(above) While NHL scouts chase Tyler Bozak, Anthony Maiani leads the team in scoringFrom: LetsGoDU
With all the flashy household names in the Pioneer lineup, one player has quietly zoomed to the head of DU's scoring charts. At 5'7 and 150 lbs. Anthony Maiani might not be a likely candidate to lead the country in scoring, but he's only three points behind the NCAA's leading scorers Garrett Roe (SCSU) and Aaron Palushaj (Michigan). Maiani's 6 goals and 16 assists place him squarely within sight of the leaders.
The fact that Roe was drafted by the Kings in the 7th Round and Palushaj was drafted by the Blues in the 2nd Round begs the question; Will Maiani be drafted in this summer's NHL Draft? He's draft eligible and might be a "sleeper pick" in 2009.
Perhaps Boston College alum Nathan Gerbe who was called to play for the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, will help sway NHL scouts in Maiani's favor. Listed generously at five-foot-six, 160 pounds, Gerbe ranked second on Portland (AHL) with an impressive 24 points (14 goals) in his first season as a pro.
Like the rest of the Pioneer squad, Maiani stats have blossomed during DU's five game winning streak. Maiani has two goals and seven assists in the past five games. His 16 assists leads the team and he anchors DU's explosive third line with Jesse Martin and Brandon Vossberg.
Keep in mind that Maiani was an 11th hour addition to the Pioneers in 2007. He committed in July of 2007, when a scholarship became available after Geoff Paukovich signed with the Edmonton Oilers organization. Maiani really came on towards the end of last season and scored a spectacular game winning goal against the University of North Dakota in the WCHA Final 5 semi-finals (see video below).
Maiani's brother Dominic, plays for the Rocky Mountain Rage in the Central Hockey League.
The fact that Roe was drafted by the Kings in the 7th Round and Palushaj was drafted by the Blues in the 2nd Round begs the question; Will Maiani be drafted in this summer's NHL Draft? He's draft eligible and might be a "sleeper pick" in 2009.
Perhaps Boston College alum Nathan Gerbe who was called to play for the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, will help sway NHL scouts in Maiani's favor. Listed generously at five-foot-six, 160 pounds, Gerbe ranked second on Portland (AHL) with an impressive 24 points (14 goals) in his first season as a pro.
Like the rest of the Pioneer squad, Maiani stats have blossomed during DU's five game winning streak. Maiani has two goals and seven assists in the past five games. His 16 assists leads the team and he anchors DU's explosive third line with Jesse Martin and Brandon Vossberg.
Keep in mind that Maiani was an 11th hour addition to the Pioneers in 2007. He committed in July of 2007, when a scholarship became available after Geoff Paukovich signed with the Edmonton Oilers organization. Maiani really came on towards the end of last season and scored a spectacular game winning goal against the University of North Dakota in the WCHA Final 5 semi-finals (see video below).
Maiani's brother Dominic, plays for the Rocky Mountain Rage in the Central Hockey League.
Anthony Maiani's Game Winning Final 5 Goal
4 comments:
MAIANI'S THE MAN. He has been more than a pleasant surprise.
Watching that goal never gets old.
Finley looked like he was wearing cement boots in that play. :-)
Maiani is quietly having a great year. He really does fly under the radar. If he keeps this up he'll be an all-league honoree.
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