Mavericks will honor Romo

Sports shorts

Tony Romo will wear No. 9 one more time.

The Dallas Mavericks are planning a tribute and “very special sports experience” for the retiring Cowboys quarterback before their final home game.

Two people with knowledge of the plan told The Associated Press that Romo would be in uniform wearing his familiar number on a Mavericks jersey while sitting on the bench. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the tribute haven’t been released.

While declining to offer details, coach Rick Carlisle said in a text message Saturday that he and owner Mark Cuban “very much look forward to honoring one of Dallas’ all-time best athletes and people with a very special sports experience.”

Dallas is currently carrying 14 players, and the maximum is 15, leaving room for the honorary player. Already eliminated from the playoffs with their first losing record in the 17 full seasons that Cuban has owned them, the Mavericks play Denver in their home finale Tuesday night.

AHL

MONSTERS GET SHUTOUT WIN >> Brad Thiessen turned away all 31 shots sent his way, leading the Monsters to a 4-0 win over host Grand Rapids. Sonny Milano scored twice and had an assists for the monsters (37-284-4). Joe Pendeza and Markus Hannikainen also found the back of the net.

College hockey

DENVER WINS TITLE >> Jarid Lukosevicius scored three goals in the second period, and Denver beat Minnesota Duluth, 3-2, for the NCAA championship.

Troy Terry had two assists and Tanner Jaillet made 38 saves as Denver moved into a tie with North Dakota for second on the NCAA list with eight men’s hockey titles, trailing only Michigan with nine. The Pioneers (33-7-4) also made it to the Frozen Four last year, but lost 4-2 to the Fighting Hawks.