(above) DU's underclassmen have been on a roll this seasonFrom: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers
The fact underclassmen have scored 32-of-34 goals for the University of Denver hockey team is not a knock on the juniors or seniors. It's simply a reflection of how well 11 youngsters have performed in the Pioneers' 8-2 start.
Senior wing Tom May is the only upperclassman in the 12-man rotation. He and junior defenseman Patrick Mullen have a goal apiece, and six freshmen and four sophomores have combined for the rest.
"Those guys are unreal so far," May said of the underclassmen. "They came in and have scored right away and are playing at the level we need them to. It's awesome how much they're contributing so far."
DU expected, and has received, big seasons from super sophomores Brock Trotter, Rhett Rakhshani and Tyler Ruegsegger. That trio finished first, third and fourth in team scoring last season, respectively, and each is averaging more than a point a game this season.
This year's freshman forwards could be just as good. Tyler Bozak (six goals), Kyle Ostrow (four), Anthony Maiani (three) and Jesse Martin (two) are among eight players with multiple goals.
"We figured they would be able to come in make an impact immediately," May said of the freshmen.
DU's offense averages 3.4 goals, tied for seventh nationally, but that statistic may improve. Junior defenseman Chris Butler, who quarterbacks the No. 1 power play, and sophomore forward Brian Gifford, who directs the second unit, still seek their first goal.
Senior wing Tom May is the only upperclassman in the 12-man rotation. He and junior defenseman Patrick Mullen have a goal apiece, and six freshmen and four sophomores have combined for the rest.
"Those guys are unreal so far," May said of the underclassmen. "They came in and have scored right away and are playing at the level we need them to. It's awesome how much they're contributing so far."
DU expected, and has received, big seasons from super sophomores Brock Trotter, Rhett Rakhshani and Tyler Ruegsegger. That trio finished first, third and fourth in team scoring last season, respectively, and each is averaging more than a point a game this season.
This year's freshman forwards could be just as good. Tyler Bozak (six goals), Kyle Ostrow (four), Anthony Maiani (three) and Jesse Martin (two) are among eight players with multiple goals.
"We figured they would be able to come in make an impact immediately," May said of the freshmen.
DU's offense averages 3.4 goals, tied for seventh nationally, but that statistic may improve. Junior defenseman Chris Butler, who quarterbacks the No. 1 power play, and sophomore forward Brian Gifford, who directs the second unit, still seek their first goal.
No comments:
Post a Comment