LetsGoDU

Beat The Gophers Week Kicks Off
Over-Rated Over-Inflated Over-Coached Gopher Team To Face DU

From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney

(left) DU freshman Rhett Rakhshani, wearing the snappy Nike Swift Jerseys, celebrates a goal Friday night with teammate Ryan Dingle. DU's freshmen have scored 31 of the team's 72 goals this season

The University of Denver hockey team will face its toughest challenge of the season this week.
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The Pioneers are fortunate they still hold a share of second place in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association going into their showdown with first-place Minnesota, which entered the weekend as the nation's top-ranked team.

While DU was busy recording an impressive nonconference sweep against Niagara that will boost its credentials for the NCAA West Regional at the Pepsi Center, the Pioneers were helpless to defend their position in a crowded WCHA top tier that also includes St. Cloud State and Colorado College.

However, CC, St. Cloud and Minnesota suffered losses Friday. And with St. Cloud settling for a tie Saturday, DU will enter the final six WCHA series of the season locked in a three-way tie for second with the Tigers and Huskies.

Minnesota (20-2-3, 12-1-3 WCHA) leads that group by seven points.

"Next weekend is going to be a very big weekend for us," DU center Tyler Ruegsegger said. "Our conference is very tight. We're going to have to go in there, work hard and pull off a win or two."

DU (17-7-2, 9-5-2) was swept at Minnesota last season and has posted only one win in its past six games against the Golden Gophers.

CLUTCH PLAY: Not only have the Pioneers received a tremendous scoring boost from their talented freshman class, but the rookies have proven unflappable in critical situations.

Ruegsegger secured a win Friday by scoring a goal with 6.1 seconds remaining in overtime off a pass from redshirt freshman Brock Trotter. True freshman Rhett Rakhshani produced a similar winner with about 5 seconds remaining in overtime at Wisconsin on Nov. 11, and freshmen Keith Seabrook and Brian Gifford each have posted assists on overtime winners.

Freshmen have accounted for 31 of the team's 72 goals and 98 of 197 points. They also have flourished in the third period and overtime, accounting for 11 goals and 26 assists.

"Coach (George Gwozdecky) has given us a good opportunity to play and the older guys have supported us," Rakhshani said. "On top of that, we're just having a good time. We've all been dreaming of playing college hockey for years and years, and when we're out there it's just a blast. And when you're having fun like that, you're going to catch some bounces at some crucial times."

INJURY UPDATE: DU junior goaltender Peter Mannino did not play against Niagara because of a strained groin he suffered in practice Thursday, but he should be available when the Pioneers travel to Minnesota.

"Pete tried skating a little (Saturday) and just didn't feel comfortable," Gwozdecky said. "I would think we're close to getting him back in, hopefully."

Mannino ranks fourth in the nation with a .932 saves percentage.