LetsGoDU

Appert Returns To DU

(left) Former DU Assistant Seth Appert returns to DU as the head honcho of RPI

FROM: Rocky Mountian News
by Pat Rooney

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University of Denver hockey coach George Gwozdecky took a beating at the hands of one of his former proteges, Miami (Ohio) coach Rico Blasi, less than two weeks ago.

This week, Gwozdecky again will match wits against one of his former assistants, Seth Appert of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

RPI visits Magness Arena on Friday and Saturday for the Pioneers' first home series of the season. Appert was an assistant under Gwozdecky from 1997 until he took the RPI job in April.

Gwozdecky's record dropped to 2-1 against Blasi when the Pioneers opened the season with a 5-2 loss against the Redhawks.

"One thing you know is there is nothing that's going to be left to chance for their teams," Gwozdecky said. "They are very thorough. They are very organized. They put in their time. They've analyzed us, and we've tried to do the same to them. You know they are going to be ready to go, and when that puck drops you're not competing against a friend. You're competing against those guys in another jersey."

Appert was a key recruiter for the DU teams that won consecutive national championships in 2004 and 2005. A respected mentor of -goaltenders, Appert guided former DU goaltender Wade Dubielewicz, who earned All-American honors, and Adam Berkhoel and Peter Mannino, who won Most Outstanding Player awards at the Frozen Four in 2004 and 2005, respectively.

Appert enjoyed an impressive debut Saturday, as his Engineers raced to a 3-1 lead before settling for a 4-4 draw against Boston University, which is ranked third in one national poll.

"I understand that he is implementing a very high-octane offensive system," said Gwozdecky, who still talks with Appert about once a week. "It is going to be interesting to see how they execute it and how we're going to defend against it. It's not easy to defend a truly offensive attack, especially when they are being taught that kind of philosophy."

HOT STARTS: The Pioneers earned a split of their opening Western Collegiate Hockey Association series against St. Cloud over the weekend, and through four games, DU boasts four players who are averaging at least a point a game.

Freshman center Tyler Ruegsegger leads the Pioneers with five points on two goals and three assists, while sophomore Patrick Mullen has scored a team-leading three goals to go with one assist. Ryan Dingle has two goals and two assists and redshirt freshman Brock Trotter, who missed most of last season because of a torn Achilles' tendon, has a goal and three assists.