Colorado College’s Tigers and the University of Denver’s Pioneers are set to renew their annual Battle for the Gold Pan with a home-and-home game on Feb. 6 and 7.
This traveling trophy tradition began in 1993-94 under the coaches Frank Serratore of DU and Don Lucia of CC.
The team with the best record over the two series is awarded the pan; in case of a tie, the previous winner retains the trophy.
Colorado College has won the trophy 13 times, while Denver has won it 18 times.
Serratore recounted how the interstate rivalry dates back to the 1800s. Before the pan’s introduction, the winning team only earned “bragging rights,” he said.
Serratore and Lucia aimed to create a tangible trophy, inspired by the Boston University and Boston College rivalry over what they call the Beanpot. Drawing from Colorado’s gold rush, the Gold Pan was born.
The impact of these games goes far beyond the scores. Each match played represents a deeper love for competition, tradition and passion of this shared sport.
Colorado College’s head hockey coach, Kris Mayotte, said the energy during each game drives players to perform at their best.
Tradition, loyalty and respect keep this rivalry alive and Mayotte predicts the Battle of the Gold Pan will endure for “decades.”
Even now, Serratore, who works at the Air Force Academy, checks the scores whenever the teams face off.
For him, the CC-DU rivalry remains the “most important” game.”