DENVER - The University of Denver will honor legendary head coach Murray Armstrong on Dec. 31 when the Pioneers host Northern Michigan in nonconference college hockey action at Magness Arena. Armstrong died at the age of 94 on Dec. 8 after leading Denver to five NCAA championships (1958, 1960, 1961, 1968, 1969) and 460 wins as head coach from 1956-1977. Puck drop is set for 6:09 p.m. MT for the special New Year's Eve game.

Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6 p.m. MT for the special pre-game ceremony. DU will recognized Armstrong and his accomplishments at approximately 6:05 p.m. MT. Fans are also encouraged to stay in their seats during the first intermission as the Pioneers will honor Armstrong with a 3-5 minute video tribute.

Among the many highlights of Armstrong's coaching career were the first NCAA title in 1958, the historic 4-4 tie with the Russian National Team in 1959, the 1960-61 squad which posted an incredible 30-1-1 record, the 1959-60 tie and victory over the eventual gold-medal U.S. Olympic Team, and the dramatic 4-3 upset win over Cornell for the 1969 NCAA championship. Twice honored as WCHA Coach of the Year (1961 & 1968), Armstrong also copped the Spencer Penrose Award as the NCAA Division I Coach of the Year in 1961. Armstrong's contributions to the game did not go unnoticed by the National Hockey League - in 1977 he was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy for "outstanding service to hockey in the United States."

Armstrong played nine years in the NHL for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Americans and Detroit Red Wings from 1937-46. From 1947-56, he coached the Regina Pats at the Canadian Junior A level before arriving in Denver. When Armstrong arrived in the Mile High City, he promised to give DU a national championship in three years or he'd quit. Armstrong delivered on the promise in only two years with DU's first NCAA championship in 1958.

Tickets for the No. 7 Denver (12-5-3) and Northern Michigan (9-8-3) series on Dec. 31-Jan. 1 are available at the Ritchie Center Box Office, online at www.DenverPioneers.com or by calling (303) 871-2336.

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