(above) DU Senior Defenseman Cody Brookwell discusses his college years
Showing posts with label Brookwell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brookwell. Show all posts
DU Today Video Profile: Matt Glasser
(above) Matt Glasser talks about his four years at DU
Last Week DU Today Blog profiled DU Seniors Rhett Rakhshani & Tyler Ruegsegger. This week Matt Glasser, Brian Gifford (tomorrow) and Cody Brookwell (Sunday) are featured. Next week Brandon Vossberg will round out the Senior Class.
DU Clarion: DU Back On Top Of National Polls
(left) With Chris Nutini out with an injury, Senior Cody Brookwell will play a larger role for the PioneersFrom: DU Clarion
by Eddie Fischermann
With just four games left in the regular season, the Pioneers (16-4-4 WCHA, 22-6-4) are on the verge of clinching the WCHA regular season title. Currently three points ahead of St. Cloud State (15-8-3 WCHA, 20-10-4), they need just two more wins in their last four games to clinch.
Their first chance comes this weekend in Mankato, Minnesota. The team will travel there to play Minnesota State (8-15-1 WCHA, 14-6-2), who is coming off a sweep of Alaska-Anchorage. Earlier in the year, the Pioneers seemed to struggle against the Mavericks, winning the first game 4-3 then tying the second game 4-4.
Minnesota State is currently second to last in the conference.
However, being that it is late in the season, senior captain Rhett Rakhshani knows that every team has to be taken seriously.
“At this point in the season you are going to get your opponents best effort every game,” said Rakhshani. “We need to be ready to play the game simply and intensely if we are going to have success this coming weekend.”
Denver is coming into the weekend on a high note. After previously top-ranked Miami of Ohio lost to the University of Nebraska-Omaha over the weekend, the Pioneers moved up to No. 1 in the nation.
Winning both games against last place Michigan Tech over the weekend, the Pioneers have some momentum coming into these games.
The Pioneers won the games 5-2 and 5-3. Although they let Michigan Tech hang around for most of the game both times, they still got the wins.
DU had a lot of diversity in scoring though.
Eight different goal scorers had goals on the weekend. The only Pioneer to score multiple goals was junior assistant captain Kyle Ostrow.
Junior Anthony Maiani had a five-point weekend, scoring one goal and contributing four assists.
Other Pioneer players who had a big weekend were junior defenseman Cody Brookwell (1 G, 2 A) and senior Brandon Vossberg (1 G, 2 A).
DU did encounter one problem over the weekend.
Junior defenseman Chris Nutini was injured on a play in the DU zone during the second period of the game on Saturday. He needed to be helped off the ice and went straight to the locker room. He did not return to the game, and according to Fox Sports Network, he left the rink on crutches.
He is doubtful for this weekend’s games.
Junior goaltender and Hobey Baker candidate Marc Cheverie made 53 saves on 58 shots over the weekend to get two more wins on the season. This brings his total number of wins on the season to 19, tying him for No. 1 in the nation. He still leads the nation in shutouts with six and is tied for the best save percentage in the nation (.937).
That makes eight straight wins for the Pioneers who have a record of 11-1-2 over their last 14 games.
“We have started to bring the necessary effort to win on a consistent basis,” said sophomore forward Joe Colborne. “The coaches have been preaching it all year and we are now seeing the results.”
The team puts that streak on the line this weekend against Minnesota State.
“We can’t look past a single game because every team we play can beat us if we don’t bring our best effort,” said Colborne.
Minnesota State proved that earlier this year, tying one of the games against DU and giving them a scare in the other.
The games are Friday and Saturday night at 6:37 p.m. MST and 6:07 p.m., respectively.
Their first chance comes this weekend in Mankato, Minnesota. The team will travel there to play Minnesota State (8-15-1 WCHA, 14-6-2), who is coming off a sweep of Alaska-Anchorage. Earlier in the year, the Pioneers seemed to struggle against the Mavericks, winning the first game 4-3 then tying the second game 4-4.
Minnesota State is currently second to last in the conference.
However, being that it is late in the season, senior captain Rhett Rakhshani knows that every team has to be taken seriously.
“At this point in the season you are going to get your opponents best effort every game,” said Rakhshani. “We need to be ready to play the game simply and intensely if we are going to have success this coming weekend.”
Denver is coming into the weekend on a high note. After previously top-ranked Miami of Ohio lost to the University of Nebraska-Omaha over the weekend, the Pioneers moved up to No. 1 in the nation.
Winning both games against last place Michigan Tech over the weekend, the Pioneers have some momentum coming into these games.
The Pioneers won the games 5-2 and 5-3. Although they let Michigan Tech hang around for most of the game both times, they still got the wins.
DU had a lot of diversity in scoring though.
Eight different goal scorers had goals on the weekend. The only Pioneer to score multiple goals was junior assistant captain Kyle Ostrow.
Junior Anthony Maiani had a five-point weekend, scoring one goal and contributing four assists.
Other Pioneer players who had a big weekend were junior defenseman Cody Brookwell (1 G, 2 A) and senior Brandon Vossberg (1 G, 2 A).
DU did encounter one problem over the weekend.
Junior defenseman Chris Nutini was injured on a play in the DU zone during the second period of the game on Saturday. He needed to be helped off the ice and went straight to the locker room. He did not return to the game, and according to Fox Sports Network, he left the rink on crutches.
He is doubtful for this weekend’s games.
Junior goaltender and Hobey Baker candidate Marc Cheverie made 53 saves on 58 shots over the weekend to get two more wins on the season. This brings his total number of wins on the season to 19, tying him for No. 1 in the nation. He still leads the nation in shutouts with six and is tied for the best save percentage in the nation (.937).
That makes eight straight wins for the Pioneers who have a record of 11-1-2 over their last 14 games.
“We have started to bring the necessary effort to win on a consistent basis,” said sophomore forward Joe Colborne. “The coaches have been preaching it all year and we are now seeing the results.”
The team puts that streak on the line this weekend against Minnesota State.
“We can’t look past a single game because every team we play can beat us if we don’t bring our best effort,” said Colborne.
Minnesota State proved that earlier this year, tying one of the games against DU and giving them a scare in the other.
The games are Friday and Saturday night at 6:37 p.m. MST and 6:07 p.m., respectively.
DU 5 - Michigan Tech 2 FINAL
(above) John Lee against Michigan Tech on Friday nightThe game wasn't as easy as the final score indicated, but the University of Denver will take the 5-2 victory against Michigan Tech. DU won its 7th game in a row to remain in first place in the WCHA.
Cody Brookwell scored the opening goal in the first two minutes of the game.
Tyler Ruegsegger scored another classic "Rubberband Man" goal in the second period.
Brandon Vossberg, Anthony Maiani and Kyle Ostrow, playing together on the second line, scored three goals in the third period. Vossberg certainly seems to be enjoying himself playing with two premier playmakers in Ostrow & Maiani. Vossberg's goal and two assists tonight doubled his point production for the season.
Cody Brookwell scored the opening goal in the first two minutes of the game.
Tyler Ruegsegger scored another classic "Rubberband Man" goal in the second period.
Brandon Vossberg, Anthony Maiani and Kyle Ostrow, playing together on the second line, scored three goals in the third period. Vossberg certainly seems to be enjoying himself playing with two premier playmakers in Ostrow & Maiani. Vossberg's goal and two assists tonight doubled his point production for the season.
Box Score
WCHA Standings
Pairwise Rankings
Denver Post Game Recap
USCHO.com Game Recap
Denver Cup: DU 7 - UNO 0 Final
(above) Anthony Maiani's early goal set the tone of the evening for DUThe University of Denver defeated Nebraska-Omaha on Friday night 7-0. Marc Cheverie recorded his 5th shutout of the season.
Anthony Maiani gave DU the early lead in the 1st period. Shortly therafter, Jesse Martin took a beautiful pass from Maiani and buried it for a shorthanded goal to make it 2-0 DU. Cody Brookwell then made it 3-0, after Joe Colborne was robbed by the UNO goalie.
Midway through the 2nd period, Rhett Rakhshani took a beautiful pass from Patrick Wiercioch to make it 4-0 DU on a 4 on 4 play. The 2nd period ended with the Pioneers holding a 4-0 lead.
DU turned the game into a rout with three 3rd period goals. Rhett Rakhshani took a beautiful pass from Tyler Ruegsegger for DU's fifth goal early in the period. Kyle Ostrow then scored a Power Play goal with just over 7 minutes left in the period to make it 6-0. Patrick Wiercioch rounded out the scoring when received a nice pass from Rahkshani with just over 3 minutes left in the game.
Top Scorers
Rhett Rakhshani - 2 goals, 1 assist
Tyler Ruegsegger - 3 assists
Joe Colborne - 3 assists
Anthony Maiani - 1 goal, 1 assist
Patrick Wiercioch - 1 goal, 1 assist
Marc Cheverie - 5th shutout, 29 saves
Three Stars
First Star: Rhett Rakhshani (Denver)
Second Star: Tyler Ruegsegger (Denver)
Third Star: Marc Cheverie (Denver)
LetsGoDU.com Game Recap
Boxscore
DU Website Recap
Denver Post Recap
Pairwise Rankings
Chambers Blog: Brookwell & Salazar Situations
(Left) Cody Brookwell is trying to work his way back into the lineupFrom: Denver Post Blog
by Mike Chambers
At the beginning of the season, depth was a big reason why the University of Denver was going to have a great hockey team. The opening-night lineup was bound to change, time and again. But personally, I didn’t figure the numbers game would shake out this way.
Senior defenseman Cody Brookwell and sophomore wing Luke Salazar have been hanging out in the doghouse, watching games from the stands. Neither has played in the past four games (read rest of article).
by Mike Chambers
At the beginning of the season, depth was a big reason why the University of Denver was going to have a great hockey team. The opening-night lineup was bound to change, time and again. But personally, I didn’t figure the numbers game would shake out this way.
Senior defenseman Cody Brookwell and sophomore wing Luke Salazar have been hanging out in the doghouse, watching games from the stands. Neither has played in the past four games (read rest of article).
Pat Rooney Profiles Marc Cheverie For LetsGoDU
(above) The Chevy is detailed and ready for the playoffsBy Pat Rooney
Special to LetsGoDU
This is the moment Marc Cheverie has been working towards since he arrived at the University of Denver.
The arc Cheverie has traveled this season could not have evolved more fortuitously for DU. As the Pioneers begin play in the NCAA tournament, the top-seeded Pios open the West Regional in Minneapolis against Miami (Ohio) on Friday, Cheverie is primed to make his mark in what is commonly referred to as a "Goaltender's Tournament."
"I'm very pumped to get it going. I've been looking forward to it all year," Cheverie said. "You have to win everything from here on out to make or break the season. A hot goalie can win you games, and at some point you're always going to have to get through tough times."
"But I wouldn't totally agree that it is totally just a goaltender's tournament, because team defense tightens up and sometimes goalies will look better than they are playing at times. I've experienced that, where the team is really playing great in front of me and I get the first star when I probably don't deserve it. But in the playoffs, it happens that the goalie has to be hot at the right time. This year, there have been so many ups and downs with injuries that we're prepared for anything."
As Cheverie has grown more comfortable, the Pioneers defense has become much more formidable. Out of the gate, Cheverie and the DU defense surrendered at least four goals in three of the first five games of the season. The Pioneers have allowed at least four goals in just 4-of-20 games since the holidays, all of which occurred against eventual NCAA tournament teams (Boston, North Dakota, and twice against Minnesota Duluth).
Much of that improvement can be traced to Cheverie, who garnered second team All-Western Collegiate Hockey Association honors while morphing into the sort of back-line savior that inspires teammates and creates an added level of defensive confidence.
"Without a doubt, from the beginning of the season until now, it's like night and day," Junior defenseman Cody Brookwell said. "That was one of the question marks coming into the season, but he has progressed throughout the season. I don't think he's ever taken a step back. He has gotten better and better. That's a big part our job, having confidence in him, and I'm sure the same goes for him having confidence in us."
Cheverie ranks second in the WCHA in goals-against average (2.30) and save percentage (.923), trailing only Duluth's first-team All-WCHA selection (and DU's possible West Regional final opponent) Alex Stalock.
Cheverie's save percentage also ranks as the third-best single-season mark in the program's rich history, behind the record .943 mark compiled by Wade Dubielewicz during the 2001-02 season and Peter Mannino's .927 mark during the 2004-05 national championship season.
"Realizing the pressure you face, and the importance of every game and every minute, that's what I saw at the tournament last year," Cheverie said. "There is no room for error, no room for complacency. Every playoff game last year, every game I watched, was a learning experience. I'm confident in my own abilities and the abilities of my teammates. I think it is a good combination. Everything has to be going. Everyone has to trust each other, and I think that's what we have right now."
The sophomore goaltender began the season as perhaps the Pioneers biggest question mark, a talented but untested quantity on a team that otherwise appeared solid at every other position.
Now, as DU embarks on a postseason road it hopes will end with the program's eighth national championship, Cheverie clearly has developed into one of the Pioneers strengths.
Now, as DU embarks on a postseason road it hopes will end with the program's eighth national championship, Cheverie clearly has developed into one of the Pioneers strengths.
The arc Cheverie has traveled this season could not have evolved more fortuitously for DU. As the Pioneers begin play in the NCAA tournament, the top-seeded Pios open the West Regional in Minneapolis against Miami (Ohio) on Friday, Cheverie is primed to make his mark in what is commonly referred to as a "Goaltender's Tournament."
"I'm very pumped to get it going. I've been looking forward to it all year," Cheverie said. "You have to win everything from here on out to make or break the season. A hot goalie can win you games, and at some point you're always going to have to get through tough times."
"But I wouldn't totally agree that it is totally just a goaltender's tournament, because team defense tightens up and sometimes goalies will look better than they are playing at times. I've experienced that, where the team is really playing great in front of me and I get the first star when I probably don't deserve it. But in the playoffs, it happens that the goalie has to be hot at the right time. This year, there have been so many ups and downs with injuries that we're prepared for anything."
As Cheverie has grown more comfortable, the Pioneers defense has become much more formidable. Out of the gate, Cheverie and the DU defense surrendered at least four goals in three of the first five games of the season. The Pioneers have allowed at least four goals in just 4-of-20 games since the holidays, all of which occurred against eventual NCAA tournament teams (Boston, North Dakota, and twice against Minnesota Duluth).
Much of that improvement can be traced to Cheverie, who garnered second team All-Western Collegiate Hockey Association honors while morphing into the sort of back-line savior that inspires teammates and creates an added level of defensive confidence.
"Without a doubt, from the beginning of the season until now, it's like night and day," Junior defenseman Cody Brookwell said. "That was one of the question marks coming into the season, but he has progressed throughout the season. I don't think he's ever taken a step back. He has gotten better and better. That's a big part our job, having confidence in him, and I'm sure the same goes for him having confidence in us."
Cheverie ranks second in the WCHA in goals-against average (2.30) and save percentage (.923), trailing only Duluth's first-team All-WCHA selection (and DU's possible West Regional final opponent) Alex Stalock.
Cheverie's save percentage also ranks as the third-best single-season mark in the program's rich history, behind the record .943 mark compiled by Wade Dubielewicz during the 2001-02 season and Peter Mannino's .927 mark during the 2004-05 national championship season.
What is even more impressive about Cheverie's mark is that he did it as a full-time starter, while Dubielewicz and Mannino each toiled in a platoon system during those respective seasons.
Even after only one season as DU's starter, perhaps the only thing still lacking on Cheverie's resume is a proven postseason track record. One season after watching from the bench as Mannino's career ended with a first-round loss against Wisconsin, Cheverie is ready to cross that off his checklist while, hopefully, leading DU to the type of glory Mannino did in 2005.
Even after only one season as DU's starter, perhaps the only thing still lacking on Cheverie's resume is a proven postseason track record. One season after watching from the bench as Mannino's career ended with a first-round loss against Wisconsin, Cheverie is ready to cross that off his checklist while, hopefully, leading DU to the type of glory Mannino did in 2005.
"Realizing the pressure you face, and the importance of every game and every minute, that's what I saw at the tournament last year," Cheverie said. "There is no room for error, no room for complacency. Every playoff game last year, every game I watched, was a learning experience. I'm confident in my own abilities and the abilities of my teammates. I think it is a good combination. Everything has to be going. Everyone has to trust each other, and I think that's what we have right now."
Cody Brookwell Wallpaper
Click picture to enlargeCody Brookwell is DU's steadiest defensive defenseman, but he scored his only DU goal in the playoffs last season. Grab the picture above or right click on it and "set as desktop background" and have the most reliable computer in the office.
DU 2 UMD 1 - Colborne Express Arrives In Denver
(above) Chevy makes the save while Cody Brookwell gets physical with UMD- Denver Post
DU spent most of the first period in the sin bin while Minnesota Duluth put in an inspired efffort. Rhett Rakhshani was injured in the opening period and did not play the rest of the game. Unconfirmed reports said he suffered an injury to his mid section. He was able to escort/skate his parents out for the ceremony in between the 1st and 2nd periods.
Joe Colborne scored a PP goal to put DU ahead in the 2nd period. Gergen got credit for the UMD goal off a puck that deflected off of Brookwell's skate. The puck was shot into the zone by Gergen and it was headed well wide of the net. UMD was on the PP and was also on a delayed penalty when the goal went off of Brookwell's skate.
Tyler Ruegsegger scored the game winner on a beautiful pass from Joe Colborne in the 3rd period. It was also a PP goal.
A nice win for Jimbo on Parent's Weekend.
Box Score
Candace Horgan recap from USCHO.com
Mike Chambers reports on Joe Colborne's big night for the Denver Post
Joe Colborne scored a PP goal to put DU ahead in the 2nd period. Gergen got credit for the UMD goal off a puck that deflected off of Brookwell's skate. The puck was shot into the zone by Gergen and it was headed well wide of the net. UMD was on the PP and was also on a delayed penalty when the goal went off of Brookwell's skate.
Tyler Ruegsegger scored the game winner on a beautiful pass from Joe Colborne in the 3rd period. It was also a PP goal.
A nice win for Jimbo on Parent's Weekend.
Box Score
Candace Horgan recap from USCHO.com
Mike Chambers reports on Joe Colborne's big night for the Denver Post
First Star: Joe Colborne (Denver)
Second Star: Marc Cheverie (Denver)
Third Star: Tyler Ruegsegger (Denver)
Second Star: Marc Cheverie (Denver)
Third Star: Tyler Ruegsegger (Denver)
Brookwell To Return To Lineup Against Buckeyes
(above) Cody Brookwell's (#25) return should tighten up DU's defenseFrom: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers
DU junior defenseman Cody Brookwell has been reinstated to the team and is eligible to play in this weekend's homecoming series against the Buckeyes. The reason for his three-game suspension was not disclosed.
"I just had two long meetings with all people involved, and we have just decided that Cody has been reinstated," Gwozdecky said Monday before practice.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Brookwell is one of DU's top shutdown defensemen. He likely will replace freshman John Lee or sophomore John Ryder. Former walk-on Chris Nutini, a sophomore, has become a key penalty killer, and senior Patrick Mullen, freshman Patrick Wiercioch and senior J.P. Testwuide are locked into the lineup.
"I just had two long meetings with all people involved, and we have just decided that Cody has been reinstated," Gwozdecky said Monday before practice.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Brookwell is one of DU's top shutdown defensemen. He likely will replace freshman John Lee or sophomore John Ryder. Former walk-on Chris Nutini, a sophomore, has become a key penalty killer, and senior Patrick Mullen, freshman Patrick Wiercioch and senior J.P. Testwuide are locked into the lineup.
Cody Brookwell Suspended For Four Games
Mike Chambers Blog has some details on the four DU players suspended for the University of Alberta game. Turns out that Cody Brookwell has a four game suspension. Read Mike Chambers Denver Post Blog for more details.Captain J.P. Testwuide, sophomore defenseman Jon Cook and sophomore forward Dustin Jackson are scheduled to be available for the season opener Saturday in the U.S. College Hall of Fame game against Notre Dame.
DU coach George Gwozdecky said the four players were suspended for violating team rules and didn’t provide specifics. He said the suspensions were from different incidents.
Chambers also has postings on Joe Colborne's intro to DU Hockey and David Carle's new role at DU.
This Week In Mike Chamber's Blog
Every Denver player has a "pre-game ritual" and quite a few involve calling their parents back home. This week Mike Chamber's Blog takes a look at DU defenseman Cody Brookwell and his relationship with his father. Its one of Chamber's best articles this season so don't miss it.DU Beats UMD 6-3 in Game 1 of Playoffs
(above) Dustin Jackson had 3 points for DU last nightFrom the DU Website
DENVER – Freshman Dustin Jackson recorded career-highs of two goals and three points and Tyler Bozak scored twice to propel the #8 Denver Pioneers (23-13-1) to a 6-3 win over the #18 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (13-16-6) in the opening game of their first-round WCHA playoff series tonight in front of 4,693 fans at Magness Arena.
“I thought we played well and were finally able to take advantage of some of our opportunities to score,” Denver head coach George Gwozdecky said. “Home ice is a big advantage, because when you score first it really gets the energy and enthusiasm in the building going.”
Jackson scored two goals within the first five minutes of the game to give the Pioneers a lead they would not relinquish. The freshman winger deposited a Brandon Vossberg feed over the glove of UMD netminder Alex Stalock (22 saves) at 2:15 before tipping home a Tom May point shot at 4:58 with DU on the power play.
Andrew Carroll put the Bulldogs on the board at 8:23 with a goalmouth tally against DU netminder Peter Mannino, but Matt Glasser responded for the Pioneers 1:06 later after knocking home a feed from Jackson on a 2-on-1 rush.
The teams traded another pair of goals before the period ended, with Bozak striking for DU on the power play at 13:39 and Mike Curry beating Mannino (24 saves) at 14:24.
Bozak extended the DU lead to 5-2 only 23 seconds into the final period on his second tally of the game, tipping a J.P. Testwuide shot from the point past Stalock.
A power-play goal by Josh Meyers at 5:55 brought the Bulldogs back within two goals, but Cody Brookwell notched his first marker as a Pioneer after leaving the penalty box, scooping up the puck and beating Stalock with a high backhand attempt on a breakaway at 7:50 to round out the scoring.
The Pioneers held a 28-27 edge in shots and went 2-for-7 on the power play while holding UMD to one goal in five opportunities.
The teams will resume the best two-out-of-three series tomorrow night with puck drop scheduled for 7:07 p.m. at Magness Arena.
Notes: Denver is tied for sixth in the latest PairWise Rankings...The Pioneers are hosting the first round of the WCHA Playoffs for the fifth consecutive season...Denver is seeking its first trip to the WCHA Final Five since 2005...The Pioneers snapped a season-high three-game losing streak with the victory...DU is 63-53-6 all-time in the WCHA Playoffs, including a 47-18-5 mark at home...It was announced today that nine University of Denver players were named to the Men’s 2007-08 All-WCHA Academic Team: Zach Blom (Englewood, Colo.), Brian Gifford (Moorhead, Minn.), Glasser, Mannino, Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach, Calif.) Tyler Ruegsegger (Lakewood, Colo.), Testwuide, Andrew Thomas (Bow, N.H.), and Vossberg.
DU's Casualty List For The UAA Series
* Brandon Vossberg out Friday night via suspension* J.P. Testwuide out Friday night via suspension
* Julian Marcuzzi may play after missing last Saturday's game
* Cody Brookwell may miss the UAA series with the flu
* Tyler Ruegsegger out for at least 3-4 weeks with an abdominal strain
* John Ryder out for season with a hand injury
* Brock Trotter out forever
Rocky Mountain News Looks At Weekend Series
From: Rocky Mountain Newsby Pat Rooney
(left) DU welcomes the University of Alaska-Anchorage to Magness Arena this weekend for a two game series
If ever there was a weekend in which the University of Denver hockey team seemingly could successfully weather severe manpower issues, this would be it.
But that is precisely the type of thinking that can drag struggling teams deeper into the mire, and it is a trap the Pioneers will attempt to avoid tonight and Saturday.
DU begins a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series tonight against last-place Alaska Anchorage at Magness Arena, and the Pioneers will hit the ice without three regulars in their lineup and possibly a fourth. That list does not include former leading scorer Brock Trotter, who left the program more than three weeks ago to sign a pro contract.
"We could put ourselves in real good shape if we put a good foot forward (today) and Saturday," senior captain Andrew Thomas said. "If we don't, if we come out with a lackadaisical effort, we can make things really tough for us coming down the stretch. We pride ourselves in the WCHA as being the strongest conference in the country. They're not going to be a pushover. They're still fighting for a better playoff position, and so are we."
The Pioneers have lost six of nine, severely crippling their chances to win the WCHA regular-season crown and nudging them further down the all-important PairWise rankings.
DU will attempt to get well this weekend without third-leading scorer Tyler Ruegsegger, who will miss his third consecutive series because of an abdominal injury, and possibly without sophomore defenseman Cody Brookwell, who has battled the flu all week.
Tonight, the Pioneers also will be without defenseman J.P. Testwuide and forward Brandon Vossberg, who will serve one-game suspensions for their actions during DU's fracas with North Dakota on Saturday. Vossberg needed four stitches above his left eye but, like Testwuide, is expected to return for the series finale Saturday.
"Brandon and J.P have played almost every single game for us this year, so when you take two regulars out of the lineup, it certainly makes it a little more of a challenge for everybody else," DU coach George Gwozdecky said. "We know certain areas of the game we weren't very good in last week, and we've worked hard at it this week. We'll be excited and prepared to play (tonight) and we'll go from there."
DU begins the weekend ranked sixth in the PairWise and anything short of four points against a Seawolves team that is winless in its past five games and has lost six consecutive road games ultimately might derail the Pioneers' chances of landing an NCAA tournament berth.
"We've talked since Christmas about the importance of every weekend, but it's really coming down to this weekend," Thomas said.
But that is precisely the type of thinking that can drag struggling teams deeper into the mire, and it is a trap the Pioneers will attempt to avoid tonight and Saturday.
DU begins a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series tonight against last-place Alaska Anchorage at Magness Arena, and the Pioneers will hit the ice without three regulars in their lineup and possibly a fourth. That list does not include former leading scorer Brock Trotter, who left the program more than three weeks ago to sign a pro contract.
"We could put ourselves in real good shape if we put a good foot forward (today) and Saturday," senior captain Andrew Thomas said. "If we don't, if we come out with a lackadaisical effort, we can make things really tough for us coming down the stretch. We pride ourselves in the WCHA as being the strongest conference in the country. They're not going to be a pushover. They're still fighting for a better playoff position, and so are we."
The Pioneers have lost six of nine, severely crippling their chances to win the WCHA regular-season crown and nudging them further down the all-important PairWise rankings.
DU will attempt to get well this weekend without third-leading scorer Tyler Ruegsegger, who will miss his third consecutive series because of an abdominal injury, and possibly without sophomore defenseman Cody Brookwell, who has battled the flu all week.
Tonight, the Pioneers also will be without defenseman J.P. Testwuide and forward Brandon Vossberg, who will serve one-game suspensions for their actions during DU's fracas with North Dakota on Saturday. Vossberg needed four stitches above his left eye but, like Testwuide, is expected to return for the series finale Saturday.
"Brandon and J.P have played almost every single game for us this year, so when you take two regulars out of the lineup, it certainly makes it a little more of a challenge for everybody else," DU coach George Gwozdecky said. "We know certain areas of the game we weren't very good in last week, and we've worked hard at it this week. We'll be excited and prepared to play (tonight) and we'll go from there."
DU begins the weekend ranked sixth in the PairWise and anything short of four points against a Seawolves team that is winless in its past five games and has lost six consecutive road games ultimately might derail the Pioneers' chances of landing an NCAA tournament berth.
"We've talked since Christmas about the importance of every weekend, but it's really coming down to this weekend," Thomas said.
UND 4 DU 1 Final Saturday Night
(above) Denver's Cody Brookwell takes down North Dakota's Matt Watkins during the second period Saturday nightPhoto Credit: John Stennes, The Grand Forks Herald
From: Denver Post
by Virg Foss
Possum Hollow, N.D. — University of Denver hockey coach George Gwozdecky will be looking for answers after North Dakota put an exclamation point on the Pioneers' struggles of late.
The Fighting Sioux moved into a first-place tie with idle Colorado College in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association on Saturday night with a 4-1 win over DU.
It completed a weekend sweep for North Dakota (19-8-2, 16-7-1 WCHA) and ran its unbeaten streak to 11 games (10-0-1), the nation's longest.
Denver mustered just 17 shots on goal Saturday after managing only 18 on Friday, when the Pioneers blew a 4-1 lead in the second period and lost 5-4.
Sophomore center Brian Gifford scored Denver's only goal Saturday, at 13:14 of the second period, after the Sioux had built a 3-0 lead.
The Pioneers were held to nine shots on net in the first two periods.
"Our top two lines really struggled to generate chances," Gwozdecky said. "Part of it was that I thought North Dakota did a great job of forechecking us and really taking us out of a lot of transition. Our defensemen as a group really struggled against North Dakota's pressure."
It was the second time in three weeks the Pioneers have been swept on the road.
The Pioneers have been without Tyler Ruegsegger (abdominal injury) the past four games and lost leading scorer Brock Trotter (who signed with the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 7) for the season.
Between the two, they accounted for 23 of Denver's 80 goals (29 percent). Minus both players, the Pioneers have been held to 10 goals the past four games.
"Any time you take two of your top players out of your lineup, it's going to affect you," Gwoz-decky said. "If you take (Ryan) Duncan and (T.J.) Oshie out of their lineup, it's probably going to affect them. They were pretty good this weekend."
They are North Dakota's top two scorers.
Duncan had a goal and three assists in Friday's win for the Sioux, and Oshie had a goal.
The Pioneers remain sixth in the PairWise rankings, which mimic the process the NCAA uses to select its 16-team tournament field. North Dakota moved into a tie for second in those rankings with New Hampshire.
The Fighting Sioux moved into a first-place tie with idle Colorado College in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association on Saturday night with a 4-1 win over DU.
It completed a weekend sweep for North Dakota (19-8-2, 16-7-1 WCHA) and ran its unbeaten streak to 11 games (10-0-1), the nation's longest.
Denver mustered just 17 shots on goal Saturday after managing only 18 on Friday, when the Pioneers blew a 4-1 lead in the second period and lost 5-4.
Sophomore center Brian Gifford scored Denver's only goal Saturday, at 13:14 of the second period, after the Sioux had built a 3-0 lead.
The Pioneers were held to nine shots on net in the first two periods.
"Our top two lines really struggled to generate chances," Gwozdecky said. "Part of it was that I thought North Dakota did a great job of forechecking us and really taking us out of a lot of transition. Our defensemen as a group really struggled against North Dakota's pressure."
It was the second time in three weeks the Pioneers have been swept on the road.
The Pioneers have been without Tyler Ruegsegger (abdominal injury) the past four games and lost leading scorer Brock Trotter (who signed with the Montreal Canadiens on Feb. 7) for the season.
Between the two, they accounted for 23 of Denver's 80 goals (29 percent). Minus both players, the Pioneers have been held to 10 goals the past four games.
"Any time you take two of your top players out of your lineup, it's going to affect you," Gwoz-decky said. "If you take (Ryan) Duncan and (T.J.) Oshie out of their lineup, it's probably going to affect them. They were pretty good this weekend."
They are North Dakota's top two scorers.
Duncan had a goal and three assists in Friday's win for the Sioux, and Oshie had a goal.
The Pioneers remain sixth in the PairWise rankings, which mimic the process the NCAA uses to select its 16-team tournament field. North Dakota moved into a tie for second in those rankings with New Hampshire.
UND To Face DU Without Coach This Weekend
From: Rocky Mountain Newsby Pat Rooney
(left) Dave Hakstol's "one finger salute" to referee Don Adams two weeks ago, means that Hak can't be in Englestadt Arena two hours before to two hours after this weekend's contests against the Pioneers
Sophomore defenseman Cody Brookwell processed the question for a moment, almost smirking when he considered what a game might be like for the University of Denver hockey team if it had to compete without coach George Gwozdecky barking orders from the bench.
Brookwell and his teammates know losing their leader would be a huge setback, and it is a shortcoming DU hopes to take advantage of this weekend.
The Pioneers begin a critical Western Collegiate Hockey Association series tonight at North Dakota, with the teams in a dogfight in the league standings and the PairWise rankings.
While DU attempts to continue the momentum it gathered in a slump-busting tie and victory against Minnesota last week, North Dakota will be without coach Dave Hakstol, who will serve a two-game suspension for his actions during a confrontation with an official in the Fighting Sioux's most recent game Feb. 2 against Minnesota. Hakstol can't be in the arena or have contact with players or coaches two hours before or two hours after each game.
"(Coach Gwozdecky) always is a big factor on our team. He always has something good to say to us, something positive," Brookwell said. "It definitely would be a little awkward with him not there. Our assistant coaches would definitely fill that role, but I don't think it could be the same. It could definitely be a factor."
DU rebounded from a stretch of four losses in five games with its performance against Minnesota and also bounced back from the loss of former leading scorer Brock Trotter, who signed with the Montreal Canadiens a day before the first game against the Golden Gophers.
The Pioneers, though, will be facing a North Dakota team that is playing its best hockey. The Fighting Sioux are unbeaten in their past nine games and had an eight-game winning streak snapped with a tie against the Golden Gophers on Feb. 2.
North Dakota is in second place in the WCHA, four points behind league-leading Colorado College and two ahead of the third-place Pioneers. DU holds a slight advantage in the PairWise, ranking fifth to North Dakota's sixth.
"I think the challenge this weekend is having everyone come locked in and ready to go," Brookwell said. "I think that's one of the most important parts of our team - everyone playing their roles. If everyone does that, we should be successful. It was really urgent for us to get back on track last week, and everyone came ready to play. It was good to see us play that way."
Brookwell and his teammates know losing their leader would be a huge setback, and it is a shortcoming DU hopes to take advantage of this weekend.
The Pioneers begin a critical Western Collegiate Hockey Association series tonight at North Dakota, with the teams in a dogfight in the league standings and the PairWise rankings.
While DU attempts to continue the momentum it gathered in a slump-busting tie and victory against Minnesota last week, North Dakota will be without coach Dave Hakstol, who will serve a two-game suspension for his actions during a confrontation with an official in the Fighting Sioux's most recent game Feb. 2 against Minnesota. Hakstol can't be in the arena or have contact with players or coaches two hours before or two hours after each game.
"(Coach Gwozdecky) always is a big factor on our team. He always has something good to say to us, something positive," Brookwell said. "It definitely would be a little awkward with him not there. Our assistant coaches would definitely fill that role, but I don't think it could be the same. It could definitely be a factor."
DU rebounded from a stretch of four losses in five games with its performance against Minnesota and also bounced back from the loss of former leading scorer Brock Trotter, who signed with the Montreal Canadiens a day before the first game against the Golden Gophers.
The Pioneers, though, will be facing a North Dakota team that is playing its best hockey. The Fighting Sioux are unbeaten in their past nine games and had an eight-game winning streak snapped with a tie against the Golden Gophers on Feb. 2.
North Dakota is in second place in the WCHA, four points behind league-leading Colorado College and two ahead of the third-place Pioneers. DU holds a slight advantage in the PairWise, ranking fifth to North Dakota's sixth.
"I think the challenge this weekend is having everyone come locked in and ready to go," Brookwell said. "I think that's one of the most important parts of our team - everyone playing their roles. If everyone does that, we should be successful. It was really urgent for us to get back on track last week, and everyone came ready to play. It was good to see us play that way."
Brookwell Quietly Protects DU's Blueline
From: Denver Postby Mike Chambers
We might have found the unsung poster boy for the cohesive unit that is the University of Denver hockey team — a young squad ranked No. 2 in one national poll and taking a six-game winning streak into this weekend's series against visiting Wisconsin.
No, it's not star senior goalie Peter Mannino, junior defenseman Chris Butler or sophomore forwards Brock Trotter, Tyler Ruegsegger or Rhett Rakhshani.
It is sophomore defenseman Cody Brookwell, who promotes unselfishness and seemingly carries the team's proud chemistry flag on his stick and in his big heart.
He goes by "Brooks" and his coaches refer to him as "The Big Guy." But a better nickname might be "Brick Wall," because he has become the hidden anchor to the country's second-rated defense.
At 6-feet-4 and 215 pounds, all Brookwell cares about is defending DU's net and winning. He has no goals and three career points in 50 games to prove it.
"Coming in as a freshman, there was a big adjustment to the speed, and keeping my head up," Brookwell said. "I take pride in being good defensively. Obviously, I'm not a big point-getter. I've accepted that and my role on the team."
DU coach George Gwozdecky has remained a college bench boss because he thrives on seeing the boys develop into men.
"Every player develops from year to year, but Cody has really come along from his freshman year," Gwozdecky said. "He's matured mentally, physically, emotionally. He's much more responsible. He's not just a big body out there anymore.
"He's comfortable in his role, and just more comfortable in his skin, and you can see it in all of the things in his life — academics, hockey, training. He's a great example to the younger guys."
Brookwell is one to deflect individual praise.
Said Butler: "He's one of the guys this year that has really taken his role, accepted it and played it to a 'T.' That's the biggest difference between some of the guys this year and some of the guys last year.
"Cody knows he's a stay-at-home defenseman. You don't see him unnecessarily jump into the rush, trying to create offense, because that's not the strongest point of his game. His strong point is being physical one on one and in the corners, blocking shots and killing penalties."
No, it's not star senior goalie Peter Mannino, junior defenseman Chris Butler or sophomore forwards Brock Trotter, Tyler Ruegsegger or Rhett Rakhshani.
It is sophomore defenseman Cody Brookwell, who promotes unselfishness and seemingly carries the team's proud chemistry flag on his stick and in his big heart.
He goes by "Brooks" and his coaches refer to him as "The Big Guy." But a better nickname might be "Brick Wall," because he has become the hidden anchor to the country's second-rated defense.
At 6-feet-4 and 215 pounds, all Brookwell cares about is defending DU's net and winning. He has no goals and three career points in 50 games to prove it.
"Coming in as a freshman, there was a big adjustment to the speed, and keeping my head up," Brookwell said. "I take pride in being good defensively. Obviously, I'm not a big point-getter. I've accepted that and my role on the team."
DU coach George Gwozdecky has remained a college bench boss because he thrives on seeing the boys develop into men.
"Every player develops from year to year, but Cody has really come along from his freshman year," Gwozdecky said. "He's matured mentally, physically, emotionally. He's much more responsible. He's not just a big body out there anymore.
"He's comfortable in his role, and just more comfortable in his skin, and you can see it in all of the things in his life — academics, hockey, training. He's a great example to the younger guys."
Brookwell is one to deflect individual praise.
Said Butler: "He's one of the guys this year that has really taken his role, accepted it and played it to a 'T.' That's the biggest difference between some of the guys this year and some of the guys last year.
"Cody knows he's a stay-at-home defenseman. You don't see him unnecessarily jump into the rush, trying to create offense, because that's not the strongest point of his game. His strong point is being physical one on one and in the corners, blocking shots and killing penalties."
Wisconsin Will Test DU's Newly Potent Offense
From: Rocky Mountain Newsby Pat Rooney
Sure, defense unquestionably defines success for the University of Denver hockey team.
The Pioneers are 14-0 when they have limited their opponents to two goals or fewer, a statistic that is impossible to ignore.
But DU's steadily improving offense certainly cannot be overlooked, and the continued development of the team's young scorers will be a crucial factor in the Pioneers' quest to repeat their first-half success down the stretch.
DU begins a Western Collegiate Hockey Association series tonight against Wisconsin at Magness Arena, bringing a six-game winning streak sparked partly by strong offensive play into a rematch against the team that ended DU's season in the spring.
The Pioneers' surging offense will get an additional boost from the return of sophomore forwards Tyler Ruegsegger and Rhett Rakhshani, the team's third- and fourth-leading scorers. They missed DU's two wins in the Denver Cup two weeks ago while competing in the World Junior Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic.
"Every line and every player has been playing well," said freshman center Tyler Bozak, who has two goals and six assists during a four-game points streak. "All the defensemen have been playing great, and all our forward lines have been contributing. With that happening, it kind of has been hard to lose.
"There is a lot of firepower, for sure. With Tyler and Rhett coming back . . . I'm sure they will be great as usual."
In the four games before the start of their current streak, the Pioneers scored only six goals. DU has scored at least three goals in each game of its six- game winning streak, including 20 goals in the past four games.
DU has climbed to ninth in the nation in scoring, averaging 3.3 goals a game, to complement a defense led by senior goaltender Peter Mannino that is allowing only 1.75 goals a game, the second-best mark in college hockey.
"It is true that if we hold teams to three goals or less, there is a pretty good chance we're going to win with the way we're going," sophomore defenseman Cody Brookwell said. "That's our goal as defensemen."
The Pioneers had an eight-game unbeaten streak against Wisconsin before the Badgers won the teams' final three meetings last year, including a sweep at Magness Arena in the first round of the WCHA playoffs that kept DU out of the NCAA tournament.
"Wisconsin is a team that has tremendous talent, like a lot of teams in this league," DU coach George Gwozdecky said. "They are one of the big reasons why we weren't able to continue our postseason push last year. There are a number of things we remember very vividly."
CC COUGHS UP THREE GOAL LEAD TO TIE DU 5-5
Pioneers net two goals in final 36 seconds to tie Colorado College
"Our guys can feel a sense of accomplishment with their comeback," DU head coach George Gwozdecky said. "We got out-played in the first half of the game, but our team believed we could make a comeback and we did."
Trailing 5-3 in the closing moments, Gwozdecky pulled Mannino (24 saves) at 17:33 of the third period. Keith Seabrook (Delta, British Columbia) made it 5-4 at 19:24 and Ryan Dingle(Steamboat Springs, Colo.) sent it to overtime when he banged in a Tyler Ruegsegger (Lakewood, Colo.) pass with just four seconds remaining in regulation.
CC started fast by netting three of its five power-play goals in the first period. Mike Testwuide gave CC a 1-0 lead and Chad Rau and Jack Hillen made it 3-0 with power-play tallies after a 5-minute checking-from-behind penalty on DU's Cody Brookwell (Calgary, Alberta). Chris Butler (St. Louis, Mo.) made it 3-1 at 16:56 of the first period when he beat Matt Zaba (29 saves) stick side. CC outshot DU 17-5 in the opening stanza.
DU and CC scored two goals each in an entertaining second period. Rau gave the Tigers a 4-1 lead with a power-play goal at 4:09. Ruegsegger answered on the power play for DU at 6:25. Lee Sweatt scored CC's fifth power-play goal on a 5-on-3 advantage at 8:32. Brock Trotter (Brandon, Manitoba) netted the final goal of the period at 10:33. DU outshot CC 10-6 in the period.
Trotter led the Pioneers with one goal and two assists, while Rakhshani added three assists. Butler, Dingle and Ruegsegger added one goal and one assist for DU, which outshot CC 34-29 and finished 1-for-6 on the power play.
The Pioneers and Badgers battle in game one of the WCHA Playoffs on Friday, March 9 at 7:37 p.m. at Magness Arena. The best 2-of-3 series winner advances to the WCHA Final Five on March 15-17 in St. Paul, Minn.
Pioneers net two goals in final 36 seconds to tie Colorado College
March 3, 2007
COLORADO SPRINGS - The No. 6/7 Denver Pioneers netted two goals in the final 36 seconds of the game after pulling goaltender Peter Mannino (Farmington Hills, Mich.) to earn a dramatic 5-5 overtime tie against No. 17 Colorado College in WCHA action before a sellout crowd of 7,820 at World Arena. DU (21-13-4, 13-11-4 WCHA) earns a fourth-place finish in the WCHA with the tie, while CC (17-15-4, 13-12-3 WCHA) finishes fifth. The Pioneers host seventh-place Wisconsin next weekend in the first round of the WCHA Playoffs.
COLORADO SPRINGS - The No. 6/7 Denver Pioneers netted two goals in the final 36 seconds of the game after pulling goaltender Peter Mannino (Farmington Hills, Mich.) to earn a dramatic 5-5 overtime tie against No. 17 Colorado College in WCHA action before a sellout crowd of 7,820 at World Arena. DU (21-13-4, 13-11-4 WCHA) earns a fourth-place finish in the WCHA with the tie, while CC (17-15-4, 13-12-3 WCHA) finishes fifth. The Pioneers host seventh-place Wisconsin next weekend in the first round of the WCHA Playoffs.
"Our guys can feel a sense of accomplishment with their comeback," DU head coach George Gwozdecky said. "We got out-played in the first half of the game, but our team believed we could make a comeback and we did."
Trailing 5-3 in the closing moments, Gwozdecky pulled Mannino (24 saves) at 17:33 of the third period. Keith Seabrook (Delta, British Columbia) made it 5-4 at 19:24 and Ryan Dingle(Steamboat Springs, Colo.) sent it to overtime when he banged in a Tyler Ruegsegger (Lakewood, Colo.) pass with just four seconds remaining in regulation.
CC started fast by netting three of its five power-play goals in the first period. Mike Testwuide gave CC a 1-0 lead and Chad Rau and Jack Hillen made it 3-0 with power-play tallies after a 5-minute checking-from-behind penalty on DU's Cody Brookwell (Calgary, Alberta). Chris Butler (St. Louis, Mo.) made it 3-1 at 16:56 of the first period when he beat Matt Zaba (29 saves) stick side. CC outshot DU 17-5 in the opening stanza.
DU and CC scored two goals each in an entertaining second period. Rau gave the Tigers a 4-1 lead with a power-play goal at 4:09. Ruegsegger answered on the power play for DU at 6:25. Lee Sweatt scored CC's fifth power-play goal on a 5-on-3 advantage at 8:32. Brock Trotter (Brandon, Manitoba) netted the final goal of the period at 10:33. DU outshot CC 10-6 in the period.
Trotter led the Pioneers with one goal and two assists, while Rakhshani added three assists. Butler, Dingle and Ruegsegger added one goal and one assist for DU, which outshot CC 34-29 and finished 1-for-6 on the power play.
Rau led the Tigers with two goals, while Bill Sweatt and Andreas Vlassopoulos added three assists each for the Tigers. CC finished a sparkling 5-for-9 on the power play.
The Pioneers and Badgers battle in game one of the WCHA Playoffs on Friday, March 9 at 7:37 p.m. at Magness Arena. The best 2-of-3 series winner advances to the WCHA Final Five on March 15-17 in St. Paul, Minn.
Notes: DU is currently 10th in the latest PairWise Rankings...CC won the season series 3-0-1...DU is now 3-11-1 when allowing the game's first goal... Butler's first period goal snapped a school record 136:56 scoreless minutes streak for DU...Tickets for the first round of the WCHA Playoffs at Magness Arena on March 9-11 are on sale at the Ritchie Center North Box Office, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by phone at (303) 830-TIXS.
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