Colorado Sports Hall of Fame awards Avalanche star Cale Makar a major honor | Colorado Sunshine
Where good news shines
The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame needs an Avalanche wing.
The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame said Tuesday Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar was named Pro Athlete of the Year — one year after teammate Nathan MacKinnon won the award. The 27-year-old Makar will be honored at the 61st annual induction and awards banquet April 16.
The selection committee also announced several other awards:
—College Athletes of the Year: Adam Paniagua (Regis baseball), Katherine Higgins (CSU Pueblo track and field)
—High school: Elijah Womack (Montrose football and lacrosse), Lucy Thompson (Legend softball and flag football)
—Athletes with Disabilities Award: Ri Armstrong
The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame also at the banquet will honor its newest inductees: Steve Foley (Broncos), Lafayette “Fat” Lever (Nuggets), Kordell Stewart (CU football), Beatriz “Gigi” Fernandez (tennis), Wendy Koenig (Colorado State track) and Harry Hollines (University of Denver basketball).
(“Colorado Sunshine” celebrates the good news in sports. Suggestions are encouraged through sports editor Paul Klee at paul.klee@gazette.com.)
No. 7 Denver swept by No. 6 Western Michigan to remain winless in 2026
Tyler King
tyler-king@denvergazette.com
Updated 1 day ago
The home team is officially winless in the regular season series between Denver and Western Michigan. Each of the four games between the two teams that met in the Frozen Four last April in St. Louis was won by the...
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Comeback comes up short as CU Buffs fall to No. 14 Texas Tech for first Big 12 loss
Tyler King
tyler-king@denvergazette.com
Updated 1 day ago
BOULDER — Colorado was handed a tall, heaping glass of reality check. That’s what happened in the first 26 minutes, at least. After taking a 24-point lead just six minutes into the second half, No. 14 Texas Tech was on...
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Kickin’ It with Kiz: Can’t wait to have a latte (or two) with my new bestie Sean Payton
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mark-kiszla@denvergazette.com
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Kiz, you and Sean Payton have got to quit meeting like this. – Walt, giving peace a chance Kiz: Love is in the air! How folks jumped to the conclusion that Payton and I don’t get along is beyond me....
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Colorado School of Mines’ Bob Stitt adds McLaughlin as defensive coordinator | Colorado Sunshine
Paul Klee
paul-klee@denvergazette.com
Updated 1 day ago
Where good news shines Bob Stitt added experience to his football staff at Colorado School of Mines. Scott McLaughlin, who spent 19 seasons at Wayne State in Detroit, was hired at Mines as the defensive coordinator. He will also work...
Paul Klee
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CU’s Tilde Baangman wins 20K freestyle at U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships | Colorado Sunshine
Chris Schmaedeke
chris.schmaedeke@denvergazette.com
Updated 2 days ago
Where good news shines Led by Tilde Baangman’s win and Jakob Moch’s second place, the Colorado Buffaloes’ ski team had a strong showing Thursday in the men’s and women’s 20K freestyle races at the 2026 U.S. Cross Country Ski Championships in Lake...
Chris Schmaedeke
Reporter
No. 7 Denver drops opening game of series against No. 6 Western Michigan in Frozen Four rematch
Tyler King
tyler-king@denvergazette.com
Updated 2 days ago
The final score doesn’t really reflect the 60 minutes of hockey that was played at Magness Arena on Friday night, but that won’t give David Carle too much solace. With a chance to clinch the season series against top conference...
Tyler King
Reporter
Bentley routs Air Force hockey in first home game of 2026 for Falcons
Hugh Johnson
hugh-johnson@denvergazette.com
Updated 2 days ago
Air Force hockey’s first home game of 2026 wasn’t one for the history books. Defending Atlantic Hockey America champion and current conference leader Bentley routed Air Force from start to finish with a 5-1 win. The Air Force Falcons raced...
Hugh Johnson
Reporter
Colorado native Jeff Linder thriving at No. 14 Texas Tech — with Final Four aspirations | College Basketball Insider
Tyler King
tyler-king@denvergazette.com
Updated 2 days ago
Jeff Linder is basketball in the state of Colorado. His first varsity scrimmage at Centaurus High School in Louisville came against Longmont High School and coach Tad Boyle. He played against Chauncey Billups growing up and in high school and...
Tyler King
Reporter
Former DU lacrosse coach Bill Tierney to be honored by Denver City Lax | Colorado Sunshine
Chris Schmaedeke
chris.schmaedeke@denvergazette.com
Updated 2 days ago
Where good news shines Former University of Denver men’s lacrosse head coach Bill Tierney will be honored by Denver City Lax at its annual gala on Feb. 18. The event will take place at 6 p.m. at Empower Field at Mile...
Chris Schmaedeke
Reporter
Colorado Mesa’s Allred, Colorado School of Mines’ Romack win RMAC honors | Colorado Sunshine
Chris Schmaedeke
chris.schmaedeke@denvergazette.com
Updated 3 days ago
Where good news shines Colorado Mesa redshirt senior forward Tyler Allred and Colorado School of Mines junior forward Alex Romack were named RMAC men’s basketball players of the week. Allred led the Mavericks to a strong win over Regis University...
Chris Schmaedeke
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