Buffs Fall to Utah State 7-2 to End Road Trip

LOGAN, Utah (01/21/2012) – The No. 4 University of Colorado Division II men’s ice hockey team fell to the No. 2 Utah State Aggies 7-2 Saturday night at the George S. Eccles Ice Arena, snapping their 10 game win streak.

Zach Lass and Chase Komatz both scored for the Buffaloes. The loss dropped Colorado’s season record to 17-6-0-1.

The Aggies took control early with a goal three minutes into the first period. Utah did not let up as they went up 4-1 to end the first stanza. The Aggies continued to pressure the Colorado defense, scoring two additional goals in the second period, while holding the Buffs to a single goal, ending the period 6-2.

The Buffs held the Utah State surging offense to a single goal in the third stanza and concluded their Utah road trip with a 2-1 record.

Buffaloes goaltender Alex Pomerleau saved 5 goals before being replaced by Mike McGrath who picked up 35 saves in the contest.

 

“Playing quality teams teaches us what we need to improve on and how to grow from a loss,” said forward Alex Lencioni. “We will learn from this experience and grow from it.”

Next, the Buffs will look to redeem themselves against Northern Colorado on Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. at the Greeley Ice Haus. The Buffs return home on Jan. 28 when they faceoff against No. 4 Lindenwood University at 7:30 p.m. at the CU Ice Arena. Admission to all Division II games is $3 for students with Buff One Card and $5 for the general public.

Nelson’s Hat Trick Helps Life Buffs over Matadors

PANORAMA CITY, CA (01/21/2012)– The No. 5 University of Colorado Division III men’s ice hockey team took down Cal-State Northridge 8-3 on Friday night at the Valley Ice Center in their first return to ice of the spring semester.

Andrew Nelson, Jesse Gasbarro, Matt Conrad and Christian Matta all scored for the Buffaloes. Gasbarro picked up two goals, while Nelson scored a hat trick with four goals in the evening. This was Nelson’s first hat trick this season and CU’s third hat trick of the 2011-12 season.

Buffs goaltender Alex Puig had 34 saves in CU’s first of two out of state games this weekend. The victory improved Colorado’s American Collegiate Hockey Association record to 14-6.

“It is really great for the team to start off the new semester with a big road win,” said forward Nelson. “We need to use this momentum as we continue on this weekend.”

The Buffs last played on Dec. 9 when they shut out the Metro State Roadrunners 8-0.
Next, Colorado will faceoff against College of the Canyons on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Ice Station in Valencia. Next weekend, the Buffs return home to take on the Air Force Academy on Jan. 27 at 5:15 at the CU Ice Arena. Admission to all Division III home games is free.

Buffs Rout BYU 13-3 on Day Two of Road Trip

PROVO, Utah (01/20/2012) – The No. 4 University of Colorado Division II men’s ice hockey team defeated Brigham Young University 13-3 on Friday night at the Peaks Ice
Arena on day two of a three game road trip.

Alex Lencioni, Reilly O’Brien, Brennan Stieneker, J.P. Park, Cody Glickman, Tyler Moore, Chase Komatz, Billy Haege, Zach Lass and Jordan Lockner all picked up goals for the Buffs. Stieneker and Komatz both found the back of the cage twice in the evening, as Colorado improved their American Collegiate Hockey Association record to 18-5-0-1.

Goaltender Jay Westcott made 33 saves in the Buffaloes 11th straight win. The victory also marked CU’s fifth out of state win on the streak. Last night the Buffs defeated No. 6 Utah 4-1.

“It’s a really great feeling to win big on the road like that,” said goalie Westcott, who started in his third game of the season. “We continue to build on each win and it is showing on the ice.”

Tomorrow, the Buffs will take on No. 2 Utah State at 7 p.m. at the George S. Eccles Ice Arena in Logan. CU will return home on Jan. 28, where they will take on No. 4 Lindenwood University at the CU Ice Arena at 7:30 p.m. Admission to all Division II games is $3 for students with a Buff One Card and $5 for the general public.

Colorado Outshoots Creighton in First Win of Weekend

OMAHA, NE (12/2/11) – The University of Colorado at Boulder Division III men’s ice hockey team defeated Creighton University 8-4 tonight, resulting in their first win of the weekend, increasing their record to 11-5 on the American Collegiate Hockey Association season.

The Buffs outshot Creighton 33-13 with goalie Gordon Burns in the net.

Earlier in the season Colorado beat Creighton in an outstanding 11-1 victory at the CU Ice Arena and were able to continue that momentum tonight, raking in another big win against the Bluejays.

Colorado will compete against the University of Nebraska tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Snider Ice Arena in Fremont, Nebraska. The Buffaloes will conclude the weekend against Dordt College on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Vernon Arena in Sioux Center, Iowa.

Follow the Buffaloes division II squad as they host the Western Classic Tournament this weekend at the CU Ice Arena. Tomorrow evening they will take on Arizona State at 8:30 p.m. The Buffs will then face the University of Washington at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and conclude the weekend on Sunday against the University Nevada-Las Vegas.

Buffs Take Down Lumberjacks in Emotional Western Classic Opener

BOULDER (12/2/11)– The University of Colorado Division II men’s ice hockey team kicked off the Western Classic on Thursday night at the CU Ice Arena with an aggressive 6-1 victory over Northern Arizona.

J.P Park, David Key, Chase Komatz and Sam Kinney all scored for the Buffaloes leading them to improve their record to 10-5-0-1 on the season and increasing their win streak to four games. Both Park and Komatz had two goals in the evening.

Goalie, Jay Westscott, had 31 saves in his first collegiate start.

The Lumberjacks were able to find the back of the cage first on a power play 11:43 into the game, but the Buffaloes were quick on the counter attack with a goal by Park less than a minute further into the penalty ridden first period.

Colorado began the first period with a 5-3 advantage over the Lumberjacks but were unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunity.

With 5:23 remaining in the second twenty minutes David Key used a bad bounce to fire a shot past the Northern Arizona goalie to give the Buffs their first lead of the game. From there Colorado took control of the contest scoring three additional goals to close out the second period.

The Buffs continued strong defensive play in the third stanza as they held the Lumberjacks offense goalless. Komatz closed out the aggressive game with the final goal.

“A very aggressive game occurred tonight” said head coach Shawn Sullivan, “We need to get some rest and come out ready to play good hockey tomorrow.”

The Buffs will continue their run at the Western Classic tomorrow when they face regional rival the Arizona State Sun Devil’s at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, the squad will play Washington at 7:30 p.m. and will conclude the weekend against Nevada-Las Vegas on Sunday at 10:15 a.m. All Buffs games will be held at the CU Ice Arena.

Admission for all Division II home games is $3 for students with a Buff One card and $5 for the general public.
Listen to the Western Classic at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/cubuffshockey
Scoring Summary
First Period
8:13 NAU Goal: Zack Vachris, Assisted by Michael Farnham and Dillon Butenhoff PP
7:28 CU Goal: J.P Park PP
Second Period
5:23 CU Goal: David Key, Assisted by Cody Glickman
4:06 CU Goal: Chase Komatz, Assisted by Nick Carey
3:25 CU Goal: J.P Park, Assisted by Chase Komatz and Alex Dobzanksi
1:01 CU Goal: Sam Kinney, Assisted by Alex Lencioni and Cody Clickman
Third Period
1:18 CU Goal: Chase Komatz, Assisted by Cody Glickman and Zach Lass PP


Shots on Goal:
Northern Arizona – 32
Colorado – 34

Colorado Buffaloes Host Western Classic Tournament

BOULDER (12/1/11)– The University of Colorado Buffaloes Division II men’s ice hockey team prepares to host the annual Western Classic Tournament after returning from Thanksgiving break, with four games in four days.

This past weekend the Colorado Buffaloes traveled to Utah and took the Beehive Showcase by storm, coming out with a 3-0 record on the weekend.

Earlier in the 2011-12 American Collegiate Hockey Association season, Colorado beat Northern Arizona in a close 3-2 matchup. This weekend the Buffs look to gain another victory over the Ice Jacks, while also improving on their 9-5-0-1 record on the season.

Arizona State defeated the Buffaloes with a 4-3 victory over Colorado this past month. The Buffs motivation to take back the big win over Arizona State remains a crucial part of their strategy to dominate in their matchup against the Sundevils.

“After losing to Arizona Sate the last time we played them, our strategies will remain the same – get the puck deep and get pucks to the net,” John Park said. “ASU is a good team, but nothing we can’t handle if we just stick to our game plan and play to our strengths.”

Colorado will start off the four game weekend on Thursday night against the University of Northern Arizona (7-8-0-1) at 8:30 p.m. They will go on to play Arizona State (15-1) on Friday, also at 8:30 p.m., followed by the University of Washington (10-2) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. To end the weekend Colorado will matchup against the University of Nevada Las Vegas (5-6) early Sunday morning at 10:15 a.m. All games will be held at the CU Ice Arena.

Colorado Heads to Nebraska and Iowa for Weekend

OMAHA, NE (12/1/11)– The University of Colorado Division III men’s ice hockey team heads to Nebraska and Iowa to face three out of state opponent this weekend

Colorado will take on Creighton (0-7), Nebraska (8-5) and Dordt College (3-8) on a three-day road trip.

The Buffs beat out CU-Denver and Northern Colorado two weeks ago to improve their record to 10-5 on the season. They hope to build on that momentum this weekend.

“We had a nice weekend before break going 2-0 and then had the week off,” said goalie Gordon Burns. “We need to practice hard and just keep playing our game. If we play to our full potential then the rest should take care of itself this weekend”

The Buffaloes are currently ranked third in the Division III Pacific region.

On Thursday Colorado will face Creighton University at Motto McClean Ice Arena at 10:30 p.m. in Omaha, Nebraska. Next, the University of Nebraska hosts the Buffs on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Snider Ice Arena in Fremont, Nebraska. CU will conclude the weekend against Dordt College on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Vernon Arena in Sioux Center, Iowa.

The D-III team returns home on Dec. 9 when they take on the Metro State Roadrunners at 7:30 p.m. at the CU Ice Arena. All Division III home games are FREE.

The Division II squad will be hosting the Western Classic this weekend at the CU Ice Arena. They will begin the weekend on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. against Northern Arizona. On Friday they take on Arizona State at 8:30 p.m. The Buffs will then face Washington at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and conclude the weekend on Sunday against Nevada-Las Vegas.

All D-II home games are $3 for students with a Buff One card and $5 for the general public.

CU Women’s Club Soccer Falls to Texas at Nationals

Phoenix, Ariz. (11/21/11)– The University of Colorado women’s club soccer team lost 2-1 to the University of Texas in the round of 16 of the NCCS National Championship.

The Buffaloes got off to a hot start in the tournament, beating Virginia and Cornell in convincing fashion to win their pool. The Buffs’ beat Virginia 2-0 thanks to goals from Becky Santiago and Taylor Frankel. Colorado bested Cornell 1-0, the only goal of the game was scored by Paige Polesovsky.

After winning their pool the Buffaloes advanced to the round of 16 to face the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns struck first, scoring a goal in the 25th minute. CU responded, scoring in the 32nd minute of the first half with a goal from Taylor Frankel assisted by Alexis Keeney. The second half was a defensive battle, and regulation ended with the score 1-1.

In overtime, the Longhorns were able to find the back of the net with 5 minutes remaining. The final whistle sounded with the score 2-1 in favor of Texas.

The game was as close on paper as it was on the field. Texas had 9 shots, 8 of which were on goal. Colorado shot 8 times, 6 of which were on goal.

“It was a very even game that went back and forth, with a lot of speed and psychical play by both teams,” said CU head coach Dorian Barnes. “It was a well-played game, I couldn’t be more proud of this team. They performed at a very high level, you just sometimes don’t get the lucky breaks when you need them.”

While everyone on the team is disappointed with their early departure, the team is still proud of what they accomplished this year.

“My overall feelings on this year’s teams are all positive,” said Barnes. “We really built up a nice season not being scored upon since our game verses Cal Poly on Oct. 9 and then not again until our final game verses Texas. This loss will motivate us to put in the work during the offseason and during next season in order to improve upon our finish this year.”

The University of California Santa Barbara defeated Cal Poly 1-0 to win the NCCS National Championship.

For more information on Colorado women’s club soccer visit their website at www.cusoccer.net

Colorado Men’s Soccer Falls to Cal at Nationals

Phoenix, Ariz. (11/21/11)– The University of Colorado men’s club soccer team lost 2-0 to the University of California at Berkley in the round of 16. The loss to Cal was the Buffaloes first loss all season.

The tournament started off well for the Buffs’ who won their pool by drawing verses Texas 1-1 and then defeating Cal Poly 1-0. Senior Dan Whittle scored the game-winning goal against Cal-Poly.

The defending national champion Colorado Buffaloes advanced to the round of 16 to take on the California Golden Bears. The Bears drew first blood scoring on a set piece in the first half. Playing from behind, CU managed to create three quality chances in the second half but weren’t able to convert on any of them, including a penalty kick that would have changed the game dramatically. When the final whistle blew the score was 2-0 in favor of Cal.

“The loss against Cal Berkley is still tough to think about,” said head coach David Vaughan. “We were flat the entire game—plain and simple.”

The Buffs’ were put in an unusual spot after Cal scored in the first half. Colorado hadn’t lost a game the entire season going into the round of 16 and wasn’t used to playing from behind.

“It was one of the few times we’ve ever played from behind all year,” said Vaughan. “I thought we panicked in terms of maintaining possession and dictating the pace of the game. The energy we brought the night before when we won our group simply didn’t exist against Cal.”

Despite the early departure from nationals, the Colorado men’s club soccer team has a lot to be proud of. They had an undefeated regular season and won their region despite losing 15 players from their national championship winning team.

“When you consider the dramatic turnover we experienced I think our guys played extremely well this year,” said Vaughan on the team’s season. “We’re very young and still accomplished some great things this year including repeating as league champions and adding another Region V title to our résumé. This year’s seniors have done a great job laying the foundation for our younger freshmen and sophomores to take over in 2012. The future is definitely bright for CU men’s soccer.”

Webber State defeated Missouri in penalty kicks to win the 2011 NCCS National Championship.

For more information about CU men’s soccer visit their website at www.cumenssoccer.com

Colorado Women’s Club Soccer Prepares for Nationals

Phoenix, Ariz.(11/11/11) – The University of Colorado women’s club soccer team will head to Arizona Nov. 17-19 in hopes of the winning the 2011 NIRSA NCCS National Soccer Championship.

The Buffs’ have had a great fall season, going 12-5-2 and finishing first in Region V. Colorado will look to continue their winning ways in nationals.

Colorado is the WCB pool along with Cornell and Virginia. The top two teams in the pool will advance to the round of 16.

In last year’s tournament the Buffs’ lost a heartbreaker in the quarterfinals to Texas A&M. Colorado scored a goal late in the game with the game tied 0-0 but the referees called it back. The game eventually went into a penalty kicks and Texas A&M came away with the victory.

“That game will definitely be in the minds of the players that were on this team last year,” said head coach Dorian Barnes.

The Buffaloes’ are excited at the opportunity but are wary of the high level of competition that they will be facing.

“The competition is the best you can get,” said Barnes. “They will need to play with heart and passion, play with composure, play with confidence and they will need to play for each other,” said Barnes on what her team needs to do to win the tournament. “I believe we have them to a point physically, mentally, technically, and tactically as they possibly can be.  Now we just have to execute.”

The Buffs’ players are anxious to get to Phoenix and prove themselves.

“They want their tests to be over, they want practices to be over, they just want to get started with game number one vs. Virginia right now and find out what they are really made of,” said Barnes. “That to me shows a confidence that they are ready to go and just want to get to it.  I feel we have a very talented team, but as you know you can't win on talent alone, so how we deal with everything else will decide it for us.  I feel good about our chances.”

Colorado’s first game will be against Virginia on Thursday Nov. 17 at 8 a.m. For more information about the tournament and women’s club soccer follow the links below.

CU women’s club soccer website: www.cusoccer.net
NCCS Soccer Championships website: www.nirsa.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Sports/Soccer/Soccer2011-Schedule.pdf

Colorado Men’s Varsity Soccer Bests CSU 3-2, Nationals Next

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (11/7/11) – The University of Colorado men’s varsity soccer team will bring the Rocky Mountain Cup back to Boulder after defeating the Colorado State Rams 3-2 Sunday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

The Buffaloes’ win improves their record to an impressive 13-0-1 on the season.

The first half started off slow, with both teams playing tentatively. That all changed when Colorado junior Matt Hammett found the back of the net with 19 minutes remaining. The play was set up by a great cross by senior Dan Whittle, who put the ball on Hammett’s foot five yards from the goal. Minutes later, the Buffs’ seemed to have scored another goal, but the referee ruled that the player was offside. After the offside call Colorado State played more aggresive. With nine minutes left CSU had a breakaway that looked like a sure goal. Colorado’s senior goalie Dirk Van Curan was able to come out of the net and make a great diving save to preserve the Buffaloes 1-0 lead.

“The ball was slotted through so I knew I had to come out and make a play,” said Van Curan on his save. “The kid came in with his cleats up, it should have been a yellow, but I was just happy to get a piece of it.”

The Rams’ continued to attack the rest of the first half but were unable to score a goal. The whistle sounded and the Buffs’ went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

Colorado struck early in the second half behind a great offensive effort from Whittle. The senior forward was able to weave his way through the defense and then rip a low shot into the corner past the Colorado State keeper.

“I’m an offensive minded player so when I get the ball I look to attack,” said Whittle. I saw space open up in the middle so I just took off, found and opening, and was able to finish.”

Down 2-0, the Rams’ stepped up their pressure and we’re finally able to score with 22 minutes remaining in the game. After the goal CSU had all the momentum, but the Buffs’ were able to stay composed and continued to play their game. With five minutes left in the game sophomore Landon Roos scored off an assist from Luke Woodruff. The goal would prove to be the game winner. In extra time CSU an inconsequential goal on a free kick. The final whistle blew with the score 3-2 in favor of Colorado.

The Buffaloes will head to Phoenix, Ariz. on Nov. 16 for nationals. Colorado won nationals last year, defeating Missouri 3-1 in the championship game.

“We won last year so there’s going to be some pressure,” said Whittle on nationals. “The competitions going to be high so we are going to have to be on our game. This team is loaded with talent though, and we’ll be ready for nationals.”

For more information on CU men’s soccer visit their website at www.cumenssoccer.com

Colorado Women’s Hockey Bests CSU 3-1 at the Pepsi Center

DENVER (11/8/11) – The University of Colorado women’s ice hockey team defeated the Colorado State Ram’s 3-1 at the Pepsi Center Saturday evening.

The win improves the Buffaloes record to 2-6-1 on the season.

The Ram’s drew first blood, scoring with 12:21 left in the first period. The Buffs’ offense fired shot after shot trying to get an equalizer, but Colorado State’s sophomore goalie Amanda Vandenberg was brick wall, stopping Colorado’s first 11 shots. The first period concluded with the Buffs’ down 1-0.

Despite being behind, the Buffs’ were able to keep their composure in the second period. Just three minutes in, freshmen Emera Danos scored a goal off a beautiful assist from senior Lizzy Stoll. Play went back and forth the rest of the period, with both teams narrowly missing goals. With three minutes left in the second period,  Stoll was able to find the back of the net thanks to an assist by CU sophomore Sara Lopez and  senior Elizabeth Helmer. The buzzer sounded with Colorado leading 2-1.

The third period was dominated by the Buffaloes’ defense. CU’s asphyxiating defense allowed just three shots on goal in the final period. With 7:22 remaining in third, Colorado senior Amanda Wilson scored a highlight-reel backhanded flip goal to put the Buffs’ up 3-1. Wilson’s goal turned out to be a dagger for Colorado State, who wouldn’t score the rest of the game.  

“She played awesome today,” said head coach Kristen Van Slyke on Stoll’s performance. “She’s a senior captain so I expect her to play great every game but today she really came to play.”

Stoll had an amazing game, but Colorado’s defense won them the game.

“I think our defense did a great job of causing turnovers in the neutral zone,” said Van Slyke. “I think they’ve learned a lot from our past couple weekends and have been able to come out and do great things on the ice.”

Stoll continued on the theme of defense, “Most of our defenders are actually freshmen, they’ve been working really hard to step up and being stronger and I think they showed that tonight.”

While defense may have won the Buffs’ the game, there’s no arguing that the most exciting play of the game was Wilson’s backhand flip goal.

“I was screaming at my defender who actually received the puck to just shoot it,” said Wilson on her goal. “I saw the rebound of her shot come toward me and I knew I had to get the shot up so I just dug in and threw it top shelf with my backhand.”

Perhaps most impressive from CU’s 3-1 victory was the team’s composure. The team never seemed flustered, despite being down most of the first period.

“We’re really mentally strong,” said Danos. “We have the ability to not get down on ourselves and not shut down when things get hard and we showed that by coming back each period.”

Colorado will head to Bensenville, Ill. Nov. 11 to take on the Michigan State Spartans.

The women’s team is one of 21 schools (and one of two in the western United States) that plays at the Women’s ACHA Division I level. CU’s women’s team also plays games in the WACH (Women’s Association of Colorado Hockey). For more information on CU women’s club hockey visit their website at http://www.coloradowomenshockey.com