(above) This photo of a 1974 Coffee Mug turned up on Facebook today
1974 Denver Boone - KOA Radio Mug
(above) This photo of a 1974 Coffee Mug turned up on Facebook today
DU Back Atop The Polls
From: USCHO.comIn the rare occasions this season where Miami has faltered enough to lose the No. 1 spot in the USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll, Denver has been there to take advantage.
Nothing different this week. The Pioneers, winners of eight in a row and with just one loss in 14 games since the holiday break, moved up a spot after the RedHawks lost last Saturday to Nebraska-Omaha.
Miami fell to second, but the rest of the top five was unchanged — Wisconsin in third, St. Cloud State in fourth and Yale in fifth.
Denver and Miami are the only two teams that have held the top spot in the poll this season.
The Pioneers can claim the MacNaughton Cup for the first time since 2005 — the last year they won the national championship — with a pair of victories at Minnesota State on the penultimate weekend of the WCHA regular season.
The WCHA continues to hold five of the top 10 spots, but with a slightly different cast this week. North Dakota is up three spots to eighth after sweeping Minnesota-Duluth, while Colorado College dropped six spots to 13th after a pair of losses at Minnesota.
Facebook: Hockey Tickey Policy Angers Students
(above) DU students have started a Facebook petition to protest the high cost of gameday hockey ticketsThe long running battle between University of Denver students and the Athletic Department over the student hockey ticket policy instituted this season has escalated to a Facebook Petition. The students are angry that hockey tickets that regularly cost $5 for students rise to $18 on the day of the game.
While its easy to say that the students should buy their tickets early in the week, the fact of the matter is that the students contribute roughly $70,000 to the Athletic Department through the Student Activity Fee.
617 students have joined the group as Tuesday morning.
While its easy to say that the students should buy their tickets early in the week, the fact of the matter is that the students contribute roughly $70,000 to the Athletic Department through the Student Activity Fee.
617 students have joined the group as Tuesday morning.
The DU box office's policy change on student tickets to the hockey games this year is shameful at best. They are losing money charging $18 for tickets we could always get for $5 the day of the game. Students should not have to spend $36 to go to a weekends worth of games for our flagship sport. Not only does it hurt the students but the team as well. Let's show the box office we want change. Let's get the student section back and rowdy as ever. LET'S GO DU.- Facebook Petition
News & Notes From Around PioNation
The International Scouting Service rates players aged 16-18 for NHL clubs. Incoming DU recruit Beau Bennett has jumped from #48 to #30 among North American skaters and stamped himself as possible first round draft choice this summer.Speaking of Beau Bennett. He recorded four points in the last game of the season for the Penticton Vees & won the BCHL scoring race on the last day of the BCHL regular season. Bennett had a goal and three assists in the win, and closed out the season with 41 goals and 120 points, and a staggering 56 points in his final 20 games.
The USA Olympic Hockey Team including DU alum Paul Stastny will play on Wednesday against the winner of the Switzerland/Belarus game. The game will be at 1 PM MST on NBC.
DU Clarion: DU Back On Top Of National Polls
(left) With Chris Nutini out with an injury, Senior Cody Brookwell will play a larger role for the PioneersFrom: DU Clarion
by Eddie Fischermann
With just four games left in the regular season, the Pioneers (16-4-4 WCHA, 22-6-4) are on the verge of clinching the WCHA regular season title. Currently three points ahead of St. Cloud State (15-8-3 WCHA, 20-10-4), they need just two more wins in their last four games to clinch.
Their first chance comes this weekend in Mankato, Minnesota. The team will travel there to play Minnesota State (8-15-1 WCHA, 14-6-2), who is coming off a sweep of Alaska-Anchorage. Earlier in the year, the Pioneers seemed to struggle against the Mavericks, winning the first game 4-3 then tying the second game 4-4.
Minnesota State is currently second to last in the conference.
However, being that it is late in the season, senior captain Rhett Rakhshani knows that every team has to be taken seriously.
“At this point in the season you are going to get your opponents best effort every game,” said Rakhshani. “We need to be ready to play the game simply and intensely if we are going to have success this coming weekend.”
Denver is coming into the weekend on a high note. After previously top-ranked Miami of Ohio lost to the University of Nebraska-Omaha over the weekend, the Pioneers moved up to No. 1 in the nation.
Winning both games against last place Michigan Tech over the weekend, the Pioneers have some momentum coming into these games.
The Pioneers won the games 5-2 and 5-3. Although they let Michigan Tech hang around for most of the game both times, they still got the wins.
DU had a lot of diversity in scoring though.
Eight different goal scorers had goals on the weekend. The only Pioneer to score multiple goals was junior assistant captain Kyle Ostrow.
Junior Anthony Maiani had a five-point weekend, scoring one goal and contributing four assists.
Other Pioneer players who had a big weekend were junior defenseman Cody Brookwell (1 G, 2 A) and senior Brandon Vossberg (1 G, 2 A).
DU did encounter one problem over the weekend.
Junior defenseman Chris Nutini was injured on a play in the DU zone during the second period of the game on Saturday. He needed to be helped off the ice and went straight to the locker room. He did not return to the game, and according to Fox Sports Network, he left the rink on crutches.
He is doubtful for this weekend’s games.
Junior goaltender and Hobey Baker candidate Marc Cheverie made 53 saves on 58 shots over the weekend to get two more wins on the season. This brings his total number of wins on the season to 19, tying him for No. 1 in the nation. He still leads the nation in shutouts with six and is tied for the best save percentage in the nation (.937).
That makes eight straight wins for the Pioneers who have a record of 11-1-2 over their last 14 games.
“We have started to bring the necessary effort to win on a consistent basis,” said sophomore forward Joe Colborne. “The coaches have been preaching it all year and we are now seeing the results.”
The team puts that streak on the line this weekend against Minnesota State.
“We can’t look past a single game because every team we play can beat us if we don’t bring our best effort,” said Colborne.
Minnesota State proved that earlier this year, tying one of the games against DU and giving them a scare in the other.
The games are Friday and Saturday night at 6:37 p.m. MST and 6:07 p.m., respectively.
Their first chance comes this weekend in Mankato, Minnesota. The team will travel there to play Minnesota State (8-15-1 WCHA, 14-6-2), who is coming off a sweep of Alaska-Anchorage. Earlier in the year, the Pioneers seemed to struggle against the Mavericks, winning the first game 4-3 then tying the second game 4-4.
Minnesota State is currently second to last in the conference.
However, being that it is late in the season, senior captain Rhett Rakhshani knows that every team has to be taken seriously.
“At this point in the season you are going to get your opponents best effort every game,” said Rakhshani. “We need to be ready to play the game simply and intensely if we are going to have success this coming weekend.”
Denver is coming into the weekend on a high note. After previously top-ranked Miami of Ohio lost to the University of Nebraska-Omaha over the weekend, the Pioneers moved up to No. 1 in the nation.
Winning both games against last place Michigan Tech over the weekend, the Pioneers have some momentum coming into these games.
The Pioneers won the games 5-2 and 5-3. Although they let Michigan Tech hang around for most of the game both times, they still got the wins.
DU had a lot of diversity in scoring though.
Eight different goal scorers had goals on the weekend. The only Pioneer to score multiple goals was junior assistant captain Kyle Ostrow.
Junior Anthony Maiani had a five-point weekend, scoring one goal and contributing four assists.
Other Pioneer players who had a big weekend were junior defenseman Cody Brookwell (1 G, 2 A) and senior Brandon Vossberg (1 G, 2 A).
DU did encounter one problem over the weekend.
Junior defenseman Chris Nutini was injured on a play in the DU zone during the second period of the game on Saturday. He needed to be helped off the ice and went straight to the locker room. He did not return to the game, and according to Fox Sports Network, he left the rink on crutches.
He is doubtful for this weekend’s games.
Junior goaltender and Hobey Baker candidate Marc Cheverie made 53 saves on 58 shots over the weekend to get two more wins on the season. This brings his total number of wins on the season to 19, tying him for No. 1 in the nation. He still leads the nation in shutouts with six and is tied for the best save percentage in the nation (.937).
That makes eight straight wins for the Pioneers who have a record of 11-1-2 over their last 14 games.
“We have started to bring the necessary effort to win on a consistent basis,” said sophomore forward Joe Colborne. “The coaches have been preaching it all year and we are now seeing the results.”
The team puts that streak on the line this weekend against Minnesota State.
“We can’t look past a single game because every team we play can beat us if we don’t bring our best effort,” said Colborne.
Minnesota State proved that earlier this year, tying one of the games against DU and giving them a scare in the other.
The games are Friday and Saturday night at 6:37 p.m. MST and 6:07 p.m., respectively.
DU #1 In All Polls & Rankings
(Above) DU moved into the #1 spot in the Pairwise Rankings after sweeping Michigan Tech over the weekend coupled with Miami's loss to Nebraska-Omaha
DU in 1st Place in WCHA Standings
DU #1 in Inside College Hockey's Power Rankings
DU #1 In USCHO.com Poll
DU #1 In USA Today's Coaches Poll
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 CornellFrom: 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).
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).
Winter Olympics Update From A DU Alum
(above) DU Alum Brian Horsburgh at the ice hockey venue in VancouverDU Alum Brian Horsburgh just graduated from DU this past Spring Quarter. His first "job" out of college is working at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
While at DU, Brian helped out Boone as a "gofer/security" during DU hockey games. He sent us the following update from Vancouver.
While at DU, Brian helped out Boone as a "gofer/security" during DU hockey games. He sent us the following update from Vancouver.
Greetings from a crazy Vancouver. As most of you know, I am up here for the month working at the Games. We host all sorts of folks, from clients to contest winners, for 3-4 day trips. In addition to the full timers, I am working with 15 other staff, mostly from the area, transporting our guests to and from airports, the hotel, and all sorts of Olympic events and functions.
Though I do not get to attend all events, I have got to witness parts of women's and men's hockey, snowboarding, men's and women's short track skating (go ohno go!!!) men's biathlon, men's super G, women's aerials, and quite a bit of the baggage shuffle out of the international customs area ... okay so that is not an Olympic sport yet, but I see quite a bit of it.
The most interesting people end up here, so it has been a blast getting to know everyone. Right now we have a group of Koreans in who do not speak a lick of English, so I am trying to add a few Koren words to my speech, a simple good morning in their language goes a long way.
Celebrity sightings so far include the Barenaked Ladies (with a new lead singer), Nelly Fratado (eviently she still exists up here), Sarah McLaughlin (did not realize it until someone told me I just said 'have a good night' to her), Joe Biden (with very little security), Mitt Romney (before he was threatened on his flight), and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (3 times).
Tonight was Sweden-Finland hockey, a rematch of the gold medal game from 4 years ago. Didn't make it to the US-Canada game, but it was a great one, and it made being an American a lot easier tonight! Tomorrow, I get to sleep in (till 8) before getting for various events followed by speed skating... luckily no 2 am airport pickup tonight... The fun never stops!
LetsGoDU Mentioned On FSN Broadcast
LetsGoDU got a shout out from FSN-Rocky Mountain's Dan Kelly on Saturday night.
Stastny Helps USA Olympians Stun Canada
Click Olympic Hockey Bracket To Enlarge
The USA Hockey Team moved into the Elimination Stage of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games with a stunning 5-3 upset over Canada. With the victory the USA is now the overall #1 seed, while Canada will have to navigate a very difficult schedule to advance to the medal round.Winning the game they supposedly couldn't against a virtual NHL all-star team that Canadians believed was ordained for gold, the Americans' unexpected victory Sunday advanced them to Wednesday's quarterfinals as the top-seeded team. All but five players on the US team played college hockey earlier in their careers including Paul Statsny at DU.
This game wasn't for a medal. Canada wasn't eliminated; the Americans are assured of nothing but a bye before they play the Switzerland-Belarus winner. Even so, this was a magical moment for U.S. hockey that, at least in the Olympics, hasn't been matched since the Miracle on Ice in 1980.
"You just can't beat it. It was fun," Stastny said. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere."
So far, it's been a bad year for Canadian hockey teams facing Americans. Only last month, the U.S. stunned Canada in Saskatoon to win the world junior championships, a tournament that is widely followed in Canada.
US Wore 1960 Throwback Jerseys Against Canada
(above) DU alum Paul Statny (#26) celebrates with Brian Rafalski who scored the first goal of the game yesterday against CanadaThe United States uniforms for Sunday's Olympic men's hockey game against Canada were nearly identical to those worn by the 1960 gold-medal winning team at Squaw Valley.
The uniforms featured a red stripe between two blue stripes on the sleeves and white sweater bottoms, and the letters U-S-A in a diagonal pattern. The shoulders were in dark blue, with red piping around the neck. The pants were dark blue, while the stripes on the white socks matched those on the sweaters.
The 1959-60 University of Denver hockey team played the USA team as they were preparing for the 1960 Olympic Games. DU defeated Team USA 7-5 and tied them the next night 5-5 in the DU Ice Arena. Three weeks later the USA team won the Gold Medal over the Soviet Union.
The uniforms featured a red stripe between two blue stripes on the sleeves and white sweater bottoms, and the letters U-S-A in a diagonal pattern. The shoulders were in dark blue, with red piping around the neck. The pants were dark blue, while the stripes on the white socks matched those on the sweaters.
The 1959-60 University of Denver hockey team played the USA team as they were preparing for the 1960 Olympic Games. DU defeated Team USA 7-5 and tied them the next night 5-5 in the DU Ice Arena. Three weeks later the USA team won the Gold Medal over the Soviet Union.
DU 5 - Michigan Tech 3 FINAL
(above) Drew Shore's backhanded goal in the 1st PeriodThe University of Denver hockey team defeated Michigan Tech tonight 5-3 at Magness Arena. DU won its eighth straight game after jumping to a 4-1 1st Period lead. Patrick Wiercioch, Joe Colborne, Matt Donovan & Drew Shore scored in the First Period.
Kyle Ostrow added a goal in the Second Period.
Chris Nutini appeared to injure his right ankle late in the 2nd Period.
DU can clinch the WCHA Regular Season championship and the #1 seed in the WCHA playoffs with two wins in their last four games against Minnesota State or Colorado College.
Nebraska-Omaha's upset of Miami moved DU to the #1 spot in the Pairwise.
- Minnesota 7 - Colorado College 4
- Nebraska-Omaha 4 - Miami 2
- Wisconsin 7 - St. Cloud 4
- North Dakota 5 - Minnesota Duluth 1
Box Score
WCHA Standings
Pairwise Rankings
Denver Post Game Recap
USCHO.com Game Recap
DU 5 - Michigan Tech 2 FINAL
(above) John Lee against Michigan Tech on Friday nightThe game wasn't as easy as the final score indicated, but the University of Denver will take the 5-2 victory against Michigan Tech. DU won its 7th game in a row to remain in first place in the WCHA.
Cody Brookwell scored the opening goal in the first two minutes of the game.
Tyler Ruegsegger scored another classic "Rubberband Man" goal in the second period.
Brandon Vossberg, Anthony Maiani and Kyle Ostrow, playing together on the second line, scored three goals in the third period. Vossberg certainly seems to be enjoying himself playing with two premier playmakers in Ostrow & Maiani. Vossberg's goal and two assists tonight doubled his point production for the season.
Cody Brookwell scored the opening goal in the first two minutes of the game.
Tyler Ruegsegger scored another classic "Rubberband Man" goal in the second period.
Brandon Vossberg, Anthony Maiani and Kyle Ostrow, playing together on the second line, scored three goals in the third period. Vossberg certainly seems to be enjoying himself playing with two premier playmakers in Ostrow & Maiani. Vossberg's goal and two assists tonight doubled his point production for the season.
Box Score
WCHA Standings
Pairwise Rankings
Denver Post Game Recap
USCHO.com Game Recap
Matt Van Voorhis Commits To DU
(above) Matt Van Voorhis from Edina, Minnesota will attend DUThe USHL Website is reporting that defenseman Matt Van Voorhis of Team USA has verbally committed to attend the University of Denver. No year is mentioned, but we'd expect it to be in 2011 or 2012.
The 17-year-old blueliner from Edina, Minnesota has two points (1g, 1a) in 20 USHL games this season while playing for Team USA's Under-17 squad. He has been described by the US Hockey Report as an "excellent skater and puck handler with great mobility."
In 2008-09 Van Voorhis played for the Edina High School team as a Sophomore and recorded two goals and 9 assists. Edina won the Minnesota Class AA Consolation Championship last season.
He is teammates with DU recruit Zac Larraza, a forward on the USNDT-Under 17.
The 17-year-old blueliner from Edina, Minnesota has two points (1g, 1a) in 20 USHL games this season while playing for Team USA's Under-17 squad. He has been described by the US Hockey Report as an "excellent skater and puck handler with great mobility."
In 2008-09 Van Voorhis played for the Edina High School team as a Sophomore and recorded two goals and 9 assists. Edina won the Minnesota Class AA Consolation Championship last season.
He is teammates with DU recruit Zac Larraza, a forward on the USNDT-Under 17.
2010 Recruiting Class
F Jason Zucker (U.S. Under-18)
D David Makowski (Green Bay, USHL)
F Nick Shore (U.S. Under-18)
F Beau Bennett (Penticton, BCHL)
F Dan Olszewski (St. Louis, NAHL)
2011 Recruiting Class
D Scott Mayfield (Youngstown, USHL)
F Zac Larraza (U.S. Under-17)
G Sam Brittain (Canmore, AJHL)
F Garrett Allen (Fargo, USHL)
D Matt Van Voorhis (U.S. Under-17)
2012 Recruiting Class
F Tyler Pham (Team Illinios)
DU Faces Michigan Tech This Weekend
From: Denver Postby Mike Chambers
This weekend's two-game series at Magness Arena is the only one scheduled between the University of Denver and Michigan Tech this season.
But if the Pioneers get what they want, the Huskies (5-22-1) will return in a month and play DU in a No. 1 vs. No. 10 Western Collegiate Hockey Association first-round, best-of-three playoff series (read rest of article)
But if the Pioneers get what they want, the Huskies (5-22-1) will return in a month and play DU in a No. 1 vs. No. 10 Western Collegiate Hockey Association first-round, best-of-three playoff series (read rest of article)
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