Blackhawks great Keith Magnuson’s memory looms over Denver’s NCAA hockey title – Chicago Tribune

Keith Magnuson would have loved this.

Here was Denver, Maggie’s alma mater, infiltrating his hockey town in a way that would have made the rambunctious redhead smile. Here were the Pioneers, wearing the same colors Magnuson wore in college, beating Minnesota Duluth 3-2 at the United Center for the NCAA championship.

“He would be leading the circus if he was around,” said Kevin Magnuson, son of the late Blackhawks defenseman.

Hours before Jarid Lukosevicius’ hat trick set off a party on the ice, Denver’s pep band played in the parking lot. The school’s cheerleaders danced in crimson and gold skirts, and kids with painted faces mimicked every move. Denver’s impressive hockey following made the UC all about DU, the roar loudest when the Pioneers scored two goals 16 seconds apart in the second period.