Pat Rooney To Write About DU Hockey Again

(above) Pat Rooney will write articles about DU sports on DenverPioneers.com

See Rooney's first three articles

Pat Rooney will be a weekly contributor to DenverPioneers.com. On a radio interview last night with Jay Stickney, Rooney announced the new gig.

Rooney was a beat writer for the Rocky Mountain News from the Fall of 2000 until the paper's closure in February 2009, covering the Pioneers during most of his tenure. During that time, Rooney also wrote Crimson & Gold: The Denver Pioneers' Magical Run to the 2004 National Championship, a book that chronicled DU hockey's first of back-to-back NCAA titles.

DU Has Hardware On The Line Against SCSU

In the Rocky Mountain News' final edition Pat Rooney looks at Denver's playoff situation as well as the late season collapse of Colorado College & Air Force.

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post writes that the Pioneers won't be looking past St. Cloud this weekend. First place in the WCHA is on the line.

Kevin Allenspach of the St. Cloud Times has quotes from Coach Gwozdecky about the MacNaughton chase and goaltender Marc Cheverie.

This weekend Colorado College will play an unusual Saturday-Sunday afternoon series with the University of North Dakota. The series will have major ramifications for the Pioneers as UND controls its own destiny in the MacNaughton race. The Colorado Springs Gazette looks at CC's WCHA playoff situation.

The Rocky Mountain News Shutting Down Today

(above) Pat Rooney's last column for the Rocky Mountain News about the Pioneer hockey program appeared online today

Colorado's oldest newspaper, the Rocky Mountain News, is shutting down today, and industry analysts say it won't be the last to be pulled under by a rising tide of financial woes. E.W. Scripps announced yesterday that it is closing the 150-year-old Rocky, which has won four Pulitzer Prizes in the last decade, leaving Denver, like most American cities, a one-newspaper town.

For the past 59 years the Rocky Mountain News has been covering DU hockey and in a niche sport like college hockey, you take coverage any way you can get it. Pat Rooney covered the Pioneers in recent years and LetsGoDU has linked over 110 articles of his in the past four years.

Rooney did a fantastic job covering the team as a freelance writer. His articles were well writen and his player profiles were a joy to read. Its a sad day for Denver and we'll miss the paper and the extra Pioneer coverage.

News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

"DU's a good skating team, a team that has transition, they play hard, they’re well-coached and for some reason they seem to have success in the Kohl Center, so we’re concerned about all those things,”

-Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post talks to Patrick Wiercioch about playing in Madsion this weekend against the Badgers.

Pat Rooney of the Rocky Mountain News has a story about Wisconsin's improvement this season.

The Badger Herald proclaims that 1st place is on the line tonight in the Kohl Center.

The Daily Cardinal focuses on Wisconsin's power play and the return of starting defenseman Brendan Smith from an injury.

Andy Baggot of the Wisconsin State Journal talks about Patrick Wiercioch's defection from the Bagders and his success at DU.

News & Notes From Around Pioneer Nation

The Wisconsin men’s hockey team (16-11-3, 13-7-2 WCHA) welcomes Denver (17-9-4, 13-7-3 WCHA) to the Kohl Center this weekend. The Badgers were swept in Denver back in October. Wisconsin is 2-11-2 against DU at the Kohl Center, though the Badgers won the most recent contest at last year’s NCAA regional.

The Rocky Mountain News has a story about DU & CC heading in opposite directions. Speaking of opposite directions, the News also has article about the Testwuide family rivalry. JP Testwuide is having a banner season leading the Pioneers, while brother Mike struggles with CC's anemic offense.

The Badger Herald says that Wisconsin isn't too worried about getting swept by DU earlier in the season. They to point DU's current form, and UW's recent winning ways.

The Daily Cardinal has a similiar story. Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves called DU's sweep of the Badgers, "Wisconsin's worst weekend of the year. DU's a pressure-oriented team. They like to skate, move the puck in transition, a lot like other teams in our league so we have to prepare for that.”

The DU Clarion has a recap of the Colorado College series, and despite losing the Gold Pan, Denver players were pretty happy to salvage a tie with the Tigers in the waning seconds.

News & Notes From Around Boone Nation

College Hockey News has a great interview with Coach Gwozdecky. He talks about Mullen, Bozak, WCHA and Bemidji.

Puck Swami breaks down Colorado College this weekend in his Know Your Foe Blog. As usual Swami does a great job filling us in on the series, traditions and history of DU's biggest rivalry.

The Rocky Mountain News has a story by Pat Rooney that details DU's battle with Colorado College on Friday night.

The #13 has not been lucky for Colorado College hockey players recently as DU & CC pair off on Friday the 13th. The Colorado Springs Gazette has the story.

The Duluth News Tribune has all the news on Patrick Mullen's suspension. Turns out that Mike Connolly is going to be OK and not miss any games.

While DU focuses on winning the WCHA title, CC's eyes are firmly on the Gold Cup as Mike Chambers of the Denver Post reports.

Miller Will Coach DU On Friday Night Against UAA

(left) DU assistant coach Steve Miller will be behind the bench on Friday night

From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney

Regardless if Steve Miller earns a win while substituting for George Gwozdecky, his one-game stint as the leading man behind the University of Denver's bench is bound to be less stressful than the last time Miller filled in for the Pioneers coach.

Gwozdecky will serve a one-game suspension tonight as the Pioneers open a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series against Alaska Anchorage at Magness Arena, punishment for remaining in contact with team personnel after getting ejected during a tie Saturday at North Dakota. [read rest of article]

Gwozdecky March Draws Newspaper Coverage

(left) Gwozdecky asked the assistant referee for directions

DU Hockey Coach George Gwozdecky's march across the ice drew some much needed newspaper coverage to the University of Denver hockey program. With slow ticket sales expected for this weekend's tilt with the University of Alaska-Anchorage, this coverage is sure to help the gate.

The Rocky Mountain News has a story on DU's sternly worded "Reprimand."

The New York Times recaps "The Walk To The Locker Room."

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has the details on what was discussed between Gwozdecky and the Assistant Referee.

Even the newspaper writers in North Dakota are dumb asses, as evidenced by this piece of garbage.

DU-UND Pregame Media Roundup

(above) DU's J.P. Testwuide, right, and North Dakota's Kyle Radke go toe-to-toe in last year's game in Grand Forks

-Denver Post photo

The Rocky Mountain News expects DU to get a chilly reception in North Dakota.

"The University of Denver hockey team has left its balmy hometown for frigid North Dakota, where Brandon Vossberg and the rest of the Pioneers know their reception will be even more chilling."

The Denver Post promises that DU won't turn the other cheek this time in Grand Forks.

"Last season in Grand Forks, the Sioux swept DU in a chippy series that included three full-fledged fights in the finale. In the final brawl between North Dakota's Kyle Radke and Brandon Vossberg, Gwozdecky was furious his players remained spectators when Radke took Vossberg down to the ice and pummeled him in defenseless fashion."

The Grand Forks Herald says that UND's regular season hinges on this series.

"This weekend’s series against Denver may determine whether the rest of the regular season will be spent fighting for the MacNaughton Cup or for home ice in the first round of the playoffs."

Inside College Hockey Gives Props To Students

Inside College Hockey gave a shout out to the DU students and the Boonetown organizers last weekend.

"Applause to scores of University of Denver students for their “Bring Back Boone” efforts during last weekend’s sweep of Michigan Tech. The Pioneers official mascot for 30 years (until 1998), Denver Boone is a caricature of a smiling western pioneer in a coonskin cap, originally sketched by Walt Disney. He was phased out by the school a decade ago, as was reported in the Washington Times, “after critics argued that he represented an era of Western imperialism and was offensive to women and minority groups.” Ridiculous. Keep up the good fight, DU students - 87 percent of whom, according to the Rocky Mountain News, recently voted to bring back the mascot for use as an official symbol of the school’s athletic programs."

Friday Rocky Mountain News Editorial: "BRING BACK BOONE"

(above) Today's Rocky Mountain News had a surprise for Chancellor Coombe, as DU alum Mike Rosen ripped him a new one

"Boone's fate at DU isn't a trivial matter. It's an opportunity to reverse the tide of identity politics and insufferable political correctness on at least one college campus. If I were DU's chancellor, I'd listen more attentively to the common-sense urgings of the great majority of alumni and students, and welcome Boone back with open arms."

- Mike Rosen

DU Alum radio personality Mike Rosen wrote an editorial in Friday's Rocky Mountain News about the DU mascot issue. Rosen hosts Denver's most popular local radio talk show on 850 KOA. He holds an MBA degree from the University of Denver and his Mike Rosen Show covers politics, lifestyles, entertainment, sports.

Rosen has been outspoken in his support for the Boone logo on his radio show and was quoted last month in a Washington Times article about DU's mascot flap.

Mike Rosen's radio show airs weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon on 850 KOA.

DU's Power Play Woes Reach Epic Proportions

(above) Boston University won the Denver Cup this past weekend

From: Rocky Mountain News

by Pat Rooney

Although the current power-play drought the University of Denver hockey team is enduring coincides almost exactly with the moment star center Tyler Bozak suffered a knee injury, coach George Gwozdecky was quick to dismiss Bozak's absence as the reason for the Pioneers' recent struggles. [read rest of article]

DU Must Play Within Themselves Without Bozak

(above) DU may be without Tyler Bozak until the playoffs

From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney

For the second season in a row, the University of Denver hockey team will have to adjust to the loss of one of its top scorers. And if last season's experience taught the Pioneers anything, it is to make sure they do not try to overcompensate in their attempt to make up for the loss. (read rest of article)

Rocky Mountain News Reviews 1st Half of Season

"We've put ourselves in position to make a run in the second half," Coach Gwozdecky said. "We were playing with a great deal of recklessness and sloppiness, and we were stubborn to change. Then we got smacked in the mouth enough, and that point was hit during that embarrassing Friday loss against Minnesota. We drew a line in the sand and knew we had to change the attitude of how we play."

Pat Rooney of the Rocky Mountain News looks at the three Colorado schools at the midpoint of the season. According to Rooney, the Pioneers have established themselves as one of the hottest teams in the nation. [read entire article]

Tyler Bozak: News, Notes & Articles

(above) Tyler Bozak is in the news, but its his knee that's drawing most of the media's attention

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post has an feature article about Tyler Bozak's career and the NHL battle to sign the free agent at the end of the year.

Pat Rooney of the Rocky Mountain News wrote about Bozak's surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Coach George Gwozdecky said Sunday the sophomore center likely will miss the remainder of the regular season and could be sidelined into the postseason.

Colborne Becoming An Offensive Force For DU

(above) Joe Colborne has 4 goals and 12 assists this season

From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney

After an uneven start, highly lauded freshman forward Joe Colborne is living up to his immense potential for the University of Denver.

Colborne, selected 16th overall by the Boston Bruins in the NHL entry draft last summer and the highest DU draft selection during coach George Gwozdecky's tenure, tallied only one goal and one assist during the first eight games. Yet during a six-game scoring streak that ended Saturday, the 6-foot-5 Calgary, Alberta, native posted two goals and 11 assists, showing signs of becoming one of DU's top offensive forces.

"I think, like every freshman, you go through a time period where you're learning the game, you're learning to adjust to the quicker decision-making and the physical nature of the game," Gwozdecky said. "Joe has certainly established himself over the last couple of games. He's playing with a lot more confidence. He's playing with a lot more of a physical nature when he doesn't have the puck, and as a result, he's getting the puck on his stick more often."

DU Will Return Early To Prepare For Denver Cup

"A big part of (the layoff) is skating, and just being able to skate," coach George Gwozdecky said. "We discussed that - we talked to the guys about that. The guys that will be in town will have ice available here every day. And (strength coach) Mike Sanders gives them what he calls a 'Navy SEAL' program they can do without the use of a weight room. It's a great program, and they follow it."

From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney

The recent surge by the University of Denver has made the Pioneers one of the hottest college hockey teams in the nation.

Now the hope is the Pioneers don't cool off after an extended layoff. [read rest of article]

Sir Pulled-A-Lot Benched Twice In Recent Weeks

(above) DU Reject Richard Bachman is splitting his time these days pulling pucks out of the back of the net and sitting on the bench

From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney

Colorado College is struggling with injury issues, and the carnage is exacting a toll on goaltender Richard Bachman.

Bachman wasn't pulled once while starting 35 games during a remarkable freshman campaign last season that ended with All- American accolades and CC single-season records for goals- against average and saves percentage.

Yet Bachman has suffered that fate twice in the past two weeks, the second occurring during CC's 7-4 loss Saturday at home to Minnesota Duluth. [read rest of article]

... Meanwhile The Chevy Is Running Smoothly

(left) Marc Cheverie has only given up 3 goals in the past five games

From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney

DU's five-game winning streak has been sparked by impressive individual streaks, none more impressive than the role being enjoyed by sophomore goaltender Marc Cheverie.

Cheverie led the Pioneers' sweep at Michigan Tech by recording his second shutout this season Friday and stopping 19 shots Saturday. Cheverie has saved 145-of-148 shots during DU's winning streak and has helped the Pioneers kill all 23 of their opponents' power-play opportunities during that span.

With Cheverie strong in back, DU's offense also is back on the prolific pace with which it started the season.

Freshman Joe Colborne has collected one goal and nine assists during the five-game streak, and the Pioneers have enjoyed six-game scoring streaks from top scorers Tyler Bozak (two goals, six assists) and Anthony Maiani (two goals, eight assists).

News, Notes & Links From Around Pioneer Nation

(above) DU defeated Michigan Tech in the 1960 National Championship game in Boston

• Rhett Rakhshani was profiled in an article by Bruce Ciske in AOL's Fanhouse.
  

• NHL.com has a nice profile on Joe Colborne including quotes from Coach Gwozdecky & Colborne himself. They also make mention of Tyler Bozak being a hot property.

• Patrick Wiercioch's hometown paper in British Columbia has an article about his selection to the Team Canada Tryout Camp.

• The Denver Post has previews on all three Colorado schools this weekend.

• The Rocky Mountain News has been covering DU hockey for as long as Colorado College has been losing playoff games. A Denver Post article points out that the end is near.

• The Houghton Mining Gazette has a preview on Michigan Tech and what they plan to do against the Pioneers this weekend.

• Puck Swami's Know Your Foe Blog profiles Michigan Tech this week