George Gwozdecky, Scott Owens and Frank Serratore pushed this point in 2008 while promoting the first NCAA Frozen Four at the Pepsi Center. The head coaches at the University of Denver, Colorado College and Air Force, respectively, said it would be a surreal experience to see Colorado’s three Division I hockey programs advance to the Frozen Four.
While each lost in the first round at different regionals, it marked the first time all three teams qualified for the 16-team field together.
This weekend, it’s do-over time.
Once again, DU, CC and AFA each qualified for the national tournament and were put in different regionals. Each team is two victories away from advancing to the April 7-9 Frozen Four at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
Whatever happens, Colorado will take pride in being the only state in the country with three teams eligible to win the national championship when the tournament begins.
“More teams from the state of Colorado than the three M’s — Minnesota, Michigan and Massachusetts,” Serratore said. “Isn’t that something?”
The road seems extraordinarily difficult for CC and AFA, both No. 4 seeds. The Tigers and Falcons open today against No. 1 seeds Boston College and Yale, respectively, in the East and West regionals.
Yale and BC are the first and third overall seeds, while CC is 14th and AFA 16th.
All four teams, however, are on a roll.
Air Force and BC, the defending NCAA champion, each have won their past eight games. Yale is on a four-game win streak, allowing only two goals during that stretch. CC has won three of its past four while playing some of its best hockey of the season.
Denver also has played well of late. The Pioneers, the No. 2 Midwest Regional seed, open Saturday against Western Michigan at Green Bay, Wis.
DU’s four-game winning streak was snapped in last week’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association championship game loss to North Dakota, a 3-2 double-overtime thriller at St. Paul.
(4) Air Force (20-11-6) vs. (1) Yale (27-6-1)
What: NCAA Tournament, East Regional
When: Today, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard, Bridgeport, Conn.
TV/Radio: ESPNU/1300 AM
Notes: This is a rematch of Air Force’s 4-3 comeback victory on Nov. 14 at the academy. The Falcons entered that game 2-6 and have gone 18-5-6 since. . . . AFA is making its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in the past five years. The Falcons are 1-3 in the tournament but lost twice in overtime, including in double OT in the 2009 quarterfinals to Vermont. . . . Yale leads the nation in scoring (4.29 goals per game) and defense (2.00).
(4) Colorado College (22-18-3) vs. (1) Boston College (30-7-1)
What: NCAA Tournament, West Regional
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Scottrade Center, St. Louis
TV/Radio: ESPNU/93.7 FM
Notes: BC is the defending national champion and preseason No. 1. The Eagles captured the Hockey East regular-season and playoff championships. They are on an eight-game winning streak and are 14-2-1 in their last 17 games. . . . CC won three of its past four games to squeeze into the 16-team field, its first NCAA appearance since 2008. . . . BC’s seniors are looking for their third national championship. Their first came at the Pepsi Center in 2008.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
AROUND TOWN
Basketball booty.
The NBA Hoop Troop, the league’s youth program for boys and girls ages 6-14, teaches children about basketball and provides chances to win prizes by participating in challenges. Kids can enter the shot-clock game for a chance to win one of three grand-prize trips to New York, where they will team up with an NBA star, and shoot to score as much NBA gear as they can in 24 seconds. The event is free from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Colorado Mills mall in Lakewood. For more information, call 303-384-3000.
STAY ON THE COUCH
Nuggets, Rapids are worth a look.
This weekend, the NCAA Tournament takes center stage, with the Southeast and West regional championships to be decided Saturday, and the East and Southwest regionals to be determined Sunday.
Locally, the best basketball this town has seen in a long time continues at the Pepsi Center, when the Nuggets host Washington tonight on Altitude.
Saturday night, Rapids fans get their next chance to watch the defending MLS champions, on the road for the first time this season, against Chivas USA at 8:30 p.m. on Altitude 2.
GET OFF THE COUCH
Marathon series kicks off.
If you’re training for a spring marathon or you’re just in the mood for a fully supported long run, you might want to check out the Rocky Mountain Road Runners spring marathon training series that begins Sunday at Twin Lakes Park.
You have the option of running 10 or 20 miles on a course with mile markers, water, electrolyte drinks, energy bars and gels. The finish will have postrace food, drinks and awards.
Subsequent series events will be held April 10 and April 23. The 10-mile race costs $10 in advance via or $15 on race day. The 20-miler costs $20 in advance, $25 on race day. Rocky Mountain Road Runners members get a $5 discount.
WHAT WE’D LIKE TO SEE
Jimmer’s encore.
Brigham Young sharpshooter Jimmer Fredette is popular because he’s the great white hope for the NBA, writes one columnist. Jimmer is under greater scrutiny by NBA scouts and skeptics of his game because he is white, says a nationally syndicated talk-show host. ‘Round and ’round we go with race being brought into the equation. Enough, already. Fredette should be celebrated for being a terrific college scorer. He’s got a quick release that will help him score at any level. Here’s hoping he puts effort into becoming a better defensive player and has success in the NBA too. Black or white.
