LetsGoDU

Veideman Named Captain of 2006-07 Hockey Team

Stastny, Corbin and Thomas named alternate captains

DENVER - Senior defenseman Adrian Veideman has been named captain of the 2006-07 University of Denver hockey team, while senior J.D. Corbin and juniors Paul Stastny and Andrew Thomas will serve as alternate captains, announced today by two-time National Coach of the Year George Gwozdecky.

Gwozdecky announced all four captains after a team vote. Veideman becomes the seventh consecutive defenseman to either co-captain or captain the Pioneers. He tallied 17 points on six goals and 11 assists in 31 games last season after missing eight games with a shoulder injury. Veideman has been one of DU's most versatile players the past three seasons seeing action at forward and defense.

"Adrian has earned the respect of his teammates on-and-off the ice," Gwozdecky said. "He has played on two NCAA National Championship teams and knows what kind of leadership is necessary for our team to be successful. His selfless play, toughness and willingness to play both offense and defense have been immeasurable."

Corbin moves into the leadership role after showing steady progress for three seasons. The Littleton native tallied a career-best 20 points on five goals and 15 assists in 38 games last season. He earned the Dr. Ken Bredesen Award for sportsmanship and was a co-recipient of the Dr. Art Mason Award for top scholar-athlete. In addition, he was one of DU's top forwards during the second half of last season.

"J.D. is another in a long line of Colorado natives who have played important leadership roles within the Pioneer hockey program," Gwozdecky said. "He is one of the fastest players in the WCHA and throughout his career has proven to be one of the top penalty killers in college hockey. J.D. is a hard worker who leads by example and we anticipate a strong senior season from him."

Stastny earned the "A" after leading the WCHA in conference scoring and tying for the team lead with 53 points. He has amassed 98 points on 36 goals and 62 assists in just 81 games. Stastny earned National Rookie of the Year honors from USCHO.com in 2005 and All-WCHA First-Team and RBK West Second-Team All-America accolades in 2006.

"Paul is one of the top forwards in college hockey and one of the most-liked players on the team," Gwozdecky said. "His confidence and personality are contagious and his teammates are ready to follow his lead."

Thomas is DU's most experienced returning defenseman. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound blueliner has played in 80 of 82 games in two seasons as a Pioneer and will lead a young defensive corps in 2006-07. Thomas and Veideman will expand their roles after the departure of 2006 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner Matt Carle.

"Andy brings a strong physical presence to our blueline," Gwozdecky said. "He learned a lot from playing alongside Matt Carle for two seasons and we expect him to continue mentoring our young blueliners."