Last Freshman To Win WCHA Scoring Title?

(above) Vic Velansky had a long career in the NHL after two seasons at DU
(above) DU star Vic Velansky
Jason Zucker is leading the WCHA scoring race with one week to go.

Who was the first and last Freshman to lead the WCHA in scoring?  If you knew that the University of Denver's Vic Venasky  led the league in 1970-71, you should start a DU hockey blog.

Velansky was born in Coach Gwozdecky's hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario and played two seasons at DU.  After college he had a successful career in the NHL.  Today he owns Vic's Pro Shop in Harbor City, California a full line hockey and figure skating store located just a few miles south of Vic's old stomping grounds, the LA Forum.

Venasky scored 14 goals and had 25 assists in 22 conference games his freshman season.  DU finished in second place behind Michigan Tech.  Venasky was named by the Denver Post as an Second Team All-WCHA selection.

Vanasky's Sophomore season was even better than his Freshman year.  He scored 16 goals and had 27 assists to lead Denver to the WCHA regular season championship.  However, Vic did not lead the WCHA in scoring.  Doug Palazzari of Colorado College has 27 goals and 30 assists.  Yes,  57 points (you can't make this stuff up).

Venaksy, a 3rd round draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings, went on to play seven season in the NHL and recorded 61 goals and 101 assists for the Kings.

2 comments:

dggoddard said...

Pretty good chance that Rhett Rakhshani bought some of his hockey gear from Vic's Pro Ship.

Gabe Gauthier was probably a former customer as well.

Have to wonder if Zucker or Bennett have bought equipment there.

dusince59 said...

I remember "Slick Vic" as he was known. He was a treat to watch at the old barn.