Canisius 4 - Denver 1 FINAL

Canisius defeated the University of Denver 4-1 on Saturday night at Magness Arena.

Canisius (1-2), the defending Atlantic Hockey Association playoff champions, earn their first win of the season.

Denver held a 38-21 edge in shots but the only time the Pioneers (3-3) scored was on Quentin Shore’s power-play goal with 7:43 left.

Denver pulled its goalie with 2:42 left but Canisius’ Ralph Cuddemi potted an empty-net goal 11 seconds later to secure the Griffs’ first victory.

Boxscore

Denver Post Game Recap

The Buffalo News Game Recap

Two DU Recruits Listed In Final Draft Rankings

Two University of Denver recruits were listed among the Top 200 North American skaters Wednesday with the release of Central Scouting's Final Rankings.

Defenseman Will Butcher was listed at #87 after being ranked at #170 in the Mid-term Rankings.  That will likely project Butcher to be a 4th to 7th round selection at the NHL Draft this summer.

Incoming DU forward Trevor Moore was listed at #192.

Current DU forward Quinten Shore was listed but not assigned a ranking.

Former DU defenseman Dakota Mermis came in at #95.  Defenseman Gage Ausmus who reportedly decommitted from DU after Coach Gwozdecky was fired was listed at #148.

2013 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
D Matt Van Voorhis (Sioux Falls, USHL) - 53 gms, 6 goals, 19 assists
F Brad Hawkinson (Lincoln Stars, USHL) - 57 gms, 12 goals, 6 assists
F Landon Smith (Chicago, USHL) - 36 games, 11 goals, 6 assists
F Connor Chatham (Omaha, USHL) - 63 games, 18 goals, 17 assists
F Ray Pigozzi (Chicago, USHL) - 53 games, 8 goals, 26 assists
D Will Butcher (U.S. Under-18) - 61 games, 10 goals, 22 assists
F Trevor Moore (Tri-City, USHL) 62 games, 20 goals, 43 assists
D Nick Neville (Texas, NAHL) 60 games, 7 goals, 28 assists

2014 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Tyler Pham (Indiana Ice, USHL) - 61 games, 8 goals, 16 assists
F Jared Fiegl (U.S. Under-17) 56 games, 8 goals, 9 assists
F Garrett Gamez (Tri-Cities, USHL) 46 games, 8 goals, 10 assists
F Cody DePourcq (Penticton, BCHL) - 54 games, 13 goal, 8 assists

2015 Recruiting Class Updated Stats 
F Dylan Gambrell (Dubuque, USHL) 58 games, 9 goal, 18 assists

2016 Recruiting Class Updated Stats
F Troy Terry (Thunderbirds, AAA) 41 games, 14 goals, 35 assists

Tweets From Around PioNation

NHL's Central Scouting Mid-Term Draft Rankings

(above) The 2013 NHL Draft will held in New Jersey

The NHL's Central Scouting released their 2013 Mid-Term Rankings of draft prospects and several players with DU ties made the list. Of course making the list and even being ranked fairly highly is no guarantee of getting drafted next summer.  Last year former DU player Dakota Mermis was ranked #77 and DU forward Quentin Shore was #107 and neither player was selected six months later.

Players can use the second half of the season to propel themselves up the list as Paul Stastny did in 2005.

DU recruit Trevor Moore [5'10 175 lbs.] is ranked #108. With 15 goals and 23 assists in just 35 games, he is having a sensational season with the Tri-City Storm in the USHL.  Look for Moore to move up in the final rankings, but obviously his size may be a factor against going in the first few rounds.

Next on the list with DU ties is defenseman Will Butcher [5' 10 191 lbs.] at #170.  At one point, Butcher was listed on several NHL Mock Drafts as a late first round selection last year.  Even though he's having a very nice season with the USNDP Under 18 team [34 games, 6 goals, 13 assists].

Finally at #186 is Quentin Shore.  Shore has been on fire in the first five games of 2013 and should move up the list.  If he can keep it up for the remainder of the season, he may be drafted.

Some will be surprised that DU recruit Gage Ausmus [6'1 210 lbs.] was not listed.  His size is within NHL specs but a lack of goals this season, probably hurt his ranking.

DU 5 - Cornell 1 FINAL

(above) Quentin Shore scored two goals against Cornell

As  turmoil swirled around the University of Denver hockey program this week, the players appeared not to notice as the Pioneers rolled to a 5-1 victory over Cornell University.

DU jumped out to an early lead, scored three power play goals and once again received another stellar effort from the Juho Olkinuora in the nets.

DU received goals from Ty Loney, Shawn Ostrow, Nick Shore and Quentin Shore scored twice.  David Makowski & Chris Knowlton had two assists each.

Scott Mayfield recieved a game misconduct for roughing & grabbing the facemask and was ejected with 5 seconds remaining in the game.  Since he did not receive a game disqualification, he will be back in the lineup tomorrow night.

Denver Post Game Recap

Boxscore

WCHA Standings

Pairwise Rankings

News & Notes From Around PioNation

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post used his blog this week to take a look at several issues that have been hanging over the team in recent weeks.  Chambers updated the goaltender situation, Larkin Jacobson's suspension, asked Quinten Shore several questions & updated Josiah Didier's ankle injury.

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The Denver Post breaks down the DU-Bemidji State series and CC's battle with St Cloud State.  Saturday night's CC game in the Springs will be broadcast on Altitude. 

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DU alum Geoff Paukovich plays for the ECHL Las Vegas Wranglers and returns to Colorado several times a year to play the Colorado Eagles in Loveland.

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The Bemidji Pioneer newspaper has an article on what the Beavers have to do this weekend against DU.

Chambers Tweets Refute Shore WHL Departure

(above) Click on image to enlarge

(above) Click on image to enlarge

View Mike Chambers On Twitter

USCHO: Quentin Shore Staying @ DU

Quentin Shore Rumor Via Twitter Raises Red Flags

(above) Click to enlarge

Quentin Shore

A Twitter Post last night by The Hockey News writer Ryan Kennedy sent shock waves through PioNation.  Kennedy certainly has sources throughout major junior and collegiate hockey.  He is the author or the weekly "The Hockey News Hot List" that profiles up and coming junior players that readers should keep an eye on.

If any DU player was interested in transferring to a major junior team, it would come as a mild surprise.  But the Shore family is anchored to the University of Denver as can be.  Quentin's older brother Drew attended DU and is the second leading scorer [5g,10a] for the AHL San Antonio Rampage this winter.  Second eldest brother Nick is the leading scorer [6g,12a] for the Pioneers this season.  Youngest brother Baker plays youth hockey and is on DU's recruiting radar.  Finally both parents graduated from DU's Law School.

The University of Denver is on its annual academic Christmas Break [Thanksgiving to New Years] the timing is certainly right for a player looking to make the jump to Major Juniors.  In the past DU defenesemen William Wrenn and T.J. Fast left DU after the academic Fall Quarter.  However in both instances it was after DU had completed the first half of the season.

Could Quentin Shore have struggled academically in the Fall Quarter and decided that college wasn't for him?  "Unlikely" said an unnamed source with knowledge of the Shore brothers and their family.

Possible Quentin Shore ties to the WHL Portland Winterhawks include star defenseman Seth Jones.  Jones is the likely #1 or #2 overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft.  Shore & Jones were close friends on the USNDT for two years in Ann Arbor.
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Quentin Shore is the 9th leading scorer [3g,4a] for the Pioneers this season and centers DU's third line. Although he is logging plenty of minutes this season, perhaps he is unhappy with DU's power player situation or minutes?  DU has been rolling three D-men on the first unit all season, and after a torrid start, the first power play unit has been silent lately in addition to giving up three shorthanded goals in recent weeks.

Quentin Shore was not drafted by an NHL team last summer.  Perhaps he feels he needs to crank up the stats and showcase his skills in the wide open Western Hockey League to raise his stock next summer in the 2013 NHL Draft.

Which brings us to Kennedy's Twitter Post last night.  Its possible that Portland encouraged Seth Jones to reach out to Quentin to see if he was interested.  Or its possible that the Shore family reached out to the Winterhawks to evaluate their options going forward.  Either way, expect DU to quickly try and quell this rumor with the North Dakota series upcoming this weekend.

The longer questions remain unanswered, the higher the possibility that the rumor is true.

Shore Brothers Profiled In Several Articles

(above) Nick, Drew & Quentin Shore

Two articles feature University of Denver hockey alum Drew Shore.  AHL.com talks about Drew's transition to AHL Hockey this season with the San Antonio Rampage.  

The other article on USA Hockey's Website is about the three Shore brothers and their journey from Denver to the USA National Development Program and then landing at the University of Denver.

Colorado College Hockey Fans Give Beer To Minors

World Arena Provides Alcohol To Minors
Colorado Department Of Revenue Hotline
  1-877-662-4643

 

Colorado College Caught With Schwartz Down

(above) This was a common sight on Saturday night

Denver Post Photo Album

Colorado College forward Rylan Schwartz spent Saturday evening in a suit and tie at Magness Arena.  Without their star on the ice, CC was dropkicked out of Magness Arena 6-2 by the University of Denver hockey team.

Things were  tight heading into the third period with DU holding a 3-2 edge.  The final period was an exclamation point on a great weekend as DU rolled to a famous victory.  It was the first Pioneer sweep of CC since 2005.

Senior Chris Knowlton stole the show for DU this weekend.  He had two goals, two assists and was +4 on Saturday.  DU Freshman Gave Levin scored his first DU goal and added an assist while playing on DU's first line.

In a reversal of recent form this season, all six goals were scored by DU's forwards.  Matt Tabrum, Quinten Shore & Shawn Ostrow also scored for DU.

Boxscore

Denver Post Game Recap

WCHA Standings

Two Front Page Articles About DU-CC Series

(above) DU's homegrown heroes receive a little facetime in the Denver Post today

The front pages of the Colorado Springs Gazette and Denver Post sports sections had fantastic articles today about college hockey.

The Gazette focused on the matchup tonight between #14 ranked Colorado College and #2 ranked DU.  The Post looked at the Colorado Thunderbirds hockey development program and the inroads that have been made in youth hockey in Colorado in recent years.

Gazette: Gold Pan Match-up

Post: In-state Pipeline to DU

Photos: St. Cloud At Magness On Saturday Night

(above) SCSU's Ryan Faragher is replaced by Rasmus Reijola after giving up 3 goals on 11 shots

photo credit: © Todd Christensen

(above) Nick Shore scores the game-winning goal on Saturday night

photo credit: © Todd Christensen

(above) Quintin Shore & SCSU's Drew LaBlanc face-off at center ice

photo credit: © Todd Christensen

(above) Boone surveys the situation in the student section on Saturday night

photo credit: © Todd Christensen

Todd Christensen shared these photographs of some of the action in Magness Arena on Saturday night. Click on photos to enlarge.

DU 5 - Michgan Tech 2 FINAL

(above) The student section was rocking on Saturday night

The University of Denver hockey team continued its torrid scoring pace and rolled to another impressive victory over Michigan Tech.  Saturday night marked the fourth straight game that DU scored five goals.

Mike Chambers of the Denver Post had some comments on the officiating and a phantom call on Joey LaLeggia.  Jeoy Leggs is quietly becoming one of the best defensemen in college hockey.

Quentin Shore, David Makowski, Joey Leggs, Shawn Ostrow & Daniel Doremus scored for DU. Adam Murray was solid between the pipes.

Box Score

Denver Post Game Recap

WCHA Standings

DU 5 - Michigan Tech 1 FINAL

Its almost becoming routine.  The 2012-13 University of Denver hockey team starts off slowly and builds momentum until the score is out of reach.  Friday night was no different as the Pioneers defeated Michigan Tech 5-1 at Magness Arena.  It was the third straight game the Pioneers  tallied five goals.

Five different players scored for DU;  Dakota Mermis, David Makowski, Quentin Shore, Joey LaLeggia & Nick Shore.  

Once again Great Brittain was a rock between the pipes.

Seen at the Game: Retired Avs defenseman Adam Foote, Avs center Paul Stastny & Maple Leafs winger Tyler Bozak.

Box Score

Denver Post Game Recap

Tweets From Around PioNation

News & Notes From Around PioNation

(above) Magness Arena is being transformed for the Presidential Debate on Oct. 3rd

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The Presidenital Debate hosted by the University of Denver on Oct. 3rd is expected to be worth $20-30 million in branding & publicity benefits for the university. Down the road, DU should expect to see a 15% uptick in admissions applications next year based on previous debates.  Well worth the $1.6 million donation required to host the event.

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DU has been picked to finish third in the annual 94X WCHA Preseason Media Poll, released Wednesday. The Minnesota Golden Gophers are a nearly-unanimous pick of WCHA media to win the league. 

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The initial LetsGoDU Super Poll™ has been released and for the 7th straight year, DU is the consensus preseason #1 pick.  Once again Colorado College came in last out of 58 teams.

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The 8-1-2 University of Denver women's soccer team is ranked #18 in the nation.  The men's soccer team which has won five games in a row is ranked #40.

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Four current and future University of Denver hockey players will be among 40 of the finest 2013 NHL Draft-eligible, American-born players sharing the spotlight when the inaugural CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game is held Saturday at First Niagara Center in Buffalo. Gage Ausmus, Dakota Mermis, Quintin Shore and Will Butcher will represent DU at the event.

4 DU Players Selected For Hockey Showcase

The first ever All-American Prospects Game was announced on Wednesday. USA Hockey will stage the event on September 29th at First Niagara Center in Buffalo [home of the NHL Buffalo Sabres]. The All-American Prospects Game will include 40 of the top American-born prospects eligible for the 2013 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Four University of Denver players or recruits were selected; Will Butcher, Dakota Mermis, Gage Ausmus and Quintin Shore.  Mermis and Shore are incoming Freshmen at DU.

Western College Hockey Blog has an interesting take on the event and questioned the selection criteria.

Joey Leggs Likely To Be On NHL Draft Bubble

(above) The NHL Draft kicks off tonight, but up to four DU players may hear their names called on Saturday

From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers

University of Denver defenseman Joey LaLeggia was passed over in the 2010 and 2011 NHL drafts and might not hear his named called in this week's selection process in Pittsburgh, in his final year of eligibility.

Despite leading all NCAA defensemen in scoring, finishing with a plus-13 rating during his freshman season and being named first-team Western Collegiate Hockey Association, LaLeggia is not ranked among Central Scouting's top 210 draft-eligible North American skaters.

"That's a joke," DU associate head coach Steve Miller said. "That's Central Scouting not doing their job" [read entire article].

Denver Post: NHL Draft Adds Recruiting Pressure

(above) Early departures are playing havoc with DU's recruiting plans

From: Denver Post

by Mike Chambers

This weekend's NHL draft has become one of the bigger annual events at the University of Denver, which has become the NHL development camp of the West. 

Sophomore-to-be defenseman Joey LaLeggia, classmate Ty Loney, a forward, and incoming freshman forward Quentin Shore and incoming freshman defenseman Dakota Mermis are expected to be drafted Saturday in Rounds 2-7. In which round they are drafted, and by what team, will give us a good idea about how long they will play at DU [read entire article].