In the thick of an icy Colorado rivalry, sparks fly as hockey sticks clash and pucks rocket across the rink. The Gold Pan Series, a far from cordial contest between the University of Denver and Colorado College, is the kind of athletic event that rallies schools, alumni, and entire townships. With stakes higher than the Rockies themselves, alma maters and the pride of entire institutions hang in the balance each time these teams face off.
According to KDVR, the two teams have faced off hundreds of times, with neither side offering quarter. This tradition steeped in competition is a defining feature of Colorado's college hockey scene. As reported by KKTV, Colorado College Coach Mayotte likened the significance of the rivalry to that of the heated Michigan-Ohio State football matchups, inflaming passions and drawing in massive crowds. "It’s the big one that really rallies the schools it’s the one the schools want to engage with, ex players, the town etc. It has the ability to bring in the masses," Mayotte said.
On the ice, the anticipation for this series is palpable. Stanley Cooley, Colorado College's senior captain, described the atmosphere as something beyond words for newcomers, as they can't fully grasp the intensity until they're in the thick of it. "It doesn’t take much, everybody is excited for it. As far as the new guys, until you get out there you cant describe it, you just have to experience it first," Cooley said, as per KKTV.
In the run-up to the showdown, Colorado College has been navigating a grueling schedule, with 12 of their 34 regular-season games against teams that competed in the 2024 NCAA Division I Hockey Championships, according to CCTigers. Despite the pressure, the Tigers have proven resilient, with a seasoned goalie in Kaidan Mbereko and a penalty-killing unit that ranks 10th in the nation, showcasing a team that refuses to yield under the weight of competition. They also have welcomed a robust cohort of newcomers, counting no less than six NHL draft picks among them, promising a shot of vitality and talent to the venerable program.
