From: Rocky Mountain News by Pat Rooney
Not after Hobey Baker Award winner Matt Carle took his 53 points to the NHL.
But after a season in which the Pioneers relied heavily on Carle's scoring prowess, DU slowly is developing what is perhaps a more balanced offensive attack from the blue line.
Sophomore defenseman Chris Butler had three assists during the Pioneers' sweep of a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series at Alaska-Anchorage on Friday and Saturday.
Butler and captain Adrian Veideman have led an otherwise young defensive corps through growing pains throughout the first half of the season and have helped turn one of the team's early-season question marks into a strength.
"Obviously, I don't think we have anybody that is going to score 50 points from the back like Matt did last year," Butler said. "But that's part of my game and a big part of Adrian's game, both on the five-on-five and on the power play especially. I think we're both pretty good skaters, which allows us to jump up into plays. And we both do a good job of realizing the right time to jump up in plays."
Butler has nine points in the past nine games and 14 points overall after posting 22 last year as a freshman.
Despite missing the past four games because of a concussion, Veideman has eight points and junior defenseman Andrew Thomas has four points, matching his total in 38 games last year.
The unit also has received a boost from freshman Keith Seabrook, who has displayed a heavy shot while contributing seven assists.
"Keith has been a little snakebit. He has a heck of a shot from the point," Butler said. "I think once he gets that first (goal), things are really going to look up for him. We've played half the season, and everyone is getting more comfortable with each other."
PRIME SPOT: The Pioneers' sweep at Anchorage lifted them into second place in the WCHA going into a holiday hiatus that will end Dec. 29, when DU opens the Denver Cup against Mercyhurst.
After going 8-2-2 in their past 12 games, the Pioneers (12-6-2, 8-4-2 WCHA) are in solid position for a second-half charge toward a berth in the NCAA tournament and a bid to the West Regional at the Pepsi Center. DU can solidify its credentials in a hurry after the Denver Cup, as its next three league series will be against Wisconsin, Minnesota and St. Cloud State.
CLIMBING: DU junior goaltender Peter Mannino made 38 saves while posting his first shutout of the season and the seventh of his career Saturday.
Mannino moved into a tie for fourth place on the Pioneers' career list, trailing Wade Dubielewicz (eight), Adam Berkhoel (12) and all-time leader Gerry Powers (13).
ETC.: Veideman and senior Ryan Helgason (broken hand) are expected to return for the Denver Cup . . . DU freshman Brian Gifford on Saturday recorded the first winning goal of his career and has a goal and three assists during a four-game scoring streak.
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