The University of Denver’s two-game series finale Saturday night at Alaska-Anchorage ended after press time, but we’re here to tell you that the No. 4-ranked Pioneers rallied to beat the Seawolves 6-2 to go into the holiday break 14-4 and 11-3 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
DU scored six unanswered goals after going into the first intermission trailing 2-0. Lakewood native Tyler Ruegsegger, a sophomore, paced the Pioneers with a goal and three assists, and sophomore Brock Trotter and freshman Kyle Ostrow had two goals apiece.
DU’s freshmen and sophomores have combined to score 51 of the team’s 56 goals. Senior forward Tom May (three goals) and junior defenseman Patrick Mullen (one) and J.P. Testwuide (one) are the only upperclassmen to light the lamp for this remarkably young and talented offensive attack.
The defense is a veteran bunch, led by senior goalie Peter Mannino (1.80 goals-against average) and junior blue-liner Chris Butler (team-leading plus-15 rating).
The Pioneers, who play just three seniors regularly, are off to their best start since the 2001-02 season, when they began 15-2 en route to a 32-8-1 finish. The NCAA championship teams of the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons were 12-6-2 and 11-5-1 at this point, respectively.
DU likely will gain one spot, maybe two, in the polls that come out today. The Pioneers’ .778 winning percentage is fourth best in the country, and they’re tied with Colorado College (11-5, 11-3) atop the rugged WCHA with 22 points.
Next up for the Pioneers is the Denver Cup. The tournament hosts open Dec. 28 against Sacred Heart, and then play Dartmouth or Northern Michigan in the Dec. 29 consolation or championship game.
Single-day tickets (two games) can be obtained for as little as $12.50. DU is offering the family pass (four seats for $50) or the buddy pass (two seats for $30). Visit the Ritchie Center box office or call 303-871-2336 for more information.
TV GAME OF THE WEEK
Utah vs. Navy, Thursday at San Diego.
Bowl season kicks off Thursday night with the Poinsettia Bowl (ESPN), the first of 32 bowl games to be played through Jan. 7.
Utah and Navy both are 8-4 and fun to watch. The Utes are averaging 25.5 points per game and the Midshipmen 39.9.
Utah has the better defense but Navy has scored at least 35 points in its past seven games, including 48 against Pittsburgh, 59 against Delaware, 46 against Notre Dame (in a triple-overtime thriller) and 74 against North Texas.
Navy won the inaugural Poinsettia Bowl in 2005, beating Colorado State 51-30. The Midshipmen rushed for 467 yards in that game.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
Rage-ing bulls in Broomfield.
The Front Range has become home to Central Hockey League dominance. The Loveland-based Colorado Eagles captured last season’s CHL crown, and the Rocky Mountain Rage of Broomfield has become this year’s top team.
The Rage is 17-2-2 with 36 points, 10 points ahead of the Eagles atop the Northwest Division standings. Rocky Mountain has won five straight games to equal its win total of last season, when it ended 17-40-7.
The Rage has a two-game homestand this weekend, against New Mexico on Friday and Wichita on Saturday. Tickets range from $18 to $43, with free parking.
TENNIS ANYONE?
Learn from the pros, for free.
For young men and women looking to improve your tennis, the Greenwood Athletic Club in the Denver Tech Center area will host a free tennis clinic Friday from 6-8 p.m.
The clinic is hosted by California-based Advantage Tennis Academy and tennis coaches Jimmy Johnson and Mitch Bridge.
Information: 970-241-2280.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
Avalanche, Nuggets offer holiday packs.
Supply is greater than demand at most Pepsi Center sporting events these days, and the teams’ owner has created a way for friends or family to give a gift for that special sports fan.
The Avalanche holiday pack includes five games, a mini-hockey stick and chocolate puck, starting at $175. The games are Dec. 29 (Kings), Jan. 20 (Blue Jackets) Feb. 18 (Red Wings), March 6 (Ducks) and April 6 (Wild).
The Nuggets holiday pack is five games, includes a Santa hat and playoff ticket priority, for $99. The games are Dec. 30 (Warriors), Jan. 17 (Jazz), Feb. 19 (Celtics), March 14 (Raptors) and April 1 (Suns).
To take advantage of these deals, visit the Pepsi Center box office, Ticketmaster locations or visit the team websites (colorado- and ).
And, by the way, the Avs and Nuggets have two games each this week, including one apiece at home.
The Nuggets host Houston on Thursday and the Avs welcome the New York Rangers on Friday.
Bears busy on road.
The Northern Colorado men’s basketball team will be tested this week with a tough three-game road trip through the Northwest.
UNC (5-3) plays No. 19 Gonzaga (8-2) tonight in Spokane, Wash.
The Bears play at Oregon State (5-3) on Wednesday and at Portland (3-6) on Friday.
The Gonzaga and Oregon State games will be televised by FSN.
UNC is off to a great start under second-year coach Tad Boyle. The Bears’ five victories amount to one more than last season.
