(above) Michigan Tech took Colorado College to the woodshed this weekendFrom: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney
The door remains open for the University of Denver hockey team to make a run at the Western Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season crown.
And while that title was not the most prominent goal on their list of preseason expectations, the Pioneers can thank Front Range rival Colorado College for the opening after the Tigers struggled during the weekend at Michigan Tech.
CC essentially could have put away the idle Pioneers but managed to earn only one point during its road series against the Huskies. The Tigers lead second-place North Dakota by five points and third-place DU by seven points, but the Pioneers have played four fewer WCHA contests than both squads.
DU also will play each of those opponents during the final 12- game stretch that begins Friday at Minnesota State Mankato.
"We've got 12 games left and a lot of things can happen," DU coach George Gwozdecky said. "I look back at what our goals were to start the season, and none of our goals were to win the WCHA regular season title. Obviously, we've put ourselves in position to do that, but there is a lot of time left.
"We really can't worry about CC or North Dakota or Wisconsin or anyone else. If we do what we're capable of doing, what we expect to do, I'm very confident good things will happen."
WELL-RESTED: Gwozdecky admits the scattered schedule his team has endured lately might have taken the Pioneers out of the rhythm they forged during their impressive first half. DU has played only six games after Dec. 15, four of which were nonconference tilts.
"I'm not sure how much the schedule really influenced the past two (series)," said forward Tyler Ruegsegger, referring to DU's 2-2-0 mark in its past four games. "I think as a team we realize we've just been getting
by Pat Rooney
The door remains open for the University of Denver hockey team to make a run at the Western Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season crown.
And while that title was not the most prominent goal on their list of preseason expectations, the Pioneers can thank Front Range rival Colorado College for the opening after the Tigers struggled during the weekend at Michigan Tech.
CC essentially could have put away the idle Pioneers but managed to earn only one point during its road series against the Huskies. The Tigers lead second-place North Dakota by five points and third-place DU by seven points, but the Pioneers have played four fewer WCHA contests than both squads.
DU also will play each of those opponents during the final 12- game stretch that begins Friday at Minnesota State Mankato.
"We've got 12 games left and a lot of things can happen," DU coach George Gwozdecky said. "I look back at what our goals were to start the season, and none of our goals were to win the WCHA regular season title. Obviously, we've put ourselves in position to do that, but there is a lot of time left.
"We really can't worry about CC or North Dakota or Wisconsin or anyone else. If we do what we're capable of doing, what we expect to do, I'm very confident good things will happen."
WELL-RESTED: Gwozdecky admits the scattered schedule his team has endured lately might have taken the Pioneers out of the rhythm they forged during their impressive first half. DU has played only six games after Dec. 15, four of which were nonconference tilts.
"I'm not sure how much the schedule really influenced the past two (series)," said forward Tyler Ruegsegger, referring to DU's 2-2-0 mark in its past four games. "I think as a team we realize we've just been getting
3 comments:
I'm really looking forward to this stretch run. 12 more regular season games, all against WCHA foes, including 2 each against CC and ND. It's Mannino's last go around, and hopefully this team, sitting at 18-6 and in the top 5, will be extra motivated after missing the playoffs the last 2 years. I expect Andy Thomas and other captains to have these guys fired up. Should be fun.
The team controls their own destiny and you can't ask for more than that. DU has a tough schedule, so they have their work cut out for them.
It is a tough schedule but it's probably for the best if they are to show they have the grit to go deep in the NCAA Tournament.
This is my expectation on the last few series. My expectations might be high but I only expect them to give a full effort during this run.
Minnesota State: Should Sweep
Minnesota: Possible Sweep / Maybe Split
North Dakota: Hope for a split.
Alaska-Anchorage: They Better Sweep Them!!!
Michigan Tech: Could Sweep / Could Split
Colorado College: Hope for 3 out a possible 4 points to bring the Gold Pan Home.
They better not choke like they have. I know we have a young team and all but there is too much talent and still leadership from 04/05 to just roller and end the season on a lame note again.
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