2008 Woodie Awards
Pioneers take control of CC rivalry
Brooks Kirchheimer
Issue date: 2/27/07 Section: Sports
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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.
"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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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