Dear Denver Hockey Alumni,

As we head into summer, we are pleased with the progress that has occurred with our 60th Anniversary of DU Hockey Celebration. We are 1/3 of the way there in terms of our total registration goals. With 110 Registrants (Players and Spouses) we feel we have gotten off to a successful start. But just as there are 3 periods in a hockey game, there are 3 phases to having a successful celebration, the biggest celebration in DU Athletic history!

Hey, Thanks!

Many of our friends and teammates have registered and made their hotel reservations. Thank you! We knew you’d be there. But this reunion is about more than a gathering the ol’ faithful.

…It’s about welcoming our teammates who have not participated in a reunion previously, to come back and get involved.

…It’s about making new friends with younger generations of Denver hockey players who have carried on our proud traditions.

….It’s about repairing damaged friendships, and hurt feelings. It is about building a bridge to a Denver Hockey Legacy we can all be proud of!

…It’s about having a Fun Raiser, not a fund raiser!

Please reach out to your teammates, family and friends you would like to share this special celebration with. Encourage them to come, help them register if they haven’t found their way to the official web site of the Denver Hockey Alumni Association, www.dhaa.org It would be a shame to have anyone who was even mildly interested not attend because they weren’t encouraged.

Some Pioneers have opted for a “wait and see how my schedule develops” position. We understand. However, why not register and make your hotel reservation now? That way we can make plans to include you, and it will be less expensive for you. If you wait there maybe a shortage of hotel rooms at the Embassy Suites (800 362-2779), and we won’t be able to provide you with some wonderful memorabilia we are planning. If something should come up, we will find a way to work with you so you are not severely penalized.

Who’s talkin’?

“Our last reunion at Cooper Mountain in 2004 was very special for my wife Diane, and me. We got together with our dear friends and teammates, and made so many new friends with Pioneers that played after us. I will never forget the testimonials hat were spoken for our departed teammates, it touched me deeply. This maybe the last time I’ll be able to get together with my teammates. I hope they all come.” Marty Howe ’61

“Georgie Morrison was the life of the party the last time we all got together at my Hall of Fame dinner. He presented me with a certificate of appreciation from then secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, who attended DU while I was playing. Since then Georgie has passed away, at an early age. You learn to appreciate these get-togethers and realize how significant the bonds with your teammates are.” Gerry Powers ‘69

“I am looking forward to coming back to DU after many years and seeing all my old friends!” Rob Palmer.’73

“It’s the greatest feeling to be with the guys I admired as a kid, the teammates I went to school with, and the men that followed after I left. I wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Spence Walden.‘76

“Since I stayed in Denver after graduating I have remained close to the Denver Hockey program. I became involved with the reunion committee because I want to rekindle the bonds of friendship with my teammates from the Backstrom/ Serratore eras.” Rod Summers.‘90

“I learned to skate at DU as a kid and so my involvement in DU Hockey has been life long. For many of us in my generation this will be the first reunion of this type we can participate. I am sure we will be well represented.” Jason Grahame ‘03

“I want our players to get a sense of those who built the Denver hockey traditions. DU has a wonderful hockey legacy and we don’t do enough to celebrate it. We can’t think of a better way of opening the 2009/2010 season than with all of our Denver Hockey Alumni in attendance.” Coach George Gwozdecky

“When the reunion committee came to us over a year ago, and laid out their plans for a 60th Celebration of DU Hockey, I knew it was going to be a special weekend. We have embraced this event everyway we possibly can. Denver Hockey has meant so much to the University and the community of Denver since its inception nearly 60 years ago. I hope you will come home next fall and be recognized for the wonderful role you played here at DU.” Peg Bradley Doppes, Vice Chancellor Athletics and Recreation.

Come on, let’s do it!

To register, please go to the Denver Hockey Alumni Association at www.dhaa.org. Click on the registration page, print it and mail it to:

Tom Sampson
2903 Waterstone court
Ft. Collins, CO 80525-6634

Why don’t you two get a room!

To make hotel reservations, call the Embassy Suites Southeast Denver (800) 362-2779 or go to their specialized reservations page by clicking on their logo. The Denver Hockey rate is $99 per night, plus tax. Availability is limited, some restrictions apply. Every room is a two room suites and a full cooked to order breakfast and evening beverages are included in the rate.