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.
“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.
