For over a half-century, the Colorado College Tigers and Denver Pioneers have been fighting it out on the ice. Every year the two are in the WCHA race, and every year you can most likely guarantee that the teams will be in the top five in the conference. This year should be no exception.

In the series the Pioneers have the 152-105-10 all time advantage over the Tigers in the Battle for the Gold Pan, which goes to the winner of the season series.

“Its one of the best rivalries, if not the best, I’ve ever been associated with,” said Denver head coach George Gwozdecky. “It is the only sport that the two teams compete in Division I. All in all its something special.”

“The rivalry has been strong for a long time,” added Colorado College head coach Scott Owens, whose team is 4-0-2 in six games. “Both teams have been strong in the last six or seven years and they have been meaningful games. The games could determine who wins the McNaughton Cup. It’s alive and well and one of the best rivalries in the nation.”

Both look for more offense (or defense):

After being ranked No. 1 in the Inside Hockey top 10, Denver could only muster a split against Ohio State. The Buckeyes ability to create plays off turnovers was one of the main keys to their win Saturday night.

“Ohio State did a terrific job of adjusting the next night,” said Gwozdecky about the Buckeyes play this weekend. “They forced some turnovers, created some good plays, got good goaltending, and overall I thought they did a really good job.

“Overall I thought we were a little sloppy in our own zone. Their game winner was because we put the puck in front of the net, and that’s one thing you can’t do. It has the potential to turn into transition to the other team and that’s what we did. We need to play the percentages and not turn the puck over in areas of offensive transition.”

After two ties against Clarkson this weekend, CC will look at this series as building more momentum.

“Overall we played very well,” said Owens. “However, we just didn’t finish. The next night could’ve gone either way.

“Our offense needs to get a little better. Once they get back on track guys like Scott McCulloch and Andreas Vlassopoulous and Brian Connolly will be guys to watch. Overall we are trying to get better in this aspect.”

What’s going well:

For Denver, the three super sophomores, Tyler Bozak, Kyle Ostrow and Anthony Maiani have provided the majority of the offense. Combined the three have a combined total of 23 points (10 g, 13 a).

“All three of them were a big part of last years team,” Gwozdecky noted about the super sophs. “This year they have been a big part as well. I am looking forward to their contributions.”

Gwozdecky also noted that the freshmen such as Patrick Wiercioch and Joe Colborne, are both progressing nicely.

“[Patrick] Wiercioch is creating a lot of offense for us on the blueline,” Gwozdecky said about the second round draft pick of the Ottawa Senators. “Joe Colborne is starting to develop nicely as well,” Gwozdecky added about the first round draft pick of the Boston Bruins.

For CC, it’s been about defense and Richard Bachman.

So far this year Bachman has posted outstanding numbers. Bachman’s record is 3-0-2 with a stingy 0.97 goals against average and an astounding .963 save percentage.

Owens praised Bachman by stating: “He picked up right where he left off. He has been both phenomenal and stellar throughout his two years.”

Gwozdecky on Colorado College:

“They are extremely talented. It will be one great series. We need to do a little more this series include taking advantage of offensive transition.

Owens on Denver:

“They are very talented offensively. They have a lot of depth, good stick work, and they are very quick. Mark Cheverie has been playing outstanding in net and he was put in a tough position to begin the year, replacing Peter Manino."

The battle for the Gold Pan begins tomorrow night in a home and home series, which concludes on Sunday. After that the two teams will play again February 13 in Colorado Springs and once more in Denver on March 7, which will close out the regular season for both teams.