stuff riding on this weekend," he said. "We win two games and we get the trophy and third place in our league."

DU cannot finish worse than fifth in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and is in good shape to qualify for the NCAA Tournament and begin at the West Regional at the Pepsi Center. CC could finish anywhere from third to seventh in the WCHA and is on the bubble to make the 16-team national field.

Both teams have struggled lately. DU is 1-3-1 in its past five games and has not swept a WCHA opponent in six consecutive weeks. CC is on a four-game losing streak and winless in its past six games.

"Everyone is upset with the splits we've been having, and the one point we got in Michigan Tech," Fisher said. "It's not good enough. We want a sweep."

Owens says the Tigers' struggles are "our inability to score at key times and offensive in general."