Nearly half of the entire 2011 NCAA Tournament field will be represented among Colorado College's regular-season opponents when the Tigers take the ice next campaign.
   
CC's 2011-12 schedule, released today, features a total of 16 games against seven different teams – including four familiar rivals from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association – that reached this year's national playoffs.
      
Six of those 16 outings are at the Colorado Springs World Arena, and season tickets are available by calling 719-389-6324 or visiting www.cctigers.com.
     
Fresh off their 20th NCAA Tournament appearance and a stunning 8-4 upset of defending national champion Boston College, the Tigers will boast a veteran lineup featuring forwards Jaden Schwartz, Rylan Schwartz and Nick Dineen, along with senior defenseman Gabe Guentzel and junior goalie Joe Howe.  
       
Headlining the 2011-12 home slate are the annual showdowns with the University of Denver (Nov. 11 and Feb. 4), as well as a two-game series against the University of Nebraska Omaha (Feb. 17-18). A pair of non-conference opponents that earned NCAA bids this spring – Air Force Academy (Dec. 30) and Union College (Dec. 31) – also visit the World Arena over New Year's weekend.
       
In addition, Colorado College entertains the University of Wisconsin (Nov. 18-19) and Cornell University (Jan. 6-7), typical powerhouses that did not earn NCAA bids this season, at the World Arena.
       
“The real key is the strenth of our schedule, the quality of opponents we'll be playing,” said Scott Owens, who heads into  his 13th season as head coach. “It's challenging, with so many games against NCAA tournament teams. But it should be a real treat for our fans. There's a lot to be excited about.”
       
On the road, meanwhile, the Tigers have a couple reciprocal dates at DU (Nov. 12 and Feb. 3), along with trips to three other NCAA tourney participants – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Oct. 28-29), University of North Dakota (Nov. 25-26) and national champion University of Minnesota Duluth (Feb. 24-25).
       
Starting with exhibitions at home against McGill University (Oct. 2) and the United States Under-18 Team (Oct. 8), the Tigers will be home for at least 20 outings overall in 2011-12, excluding a potential WCHA first-round playoff series. They also play host to Bemidji State University, the University of Alaska Anchorage, St. Cloud State and Michigan Tech in four more two-game WCHA sets at the World Arena.   
       
Season-ticket prices start at $149 and include all 20 regular-season home games plus any home playoff dates. Fans who order prior to May 14 can receive a special discount of up to $20 on each season ticket. Season-ticket holders also receive many special benefits, including a choice of the best seat locations. Payment options – incuding a five-month plan – are available to fit any budget.
       
CC Tiger Hockey remains the top attended collegiate winter event in the entire state of Colorado.