In 10 days, Colorado College takes on the University of Denver at Magness Arena. The Halloween night game could be a showdown between the NCAA’s top-ranked teams.
Monday, CC replaced Boston College for the unanimous No. 1 ranking and DU replaced Michigan at No. 2 in the USCHO poll. The Tigers (4-0) and Pioneers (3-0) each gained two spots after BC lost to Northeastern and Michigan fell to Northern Michigan.
If CC and DU keep their perfect records intact this weekend, the 268th game between the programs will be one of the rare No. 1 vs. No. 2 games in the storied rivalry that began in 1949.
“Good for Colorado,” CC goalie Richard Bachman said. “For us, being ranked No. 1, we’re not going to look too much in it, but it’s nice. The exposure is nice. We’re looking forward to maintaining that spot.”
CC visits Clarkson (1-1) this weekend while DU hosts Ohio State (1-2-1).
DU coach George Gwoz- decky said the polls have one major flaw.
“Air Force should be in the top 20,” he said.
The Falcons (4-0) swept Bemidji State by a combined two-game score of 12-2 last weekend but remain a slighted mid-major program when it comes to the polls. Gwozdecky thinks Air Force, which beat DU 5-2 last season, should receive more credit.
“It’s the golden era in college hockey in the state of Colorado. Some of the best hockey around is at these three schools,” he said. “It makes everyone proud to be part of it and will certainly enhance the games from an interest standpoint when these schools play against each other.”
Brookwell back.
DU junior defenseman Cody Brookwell has been reinstated to the team and is eligible to play in this weekend’s homecoming series against the Buckeyes. The reason for his three-game suspension was not disclosed.
“I just had two long meetings with all people involved, and we have just decided that Cody has been reinstated,” Gwoz- decky said Monday before practice.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Brookwell is one of DU’s top shutdown defensemen. He likely will replace freshman John Lee or sophomore John Ryder. Former walk-on Chris Nutini, a sophomore, has become a key penalty killer, and senior Patrick Mullen, freshman Patrick Wiercioch and senior J.P. Testwuide are locked into the lineup.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Front Range rankings
1. Denver (3-0, 2-0 WCHA). Last week: Swept Wisconsin 6-5 and 7-4. This week: Hosts Ohio State (1-2-1, 1-2-1 CCHA) Friday and Saturday. Comment: Pioneers simply more impressive than their rival to the south.
2. Colorado College (4-0, 2-0 WCHA). Last week: Swept Michigan Tech 2-0 and 4-2. This week: At Clarkson (1-1, 0-0 ECAC) Friday and Saturday. Comment: Tigers No. 1 in the national polls, No. 2 here.
3. Air Force (4-0, 2-0 AHA). Last week: Swept Bemidji State 6-2 and 6-0. This week: Visits American International (0-2, 0-0 AHA) Friday and Saturday. Comment: Falcons becoming a dominant mid-major program.
