Close To Free Agent Deal With Anaheim?
From: Rocky Mountain Newsby Pat Rooney
The University of Denver's Ryan Dingle might have one foot out the door, but his college hockey career has not officially closed.
At least not yet.
Dingle, the Pioneers' top goal scorer the past two seasons, is a native of Steamboat Springs, and Thursday's edition of the Steamboat Pilot reported that the junior forward would forgo his senior season to sign a free-agent contract with Anaheim.
Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky, though, said Friday that the report is premature.
"I know there are a number of teams that have expressed an interest in him . . . but I spoke with Ryan (on Thursday) and he said, 'Coach, I'm still looking at opportunities here,' " Gwozdecky said. "At this point in time, there is nothing that I'm aware of."
Gwozdecky said he expects to meet with Dingle on Monday to discuss his future.
After suffering few early departures throughout much of his tenure at DU, Gwozdecky and his program have endured early attrition the past two years, a price the Pioneers have paid for winning national championships in 2004 and 2005.
Captain-to-be Brett Skinner signed a contract shortly after the NHL lockout ended, abandoning the Pioneers about a month before practice began for the 2005-06 season.
Last year, Hobey Baker Award winner Matt Carle and current Avalanche standout Paul Stastny left after their junior and sophomore seasons, respectively. Because DU's spring quarter begins Monday, Dingle's decision likely will be finalized within days.
"He was going to sit down with his parents over the weekend," Gwozdecky said. "But (Thursday) he was pretty much really undecided."
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