DU's Best Recruiting Class Ever?

(above) DU's Freshman Class was voted Preseason #1 by College Hockey News
In today's Denver Post Coach Gwozdecky wouldn't answer Mike Chamber's question about where this years Freshman Class ranks in his 17 years at DU.  But its hard to argue with the results posted by the Freshmen.

WCHA Freshman of the Year Jason Zucker, WCHA Freshman Team goaltender Sam Brittain, WCHA  Freshman Team Defenseman David Makowski, NHL 1st Round Draft pick Beau Bennett, possible 1st or 2nd round Draft pick Nick Shore, steadily improving Jarrod Mermis and role player Dan Olszewski.

Before the season College Hockey News ranked them the #1 recruiting class in the country.  So far, they've lived up to the billing.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

These kids are great. I don't care what [the person whose name may not be used on this blog] says.

Anonymous said...

I agree! It's been fun watching them play and evolve. GO DU!!!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, screw that **** ***** guy -- and any of the other haters. This team has been fun and I hope they roll through the playoffs, however if they do not my love is still with them. It's kind of sad that this weekend marks the end of home games, I always try to arrive a bit early knowing that there won't be games at Magness again until October.

Go DU!! Don't listen to the naysayer fans!!

Anonymous said...

Seeing Zucker play is worth the price of admission. Congrats Jason!

Since there appears to be no other discussion on the matter I'm posting a question here regarding the scheduling for Saturday. Could someone explain to me why 3 overlapping sports events have been scheduled?

Anonymous said...

It makes life easier for Boone with all three at the same time.

miller said...

The reason they scheduled all of those events at the same time is so that they can collect $12 for parking from each of us!

Anonymous said...

Now don't forget - after this weekend there WILL be a chance to see some of these guys on the Magness Ice again before next season; perhaps even a couple of the Seniors.... during the Gwozdecky Youth Hockey camp during the summer. I'm not sure about during camp in the middle of theweek - but they always do a finale game for each team on the last day - and it's in Magness and open to the public, for free. Volunteer DU players serve as the coaches for each team, ald last summer Gwoz served as PA Announcer. It is a great time, and I recommend you check it out. Plus, you get to see some of these guys in a little different role; they all get introduced. Last summer Dewhurst, Cook & Shore helped out. Some others too - but I forgot who

dggoddard said...

Congrats to Zucker, Brittain and Makowski.

Some defining plays of the season by DU Freshmen.

1). Makowski's 190' goal

2). Mermis knocking the CC player on his azz and then going top shelf

3). Brittain's shutout of North Dakota in the game when Jesse Martin was injured.

4). Zucker scored 20 goals this season. Seems like every one was highlight reel worthy.

5). Nick Shore's two goals to win the Gold Pan.

6). Beau Bennett going scoreless for his first 11 games and then finally breaking out against Minnesota State with a goal. The look of relief on his face was priceless.

Imaws Kcup said...

Mermis is a beast and has to be the most pleasant surprise out of the group. I'm really impressed with his play. I always assumed that Jarrod was a throw-away to land his brother (similar to Lamar getting Chloe in the hopes of banging Kim), but Jarrod definitely belongs on this team and has impressed the hell out of me.

Anonymous said...

You know what they say about assuming something.

Anonymous said...

Yes. That goal against CC was the moment the world was put on notice that The Mermis had been unleashed.

pessimisticphan said...

Looks like Zucker will stay one more year then sign with the Wild along with Mikael Granlund. Drew Shore and Matt Donovan are our biggest question marks once the season concludes. Donovan will definitely depart following next season, mainly because he was a '08 draft pick and started his freshman campaign in '09 (much like the Chevy situation).

achsdu17 said...

I don't care how talented a recruiting class is. We'll have to see how that do. Will they stay their 4 years or can they win a national title?

That's how they should be defined.

Anonymous said...

With Josh R. a Senior - is there a 3rd goalie in the que? I haven't heard anything of the sort. I'd like to see another Lalonde Gem in the mix to help mold our future after Murray goes...... And, to compete with Brittain for the #1 position here.

dggoddard said...

With only 18 scholarships, there is no way that DU can afford to give another goalie any money.

When Michigan was on their bigtime run in the 90s, they used to only have one scholarship goalie and they would play him every game for four years. That freed up an extra scholarship for the positional players.

So look for DU to grab a goaltender who realizes he will never see a minute of ice time and is willing to pay $47,000 for the privilege or can qualify for financial aid or academic scholarship.

And if Shawn Ostrow proved anything on Friday night, its that all these guys can play at an elite level. They just develop at different speeds and need an opportunity to shine.