DU Hopes Bozak & Glasser Can Replace Trotter

(above) Denver center Tyler Bozak, top right, has four points in the four games since Brock Trotter left the team

Phot0 Credit: Jack Dempsey

From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney

Replacing the production of Brock Trotter is a responsibility that will not fall upon just one player.

The recent play of freshman Tyler Bozak and sophomore Matt Glasser for the University of Denver shows how the Pioneers might adapt to life without Trotter, who averaged 1.29 points a game before leaving the program to sign a contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.

Bozak has been a steady presence at center all season, reaping the benefits of playing on a line with Trotter and sophomore Tyler Ruegsegger. But with those players sidelined during the weekend against Minnesota - Ruegsegger was out because of an abdominal injury - Bozak responded with two goals and an assist to help DU gain three critical points.

In DU's four games without Trotter, Bozak has compiled four points.

"I feel like I've got to step up," said Bozak, DU's new leader in goals (14) and points (26). "Those are two unbelievable forwards that have great scoring talent. It's tough having them out. Everyone stepped up without them."

Glasser, one of the team's speediest skaters, mostly has served as a role player in his two seasons at DU. But he has made more noise offensively recently, scoring the Pioneers' first goal in their victory Saturday.

"We've been going through a tough time these last couple (weeks)," Glasser said. "Guys have to pick it up - myself, the other guys on the team. It has to be a team effort."