All posts by Sasha Kandrach

The history of the Gold Pan as told by Frank Serratore and Don Lucia

Photo courtesy of the Colorado Springs Gazette

Frank Serratore and Don Lucia grew up just six miles apart in Northeastern Minnesota and attended rival high schools. The duo were no strangers to the tradition, intensity and antics that coincide with long-standing rivalries. If anything, Serratore and Lucia embraced them. Continue reading The history of the Gold Pan as told by Frank Serratore and Don Lucia

Maryland transfer Matt Neufeldt embraces ‘funny situation’ with Denver

Photo courtesy of Pat Stewart

After graduating in 2018 with a decorated career at Maryland including as being a part of four-straight Final Four appearances and one national championship (2017), long stick midfielder Matt Neufeldt had hung up the cleats and crosse and already accepted a job in Real Estate. Continue reading Maryland transfer Matt Neufeldt embraces ‘funny situation’ with Denver

Beyond the Skates: Nick Meldrum’s impact on Denver Hockey

Nick Meldrum ensured that two vintage red stadium chairs be transmitted into this newly revamped office that was included as part of the renovations for the Denver hockey locker room. Through the years, the chairs have remained the same despite some chipped paint here and there, but have ultimately served as means to help foster a tight-knit community. Everyone from Jason Zucker, to David Carle, to Will Butcher to Henrik Borgström to Ian Mitchell and everyone in between, has sat in those chairs to chat with Meldrum about just about everything. Continue reading Beyond the Skates: Nick Meldrum’s impact on Denver Hockey

Denver retaliates with 5-2 win over Miami

photo courtesy of Shannon Valerio

The No. 7-ranked Denver Pioneers never trailed during tonight’s 5-2 victory. After the Miami Redhawks handed the Pioneers a 3-1 loss to and their first home loss since Dec. 7 Denver returned to Magness Arena with vengeance. Denver’s win was bolstered by the hot hands and two-goal efforts from Jarid Lukosevicius and Jack Doremus.

“I thought our start was really good,” head coach David Carle said. “We were on top of them. We were very assertive. We were very aggressive.” Continue reading Denver retaliates with 5-2 win over Miami

Denver rises 15-6 over first-year program Utah

Photo: Courtesy of Georgia Peachy

The Denver Pioneers honed a 15-6 win in a western showdown against the NCAA’s newest addition the University of Utah Utes. The No. 8-ranked Pioneers struggled to find a consistent rhythm and committed senseless errors that troubled the coaching staff but still managed the victory.

“I’m bewildered by this team,” coach Tierney said candidly postgame. “That’s what I told them in the locker room. You see five-minute spurts of what could be greatness. But then you see dumb, selfish, soft things going on out there. We’re trying to put our finger on it. We’re working hard. We’ve got older guys and younger guys — we’ve got to remember that we’ve even got some older guys out there who haven’t played much for us before — but even so, we’re not getting that flow or synch going.

“Credit to a team like Utah for coming out and playing hard. It’s a first-year program.” Continue reading Denver rises 15-6 over first-year program Utah

Bill Tierney still “finding a way” to Pioneer lacrosse out west

Photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

A decade ago, Bill Tierney left a comfortable dynasty and headed west to establish a western lacrosse presence in Denver with two objectives; to create a western lacrosse mecca capable of regularly contending for a national title and to continue advancing the growth of the sport. Nine-consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, five Final Fours and one national championship later, Coach Tierney and the Pioneers have established themselves for the long run as the Lacrosse Capital of the West. While Tierney and Denver aim to again hoist the national championship title trophy this Spring, the 66-year old lacrosse maven continues his tandem goal of growing the sport. Continue reading Bill Tierney still “finding a way” to Pioneer lacrosse out west

Denver vs Duke: February Foreshadowing

Photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

It’s hard to imagine that just the second game of the season could present any long-term implications, but men’s lacrosse is unique in that particular way. With a regular season slate of just 13 to 15 games, the top ten clash between the #5 Denver Pioneers and the #8 Duke Blue Devils this Saturday is a taste of May competition in February. The result and individual performances become a baseline for later reflection. Continue reading Denver vs Duke: February Foreshadowing

Colorado’s finest: Denver & Air Force set to open 2019 season at Peter Barton

Photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

The growth of lacrosse out west has cultivated a unique rivalry between the No. 8 Denver Pioneers and Air Force Falcons. Separated by an hour-bus ride, Colorado’s only Division l men’s programs have embraced a matchup that has seen everything from blizzardous conditions, NCAA tournament action, to one-goal games. It’s only fitting that both teams open their respective 2019 campaigns with an in-state showdown.   Continue reading Colorado’s finest: Denver & Air Force set to open 2019 season at Peter Barton

Inside the dynasty of the Denver Ski Team

Photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

Maintaining a winning culture is a precious formula with a variety of methods that concern core values, an environment to succeed, commitment, demanding results and myriad other variables. It’s a complex process that few ever perfect. For a dynasty like the University of Denver Pioneers ski program, it has become a matter of tradition and innovation; a recurring expectation the athletes are devoted to and prestige they hold themselves accountable towards. Continue reading Inside the dynasty of the Denver Ski Team

Denver battles 1-1 tie with North Dakota in playoff atmosphere

Photo courtesy of North Dakota Athletics
There was no shortage of emotion as the No. 7-ranked Denver Pioneers pulled out an official 1-1 tie and a 2-1 overtime win over the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. A physical playoff-style game had 6,029 spectators out of their seats at Magness Arena. The Pioneers celebrated the overtime win as if it were a postseason game as freshman forward Brett Stapley squeaked by his defenseman with a nifty toe-drag past and buried his shot. 

“It’s the way it’s going to be [the rest of the year],” Denver head coach David Carle said. “It’s going to be playoff hockey. Every point is big from here on out. Continue reading Denver battles 1-1 tie with North Dakota in playoff atmosphere