(Above) No truth to the rumors that the massive sinkhole on I-25 today was caused by the hole in DU's lineup after Trotter's departureFrom: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney
After a week of mysteries and rumor, the university confirmed Thursday that redshirt sophomore Brock Trotter has left the program to sign a contract with the Montreal Canadiens.
Trotter is expected to report to the Hamilton Bulldogs, Montreal's affiliate with the American Hockey League.
When asked if Montreal made the move honorably by first consulting with DU coach George Gwozdecky, Gwozdecky replied, "You would have to talk to Brock or talk to (Montreal) about that."
Trotter's defection leaves the Pioneers without their leader in goals (13) and assists (18) as they attempt to break a slump of four losses in five games in tonight's series opener against Minnesota at Magness Arena.
"Brock has always had a dream of playing in the National Hockey League and we're extremely happy for Brock," Gwozdecky said. "He is playing at a level a lot of our former players are at, and we're looking forward to following Brock's career."
While it is not unprecedented for a marquee player to leave a program midseason - the incoming Golden Gophers watched standout forward Kyle Okposo leave the team in December to sign with the New York Islanders - it is unusual for a leader and free agent such as Trotter to leave a team in DU's position.
Former defenseman T.J. Fast left the program at midseason last year for Canada's major juniors, but Fast was unhappy with his playing time and role on the team.
Trotter was the leading scorer on a squad that remains in a tie for fifth in the PairWise rankings despite its recent slide.
Trotter posted five points in the first five games of his true freshman season two years ago before a severed Achilles' tendon robbed him of the rest of the season. Since then, Trotter had played in 64 consecutive games before his sudden change of heart left him off the traveling squad for last weekend's series at Minnesota State.
Trotter finishes his DU career with 76 points (32 goals, 44 assists) in 69 games.
"We now can concentrate solely on how we can perform this weekend against Minnesota," Gwozdecky said. "It provides closure and now our focus will be on our opponent. I think we've had a good week of practice. The discussions we've had, the meetings, the film we've watched - we've realized the things we have to improve on."
Trotter is expected to report to the Hamilton Bulldogs, Montreal's affiliate with the American Hockey League.
When asked if Montreal made the move honorably by first consulting with DU coach George Gwozdecky, Gwozdecky replied, "You would have to talk to Brock or talk to (Montreal) about that."
Trotter's defection leaves the Pioneers without their leader in goals (13) and assists (18) as they attempt to break a slump of four losses in five games in tonight's series opener against Minnesota at Magness Arena.
"Brock has always had a dream of playing in the National Hockey League and we're extremely happy for Brock," Gwozdecky said. "He is playing at a level a lot of our former players are at, and we're looking forward to following Brock's career."
While it is not unprecedented for a marquee player to leave a program midseason - the incoming Golden Gophers watched standout forward Kyle Okposo leave the team in December to sign with the New York Islanders - it is unusual for a leader and free agent such as Trotter to leave a team in DU's position.
Former defenseman T.J. Fast left the program at midseason last year for Canada's major juniors, but Fast was unhappy with his playing time and role on the team.
Trotter was the leading scorer on a squad that remains in a tie for fifth in the PairWise rankings despite its recent slide.
Trotter posted five points in the first five games of his true freshman season two years ago before a severed Achilles' tendon robbed him of the rest of the season. Since then, Trotter had played in 64 consecutive games before his sudden change of heart left him off the traveling squad for last weekend's series at Minnesota State.
Trotter finishes his DU career with 76 points (32 goals, 44 assists) in 69 games.
"We now can concentrate solely on how we can perform this weekend against Minnesota," Gwozdecky said. "It provides closure and now our focus will be on our opponent. I think we've had a good week of practice. The discussions we've had, the meetings, the film we've watched - we've realized the things we have to improve on."
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