Ever wonder what happened to former University of Denver hockey player T.J. Fast? He spends his time dodging enraged condors on the bench in Bakersfield, California. Fast has appeared in three games this season for the Condors, with no goals or assists.
Showing posts with label Fast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fast. Show all posts
Video: Condor Gets Loose In Bakersfield
Ever wonder what happened to former University of Denver hockey player T.J. Fast? He spends his time dodging enraged condors on the bench in Bakersfield, California. Fast has appeared in three games this season for the Condors, with no goals or assists.
Quentin Shore Rumor Via Twitter Raises Red Flags
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| Quentin Shore |
If any DU player was interested in transferring to a major junior team, it would come as a mild surprise. But the Shore family is anchored to the University of Denver as can be. Quentin's older brother Drew attended DU and is the second leading scorer [5g,10a] for the AHL San Antonio Rampage this winter. Second eldest brother Nick is the leading scorer [6g,12a] for the Pioneers this season. Youngest brother Baker plays youth hockey and is on DU's recruiting radar. Finally both parents graduated from DU's Law School.
The University of Denver is on its annual academic Christmas Break [Thanksgiving to New Years] the timing is certainly right for a player looking to make the jump to Major Juniors. In the past DU defenesemen William Wrenn and T.J. Fast left DU after the academic Fall Quarter. However in both instances it was after DU had completed the first half of the season.
Could Quentin Shore have struggled academically in the Fall Quarter and decided that college wasn't for him? "Unlikely" said an unnamed source with knowledge of the Shore brothers and their family.
Possible Quentin Shore ties to the WHL Portland Winterhawks include star defenseman Seth Jones. Jones is the likely #1 or #2 overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Shore & Jones were close friends on the USNDT for two years in Ann Arbor.
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Quentin Shore is the 9th leading scorer [3g,4a] for the Pioneers this season and centers DU's third line. Although he is logging plenty of minutes this season, perhaps he is unhappy with DU's power player situation or minutes? DU has been rolling three D-men on the first unit all season, and after a torrid start, the first power play unit has been silent lately in addition to giving up three shorthanded goals in recent weeks.
Quentin Shore was not drafted by an NHL team last summer. Perhaps he feels he needs to crank up the stats and showcase his skills in the wide open Western Hockey League to raise his stock next summer in the 2013 NHL Draft.
Which brings us to Kennedy's Twitter Post last night. Its possible that Portland encouraged Seth Jones to reach out to Quentin to see if he was interested. Or its possible that the Shore family reached out to the Winterhawks to evaluate their options going forward. Either way, expect DU to quickly try and quell this rumor with the North Dakota series upcoming this weekend.
The longer questions remain unanswered, the higher the possibility that the rumor is true.
Former Pioneer T.J. Fast Traded Again
(left) T.J. Fast was traded on TuesdaySt. Louis and Florida pulled off a minor trade Tuesday as 22-year-old defenseman T.J. Fast heads to the Panthers in exchange for 31-year-old forward Graham Mink.
Fast, a former player at the University of Denver, was a second-round pick in the 2005 Entry Draft by the Los Angeles Kings. The Blues acquired him on June 4, 2008 and Fast has been in their system ever since.
Fast split last season between the ECHL and AHL, scoring 31 points in 46 games with the Alaska Aces and adding one point in 18 games with the Peoria Rivermen. He had five points in 46 AHL games in 2008-09.
Mink is a career minor-leaguer since 2001.
Glenn Fisher's Team Playing In ECHL Playoffs
(above) DU Alum Glenn Fisher in goal for the Las Vegas Wranglers against the Alaska Aces in the ECHLsemi-finalsFormer DU player T.J. Fast and the Alaska Aces scored a 3-1 victory over DU Alum Glenn Fisher in Las Vegas on Tuesday night.
The victory gave the Aces a 3-0 lead in the ECHL's best-of-7 National Conference finals. No team in the 21-season history of the ECHL has rebounded from a 3-0 deficit.
The victory gave the Aces a 3-0 lead in the ECHL's best-of-7 National Conference finals. No team in the 21-season history of the ECHL has rebounded from a 3-0 deficit.
Former DU Player TJ Fast Traded For 5th Rounder
From: The Sporting NewsLooking to increase their reserve of puck-moving defensemen, the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday acquired the rights to juniors defenseman T.J. Fast from the Los Angeles Kings.
Fast, 20, had 17 goals and 37 assists this season for WHL Tri-City. He was the Kings' second-round pick, 60th overall, in 2005.
In exchange, the Blues gave the Kings a fifth-round pick in 2009.
Fast is 6-0, 185 pounds and is from Calgary. He played parts of two seasons with Denver University before going to juniors. He was captain for Tri-City and was plus-29 for the season.
Fast was not among the Kings' top 20 prospects in rankings by HockeysFuture.com. However, he received good marks for his offensive play in the site's writeup.
"Fast is just that -- fast and smooth on his skates. He has pure offensive skills and can move the puck up the ice whether by carrying it through the neutral zone or by a well-timed pass," according to HockeysFuture.com. "A power-play quarterback, similar in style to Lubomir Visnovsky. Not a booming shot but can get the puck on net or move it around the zone quickly to open up the lane for shots on the power play."
Fast originally signed with the University of Denver. He had one goal and 10 points in 58 games, leaving during Christmas break after playing 19 games his sophomore year in 2006-07.
Fast, 20, had 17 goals and 37 assists this season for WHL Tri-City. He was the Kings' second-round pick, 60th overall, in 2005.
In exchange, the Blues gave the Kings a fifth-round pick in 2009.
Fast is 6-0, 185 pounds and is from Calgary. He played parts of two seasons with Denver University before going to juniors. He was captain for Tri-City and was plus-29 for the season.
Fast was not among the Kings' top 20 prospects in rankings by HockeysFuture.com. However, he received good marks for his offensive play in the site's writeup.
"Fast is just that -- fast and smooth on his skates. He has pure offensive skills and can move the puck up the ice whether by carrying it through the neutral zone or by a well-timed pass," according to HockeysFuture.com. "A power-play quarterback, similar in style to Lubomir Visnovsky. Not a booming shot but can get the puck on net or move it around the zone quickly to open up the lane for shots on the power play."
Fast originally signed with the University of Denver. He had one goal and 10 points in 58 games, leaving during Christmas break after playing 19 games his sophomore year in 2006-07.
RMN: DU Hammered By Trotter's Departure
(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."
T.J. Fast Playing Well For Tri-Cities in the WHL
Former DU player T.J. Fast, who left DU during the Christmas Break in 2005, is playing well for the Tri-Cities Americans in the WHL. Fast has 7 goals and 19 assists in 40 games while leading the team in +/- at +16.Fast was drafted in the 2nd Round of the 2005 NHL Draft by the Los Angeles Kings.
Seabrook Leaves DU For Major Juniors
DU Rocked By Third Defection Of 2007
From: USCHO & Calgary Hitmen Website
In what has got to be a major blow to the prestige of the DU Hockey program, the University of Denver has been rocked by a third player defection since Christmas.
Sophomore defenseman Keith Seabrook (Delta, British Columbia) has left DU to begin his professional career and forfeited his remaining three years of college hockey eligibility, DU head coach George Gwozdecky announced Monday. Seabrook has signed a major junior A contract with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.
"Keith and his family felt the U.S. college hockey development model of practice and games combined with rigorous academics would not benefit his hockey career," Gwozdecky said. "Our development model has proven to be successful and rewarding, and we're looking forward to the 2007-08 season."
Seabrook tallied 13 points on two goals and 11 assists in 37 games as a freshman in 2006-07. Seabrook finished with a -3 plus/minus rating. He was a 2006 NHL second round draft pick of the Washington Capitals.
On facebook.com Seabrook called it a "hard decision to leave DU."
In May recruit Jason Gregoire reneged on his verbal commitment to DU and announced that he would attend the University of North Dakota in 2008. Over Christmas break T.J. Fast left DU at mid-season for the Tri-Cities Americans of the WHL.
Calgary Hitmen General Manager and Head Coach Kelly Kisio announced Seabrook's signing on the Hitmen's website.
On facebook.com Seabrook called it a "hard decision to leave DU."
In May recruit Jason Gregoire reneged on his verbal commitment to DU and announced that he would attend the University of North Dakota in 2008. Over Christmas break T.J. Fast left DU at mid-season for the Tri-Cities Americans of the WHL.
Calgary Hitmen General Manager and Head Coach Kelly Kisio announced Seabrook's signing on the Hitmen's website.
“Keith is going to be a great addition to our defensive corps and we’re very excited to have him join our hockey team, said Kisio. “He’s a very good puck moving defenceman who is going to help our powerplay a great deal. Since we drafted Seabrook in 2003, we’ve kept him on our protected list always hoping this day would come.”
T.J. Fast & Tri-City Americans Fizzle Out of Playoffs
After a best ever record of 47-23-1 in regular season, the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League were upset in the first round of the WHL playoffs by Seattle.
T.J. Fast who joined the team in mid-season from the University of Denver ended up with 3 goals and 19 assists in 26 games.
However in the playoffs, Fast mirrored his teams performance and recorded only 1 assist in 6 games and ended up -5 for the series against Seattle.
No word yet of T.J.'s plans for next season. He is eligible to return to the Americans as an "overage" player, but the team is limited to three such players, so he could also be traded to another team in the WHL or pursue his professional hockey career, if the LA Kings are interested.
After a best ever record of 47-23-1 in regular season, the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League were upset in the first round of the WHL playoffs by Seattle.T.J. Fast who joined the team in mid-season from the University of Denver ended up with 3 goals and 19 assists in 26 games.
However in the playoffs, Fast mirrored his teams performance and recorded only 1 assist in 6 games and ended up -5 for the series against Seattle.
No word yet of T.J.'s plans for next season. He is eligible to return to the Americans as an "overage" player, but the team is limited to three such players, so he could also be traded to another team in the WHL or pursue his professional hockey career, if the LA Kings are interested.
Fast Named WHL Player of the Month in March
From: Western Hockey League
by Jesse Watts
From: Western Hockey Leagueby Jesse Watts
CALGARY, AB - The Western Hockey League today announced that defenseman T.J. Fast of the Tri-City Americans has been named the HUSKY WHL Player of the Month for March.
Fast, a product of Calgary, AB, scored two goals and added 11 assists for 13 points in nine games during the month of March, helping the Americans to an 8-1-0-0 record in that span.
The 19-year-old rookie rearguard, who joined the Americans in January after leaving Denver University, recorded points in eight consecutive games during the month of March. Fast also registered five multi-point games, and was the top-scoring defenseman in the WHL in March.
Fast, a product of Calgary, AB, scored two goals and added 11 assists for 13 points in nine games during the month of March, helping the Americans to an 8-1-0-0 record in that span.
The 19-year-old rookie rearguard, who joined the Americans in January after leaving Denver University, recorded points in eight consecutive games during the month of March. Fast also registered five multi-point games, and was the top-scoring defenseman in the WHL in March.
Denver's 2007 Recruiting Class Still Not Finalized
- Steve Cunningham-LW (3/19/07) Burnaby (BCHL) 6'1 195
- Dusty Jackson-LW (3/19/07) So. Minn. (NAHL) 6'3 195
- Tyler Bozak-RC (11/2/06) Victoria (BCHL) 6' 175
- Marc Cheverie-G (11/8/05) Nanaimo (BCHL) 6'2 195
- Jesse Martin-RC (10/28/05) Tri-City (USHL) 5'10 170
- Kyle Ostrow-LC (8/17/05) Nanaimo (BCHL) 5'9 160
- Jason Gregoire-LW (2/1/07) Lincoln (USHL) 5'11 175 (2007 or 2008)
- John Lee-RD (10/3/06) Moorhead H.S. 6'1 170 (2007 or 2008)
- Riley Nash - DU or Cornell (2007 or 2008) (Uncommitted)
DU's recruiting picture is currently muddled due to Dingle's departure and Paukovich rumors which continue to swirl. The good news is that if they leave, DU has a budding superstar in Jason Gregorie waiting in the wings, who chose DU in a recruiting battle with North Dakota.
Also hanging over DU's head like a huge matzah ball is Riley Nash who is trying to decide between DU & Cornell. His brother plays at Cornell, but he also likes DU. The odds may be slightly tilted in Cornell's favor, but its too close to call.
Forwards
2007 has the chance to be DU's deepest recruiting class since the mid to late Sixties when DU landed Magnuson, Koroll, Wiste, Powers, Morrison & Trembecky within a few seasons. Its to early to tell if there is another Stastny or Carle in the group, but certainly Denver has not had four (five if Nash comes) recruits the caliber of Ostrow, Bozak, Martin & Gregorie in one class. Three of the four are Top 5 forwards in the USHL & BCHL and Bozak was the leading scorer in the BCHL.
Cunningham & Jackson will provide some much needed depth and may find a role of the team if they bring an expected physical presence.
Defensemen
The question at DU right now is, "Who's coming in to play defense?" TJ Fast left in mid-season and Adrian Veideman graduated and yet, DU has no defensive recruits at this time. John Lee, brother of Brian is waiting in the wings, but he's may not be ready for the WCHA. He spent most of last season at Moorhead High School where he was a Mr. Minnesota Hockey finalist.
Goaltending
Marc Cheverie has had an up and down season in goal in the BCHL, but he is already drafted by the NHL. He chose DU over UND and has an incredible upside potential since he's 6'3".
If DU gets Nash and Gregorie comes in 2007, I'd take DU's class over Wisconsin's. If neither come, DU's recruiting class is probably third or fourth behind Wisconsin, Minnesota & UND.
Also hanging over DU's head like a huge matzah ball is Riley Nash who is trying to decide between DU & Cornell. His brother plays at Cornell, but he also likes DU. The odds may be slightly tilted in Cornell's favor, but its too close to call.
Forwards
2007 has the chance to be DU's deepest recruiting class since the mid to late Sixties when DU landed Magnuson, Koroll, Wiste, Powers, Morrison & Trembecky within a few seasons. Its to early to tell if there is another Stastny or Carle in the group, but certainly Denver has not had four (five if Nash comes) recruits the caliber of Ostrow, Bozak, Martin & Gregorie in one class. Three of the four are Top 5 forwards in the USHL & BCHL and Bozak was the leading scorer in the BCHL.
Cunningham & Jackson will provide some much needed depth and may find a role of the team if they bring an expected physical presence.
Defensemen
The question at DU right now is, "Who's coming in to play defense?" TJ Fast left in mid-season and Adrian Veideman graduated and yet, DU has no defensive recruits at this time. John Lee, brother of Brian is waiting in the wings, but he's may not be ready for the WCHA. He spent most of last season at Moorhead High School where he was a Mr. Minnesota Hockey finalist.
Goaltending
Marc Cheverie has had an up and down season in goal in the BCHL, but he is already drafted by the NHL. He chose DU over UND and has an incredible upside potential since he's 6'3".
If DU gets Nash and Gregorie comes in 2007, I'd take DU's class over Wisconsin's. If neither come, DU's recruiting class is probably third or fourth behind Wisconsin, Minnesota & UND.
NCAA in no rush to play like NHL
From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers
(left) DU plays Minnesota Duluth this weekend at Magness Arena
From a penalties standpoint, attending a University of Denver hockey game one night and an Avalanche game the next is like watching two different sports.
The NCAA still allows many of the hooks and holds the NHL has barred.
Although the 2005 NHL crackdown on obstruction penalties occurred a year after the NCAA tightened its rules, the NCAA is in no hurry to revise its rules to match the new NHL standard.
"We tightened up the obstruction penalties before the NHL, and certainly the NHL has gone beyond that - and way past us," said Bruce McLeod, commissioner of the Denver-based Western Collegiate Hockey Association. "We haven't done it in a quantum jump like the NHL, and I think we'll probably continue with that. Some people think the NHL has gone too far, and others love the way it is. We'll just have to wait and see."
A hooking minor in the NHL typically is called if a defending player's stick touches a puck-controlling opposing player from the waist up. In the NCAA, hooking typically is called only if a player falls because of being hooked. Holding and interference calls differ in the same manner.
"We're probably going to try to find a little bit of the middle ground at some point," McLeod said. "We'll wait and see how it continues to go in the NHL. If they probably stick with it, I wouldn't doubt that we will head towards their standard."
DU on defense
Two weeks after sophomore T.J. Fast quit the team, DU could be short on trusted defensemen. The Pioneers, who played without injured freshman Cody Brookwell last weekend, went with five defensemen and 13 forwards in Saturday's 2-0 victory over No. 4 St. Cloud State.
Sophomore Julian Marcuzzi was a healthy scratch, and junior Zach Blom played sparingly.
Brookwell, who suffered a knee injury Jan. 20 at Minnesota, might return in this weekend's two- game series against Minnesota- Duluth. If the big blue-liner can't play, Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky won't hesitate to go with five again.
"I thought our defense played very well," Gwozdecky said after DU pinned St. Cloud State with just its second loss in its past 21 games. "The big three - (Chris) Butler, (Adrian) Veideman and (Andrew) Thomas - were very strong. They got a lot of ice time and played very smart."
Freshman Keith Seabrook also plays regularly and captains the No. 2 power play. DU also could put sophomore wing J.P. Testwuide on the blue line, where he played most of last season.
Postseason picture
DU, fifth in the all-important Pairwise Rankings (PWR), remains in terrific shape to play in the NCAA Tournament's West Regional at the Pepsi Center. But Colorado College is on the bad end of the bubble in making the 16-team field. The Tigers, who host Wisconsin for a two-game set this weekend, are 14th in the PWR with the .003 bonus. After automatic bids are given to the six conference tournament champions, only the top 12 or 13 PWR teams will receive at-large berths.
Fast Has 3 Assists In 3 Games For Tri-Cities
By Annie Fowler, Herald staff writer
Wednesday morning, T.J. Fast was lacing up his skates in the Tri-City Americans locker room.
He was meeting his teammates for the first time and getting ready to play his first Western Hockey League game that night against the Chilliwack Bruins.
Had Fast remained at the University of Denver, where he played hockey and lacrosse for the Pioneers, he would have been getting ready for his first class of the day -- accounting.
"I wasn't into the school thing, the routine," Fast said of leaving Denver. "I felt I didn't fit into Denver's program anymore. I'm still worried about an education, but for now, I'm focusing on hockey and my goal of being a professional hockey player."
Fast, 19, a 2005 second-round draft pick (60th overall) of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, was studying business at Denver.
"I'm excited for the game," he said. "I'm used to big crowds when we'd play Colorado College or go to Wisconsin."
Fast is no stranger to the WHL being a native of Calgary, Alberta, but in his last year of bantams, he broke his wrist and separated his shoulder and was not selected in the bantam draft.
"I bounced around the league on a bunch of teams' lists, and I went to Regina's camp when I was 15," he said. "I've been on the list here for a couple of years. It was hard leaving the team and the chemistry we had in Denver, but I was ready for a new opportunity."
Fast showed in the Americans' 4-1 win over the Bruins, that it did not take him long to adjust to the pace and the physical aspect of the WHL. He saw substantial playing time, finishing his checks like a veteran and even recorded an assist in the win.
But the best part may have been that after the game, he didn't have to get back to school in the morning.
"I'm a lot more relaxed and I have more time to myself," Fast said. "I'm not stressed about something I had to have done by the end of the night."
To make room for Fast and overage defenseman Roman Teslyuk, whom the Americans picked up last week from the Kamloops Blazers, Tri-City general manager Bob Tory traded veteran defensemen Ryan Gillen to the Calgary Hitmen and Nic Knudsen to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
"It's up to the GM what moves they make, but I felt bad," Fast said. "One of the guys was packing up when I went into the locker room on Wednesday."
Postscript: In his first three games for the Americans, Fast has 3 assists and is +1. They are 2-1-0 in his first three games.
Viag...er...Niagara To Test Pioneers Tonight
From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney
By himself, Ted Cook will cause plenty of problems for DU's defense. Add his linemates to the mix, and the Pioneers will be facing a 120-minute headache tonight and Saturday.
DU begins its final nonconference series when the puck drops tonight against the 17th-ranked Niagara Purple Eagles, who come to Magness Arena boasting one of the top offensive lines in the country in Cook, center Les Reaney and left wing Sean Bentivoglio.
All three players are ranked in the top 10 in the nation in scoring, and despite the fact Niagara plays in a thin College Hockey America, its line stacks up against anything the seventh-ranked Pioneers face in the more rugged Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
"I don't care what team you play for or what league, if you are scoring 20 goals in 20 games, that's pretty impressive," DU sophomore defenseman Chris Butler said. "We look forward to the challenge of trying to shut them down. That is one of my jobs this weekend.
"Hopefully, I'll be matched up against them and do my best."
Cook, a sophomore, leads the nation with 20 goals and 13 power-play goals, but he has been far from a one-man show. Reaney, another sophomore, is tied for second in the nation with 36 points on 14 goals and 22 assists. Bentivoglio is tied for ninth with 33 points.
That combination also has made the Purple Eagles a force on the power play. Niagara typically moves Chris Moran, a freshman forward who has collected 27 points, to the point when it has a man advantage, giving Niagara four players with at least 27 points on its top power-play unit.
Niagara is ranked ninth in the nation in scoring and its power-play is eighth, with a success rate of 21.7 percent.
Led by goaltenders Glenn Fisher and Peter Mannino, the Pioneers are ranked 13th in penalty kills.
"It should be a great test for us," DU coach George Gwozdecky said. "Their top line, I think, is as good as any line as there is in the country. It's going to provide not only a great test, but a great gauge to where we're at right now and how much we have to improve to get where we want to be by the end of the regular season."
The Cook-led line will challenge DU during a time of transition along the Pioneers blue line after the departure of sophomore defenseman T.J. Fast, a regular in the lineup who left the program earlier this week.
Fast's spot likely will be filled by sophomore Julian Marcuzzi or junior Zach Blom.
Marcuzzi probably is the better defender but has not produced a point in 37 games during his career. Blom, the son of former DU goaltender Buddy Blom, has displayed an offensive touch in limited opportunities.
Gwozdecky also will continue to use forward J.P. Testwuide, a converted defenseman, on defense during penalty-kill situations.
"We're fortunate enough to have the numbers that we can throw somebody in or we can move somebody back from forward if we have to," said defenseman Andrew Thomas, who had been paired with Fast much of the season.
"I don't think we'll have a problem adjusting."
From: Rocky Mountain Newsby Pat Rooney
By himself, Ted Cook will cause plenty of problems for DU's defense. Add his linemates to the mix, and the Pioneers will be facing a 120-minute headache tonight and Saturday.
DU begins its final nonconference series when the puck drops tonight against the 17th-ranked Niagara Purple Eagles, who come to Magness Arena boasting one of the top offensive lines in the country in Cook, center Les Reaney and left wing Sean Bentivoglio.
All three players are ranked in the top 10 in the nation in scoring, and despite the fact Niagara plays in a thin College Hockey America, its line stacks up against anything the seventh-ranked Pioneers face in the more rugged Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
"I don't care what team you play for or what league, if you are scoring 20 goals in 20 games, that's pretty impressive," DU sophomore defenseman Chris Butler said. "We look forward to the challenge of trying to shut them down. That is one of my jobs this weekend.
"Hopefully, I'll be matched up against them and do my best."
Cook, a sophomore, leads the nation with 20 goals and 13 power-play goals, but he has been far from a one-man show. Reaney, another sophomore, is tied for second in the nation with 36 points on 14 goals and 22 assists. Bentivoglio is tied for ninth with 33 points.
That combination also has made the Purple Eagles a force on the power play. Niagara typically moves Chris Moran, a freshman forward who has collected 27 points, to the point when it has a man advantage, giving Niagara four players with at least 27 points on its top power-play unit.
Niagara is ranked ninth in the nation in scoring and its power-play is eighth, with a success rate of 21.7 percent.
Led by goaltenders Glenn Fisher and Peter Mannino, the Pioneers are ranked 13th in penalty kills.
"It should be a great test for us," DU coach George Gwozdecky said. "Their top line, I think, is as good as any line as there is in the country. It's going to provide not only a great test, but a great gauge to where we're at right now and how much we have to improve to get where we want to be by the end of the regular season."
The Cook-led line will challenge DU during a time of transition along the Pioneers blue line after the departure of sophomore defenseman T.J. Fast, a regular in the lineup who left the program earlier this week.
Fast's spot likely will be filled by sophomore Julian Marcuzzi or junior Zach Blom.
Marcuzzi probably is the better defender but has not produced a point in 37 games during his career. Blom, the son of former DU goaltender Buddy Blom, has displayed an offensive touch in limited opportunities.
Gwozdecky also will continue to use forward J.P. Testwuide, a converted defenseman, on defense during penalty-kill situations.
"We're fortunate enough to have the numbers that we can throw somebody in or we can move somebody back from forward if we have to," said defenseman Andrew Thomas, who had been paired with Fast much of the season.
"I don't think we'll have a problem adjusting."
DU Gets Defensive
(left) T.J. Fast moved his belongings to the Tri-City Americans this week
From: Denver Post
by Mike Chambers
T.J. Fast's departure this week to major-junior hockey is an example of how it's risky to recruit young Canadians with NHL dreams to play U.S. college hockey. But the University of Denver figures to benefit from the defenseman's exodus.
The Pioneers, who begin a two-game nonleague series against Niagara tonight at Magness Arena, are deep on the blue line, and Fast wasn't among the top three at the position. DU began the season with nine defensemen and went to eight when sophomore J.P. Testwuide switched to forward.
Sophomore Julian Marcuzzi and junior Zach Blom have combined to play just 17 games, but now they will have a better opportunity to play in the six-man rotation.
"Great competitors, great team guys," DU assistant coach Steve Miller said of Marcuzzi and Blom.
Blom, from Englewood, is the son of former DU goaltending great Buddy Blom, who coaches youth hockey in Littleton.
"I've got mixed feelings," Zach Blom said about Fast's departure. "T.J. is an awesome kid, but I'm excited about the opportunity. If called upon, I know I can do the job. For a guy in my situation, you have to hope to get in, and that's what gets you ready."
With the versatile Testwuide, the Pioneers are still eight-deep at defense, and only one - team captain Adrian Veideman - is a senior, so Fast's departure will not hinder depth at the position in the next couple of years. Junior Andrew Thomas, sophomore Chris Butler and freshmen Keith Seabrook and Cody Brookwell complete the top five at the position.
Miller said the sophomore Fast's scholarship likely would be used to expand the 2007 incoming freshman class to five.
"It will give another guy an opportunity to play here, a guy who wants to be a part of our tradition," Miller said.
Veideman said he and his teammates support Fast, who played in all 39 games as a freshman but was a healthy scratch five times this season, including once for academic reasons. The 19-year-old Calgary, Alberta, native joined the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League. Fast was a second-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2005 draft.
"T.J. left to pursue other things, and we support him all the way," Veideman said. "At the same time, we're here, and we have to get over the fact that he's gone. We're deep back there, and we have guys who want to be in a lineup, and they'll get a chance."
Fast, who had 11 points (one goal) in 58 games at DU, also played on the lacrosse team.
Notes: Niagara (6-3-1 College Hockey America) is riding a five-game winning streak and is 11-1-2 since Nov. 3. The Purple Eagles have two of the country's highest-scoring players in sophomores Les Reaney (22 assists, 36 points) and Ted Cook (20 goals, 34 points). ... DU is 20-0 against CHA teams. ... DU junior goalie Peter Mannino likely will start tonight.
Royally Flushed? Not So Fast
From: CSTV Blog
by ELLIOT OLSHANSKY
(left) Elliot Olshansky is CSTV.com's hockey editor and runs his Rink Rat hockey blog on CSTV.com
For Denver coach George Gwozdecky, defenseman T.J. Fast's decision to leave school to join the Tri-City Americans of the major junior Western Hockey League is disappointing but not a long-term problem.
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"Obviously, we have nine defensemen on our varsity roster," Gwozdecky said. "One of them has been playing as a forward now for a number of weeks, J.P. Testwuide, and with T.J. Fast leaving school, that moves us to a point where, all of a sudden, certain guys who have been in and out of the lineup are going to get a chance to be a little bit more regular, so I think that's a good thing for them."
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However, for college hockey fans who remember seeing two of Fast's fellow Los Angeles Kings prospects--Michigan recruit Trevor Lewis and Yale sophomore-to-be David Meckler--leave college for the Ontario Hockey League after being drafted, the news of Fast's departure from the Pioneers midway through his sophomore year might be seen as a very big problem indeed.
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While the decision of Boston College forward Brian Boyle to return for his senior year and the team's trade for the rights to Michigan defenseman Jack Johnson--who has been adamant about his desire to stay with the Wolverines--may have assuaged some fans' concerns about the Kings attitude toward the college game, the departure of another high draft pick for major junior could raise concerns once again about anti-college bias in Los Angeles.
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However, the only bias on the part of Kings president and general manager Dean Lombardi is towards players getting all the facts and making their own decisions.
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"The player still has to make the choice," Lombardi said. "Your obligation is to give him the pros and cons of each decision, and there are pros and cons to whichever avenue he pursues. Now, in the end, it's still going to be about the player's commitment, how good an athlete he is and how much he wants to be a pro. Whether he chooses college, junior,
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"Even if a player does not make his own decision, he has to feel, `OK, I'm going this route, here's the pros and cons. If he doesn't, and he's struggling, or there's a bump in the road, his inclination a lot of times, as a human being, is, `I knew I should have went there! Why'd you tell me to go that route?' I've seen that before, so that's why it's important that with college, junior, whatever, all we do is, `Here's the pros and cons, make your call, we'll support you and stick with it."
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Lest anyone think that Lombardi is merely paying lip service, Gwozdecky can vouch for the Kings and their role--or lack thereof--in Fast's decision to go to Tri-City. In December, Gwozdecky was part of a conversation that also included Fast and Lombardi.
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"Back in late November or early December," Gwozdecky said, "myself, T.J. and the Los Angeles Kings had conversations, and it was made very certain, with no doubt, that Dean Lombardi--who was on the phone with us--wanted T.J. to stay here at Denver, and in no uncertain terms, he felt that this is the place for T.J. to develop, and get his education, and develop a more mature attitude toward life, and at that point, T.J. said, I'm staying."
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Lombardi, for his part, wanted to make sure that Fast made whatever decision he would eventually make for the right reasons.
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"What happens is, if it's not working out, they tend to blame the coach or whatever," Lombardi said. "I told him, basically, to look his coach in the eye and say he had been the best he can be and done everything he was doing, to make sure he wasn't running away from a problem instead of trying to overcome it."
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Two months later, Fast's opinion had changed, but Lombardi's had not.
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"He called to say he wants to leave," Lombardi said. "Same question: Did you do everything possible? Look yourself in the eye and not blame anybody else. Now, it's your decision, but at least now, I think you can look yourself in the mirror, and if he did that, then he can."
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Of course, Lombardi is more than savvy enough to know how Fast's departure might look in the light of previous moves by Kings draftees, and kept that in mind while dealing with Fast.
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"That's why I had the coach on the phone," Lombardi said, "so there's no misunderstanding. George is great. The guy's developed a lot of pros. He understands."
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Indeed, the
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"I think without knowing the story, I think people would probably want to say, `Hey, they're all the same,'" Gwozdecky said, "but I think this issue is much different. I think this is an issue where this young guy is struggling for a number of reasons and he wasn't enjoying hockey very much. He's a `B' student, and he has a lot of good friends on the team, but I think, for him, he probably had some illusions that hockey at the college level would be easier. A year and a half into his career, the role he thought he might be able to play, he hadn't developed into that role yet. So, I think as a result, he wasn't having a lot of fun, and with the full support of his parents, he decided to throw all his eggs in one basket and leave school."
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What will happen eventually with Fast and his "eggs" remains to be seen, but in the meantime, it's clear that it would be most unwise to "bet the farm" on any anti-college bias in the Kings organization.
T.J. Fast Joins Tri-City Americans
KENNEWICK, WA - Tri-City Americans general manager Bob Tory today announced that 19-year-old defenseman T.J. Fast has left the University of Denver Pioneers of the WCHA to join the Americans immediately.
The 6'1", 190 pound Fast is from Calgary, Alberta was a second round draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
"T.J. will give our team an element that was desperately needed," said Tory. "He is a tremendous skater and can step right in and quarterback our power play."
In 2004-05 Fast earned all-rookie honors for Camrose of the AJHL while scoring eight goals, 36 points in 58 games. He was a plus 35 defensively. He led Camrose to the AJHL and Western Canadian Championships. In 2005-05 Fast was paired with current San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Carle. Fast is also an avid lacrosse player and played for the University of Denver's lacrosse team in 05-06.
Last season for the Pioneers, Fast appeared in 39 games and had one goal, seven points. In 17 games this season he had four assists.
Fast is in the Tri-Cities and is eligible for the Americans lineup for tonight's game against the Chilliwack Bruins at Toyota Center.
KENNEWICK, WA - Tri-City Americans general manager Bob Tory today announced that 19-year-old defenseman T.J. Fast has left the University of Denver Pioneers of the WCHA to join the Americans immediately.The 6'1", 190 pound Fast is from Calgary, Alberta was a second round draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
"T.J. will give our team an element that was desperately needed," said Tory. "He is a tremendous skater and can step right in and quarterback our power play."
In 2004-05 Fast earned all-rookie honors for Camrose of the AJHL while scoring eight goals, 36 points in 58 games. He was a plus 35 defensively. He led Camrose to the AJHL and Western Canadian Championships. In 2005-05 Fast was paired with current San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Carle. Fast is also an avid lacrosse player and played for the University of Denver's lacrosse team in 05-06.
Last season for the Pioneers, Fast appeared in 39 games and had one goal, seven points. In 17 games this season he had four assists.
Fast is in the Tri-Cities and is eligible for the Americans lineup for tonight's game against the Chilliwack Bruins at Toyota Center.
Fast Departure Leaves DU Puzzled
From: Rocky Mountain News
by Pat Rooney
(left) TJ Fast reading to group of future Pioneer hockey players (click to enlarge)
An unexpected change of heart has left the University of Denver hockey team thinner along the blue line, as sophomore defenseman T.J. Fast has informed coach George Gwozdecky of his decision to leave the program.
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Fast had sporadic conversations with Gwozdecky during the past two months about his growing unhappiness but, according to Gwozdecky, Fast told the coach he intended to remain with the program before the holiday break.
From: Rocky Mountain Newsby Pat Rooney
(left) TJ Fast reading to group of future Pioneer hockey players (click to enlarge)
An unexpected change of heart has left the University of Denver hockey team thinner along the blue line, as sophomore defenseman T.J. Fast has informed coach George Gwozdecky of his decision to leave the program.
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Fast had sporadic conversations with Gwozdecky during the past two months about his growing unhappiness but, according to Gwozdecky, Fast told the coach he intended to remain with the program before the holiday break.
Fast evidently changed his mind while spending the holidays in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta, and informed Gwozdecky on Monday of his decision to leave school and play Major Junior hockey full time.
"This has been kind of ongoing the past couple months," Gwozdecky said. "T.J. has been figuring out what he wants to do with his academic and hockey careers. If I was surprised, it was because he flip-flopped."
As a freshman, Fast recorded seven points and was one of six DU players who appeared in all 39 games.
A second-round selection of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2005 draft, Fast was a healthy scratch for five games earlier this season, a period that became a source of his dissatisfaction, but he had played in the past 11 games and finished with four assists in 19 games.
Fast's departure likely will mean more opportunities for junior Zach Blom and sophomore Julian Marcuzzi.
T.J. Fast Leaves Pioneer Hockey Program
Sophomore withdraws from DU to pursue other opportunities
DENVER - Sophomore defenseman T.J. Fast (Calgary, Alberta) has left the team and officially withdrawn from the University of Denver to pursue other opportunities, announced today by two-time National Coach of the Year George Gwozdecky.
DENVER - Sophomore defenseman T.J. Fast (Calgary, Alberta) has left the team and officially withdrawn from the University of Denver to pursue other opportunities, announced today by two-time National Coach of the Year George Gwozdecky.
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Fast tallied four assists in 19 games for the No. 7 Pioneers (15-7-2, 9-5-2 WCHA) this season. He finished his DU career with 11 points on one goal and 10 assists in 58 games. Fast is a 2005 second round draft pick of the NHL's Los Angeles Kings.
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From: DU Athletics Website
DU Leases Wisconsin's Kohl Center
It might be time to rename the Kohl Center "The Aquarium," because the Fish has the joint in lockdown mode. Thats Glenn Fisher who ran his Kohl Center scoreless streak to over 120 minutes and turned in a stellar effort with 27 saves.
The shutout was Fisher's second of his career and second against the Badgers at the Kohl Center. Fisher improved to 4-2 this season with his third consecutive strong outing. After two scoreless periods, Handza slid a shot past All-American goaltender Brian Elliott off a rebound from a shot by T.J. Fast at 2:29 of the third period for the game-winner. The game-winning goal was the third of Handza's career. Both of his goals last season were game-winners.
Redshirt freshman Brock Trotter iced the game with a goal at 17:15 off a great feed from defenseman Chris Butler. DU killed off all five Wisconsin power-play opportunities and outshot the Badgers 32-27 in the win.
It might be time to rename the Kohl Center "The Aquarium," because the Fish has the joint in lockdown mode. Thats Glenn Fisher who ran his Kohl Center scoreless streak to over 120 minutes and turned in a stellar effort with 27 saves.Fellow senior Mike Handza tallied the game-winning goal as the Denver Pioneers blanked Wisconsin 2-0 tonight before 13,684 fans at the Kohl Center. The Pioneers also improved to 10-1-2 all-time at the Kohl Center since the building opened in 1998.
"Glenn was really good in net for us tonight," DU head coach George Gwozdecky said. "We picked up our play as the game went along and played a good third period. Our penalty kill was very effective and Mike gave us the goal we needed to get the win."
The shutout was Fisher's second of his career and second against the Badgers at the Kohl Center. Fisher improved to 4-2 this season with his third consecutive strong outing. After two scoreless periods, Handza slid a shot past All-American goaltender Brian Elliott off a rebound from a shot by T.J. Fast at 2:29 of the third period for the game-winner. The game-winning goal was the third of Handza's career. Both of his goals last season were game-winners.
Redshirt freshman Brock Trotter iced the game with a goal at 17:15 off a great feed from defenseman Chris Butler. DU killed off all five Wisconsin power-play opportunities and outshot the Badgers 32-27 in the win.
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Gifford - Dingle - Rakhshani
Trotter - Ruesegger - Mullen
Glasser - Paukovich - Helgason
Cook - Handza - Testwuide
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Butler - Veideman
Seabrook - Fast
Thomas - Marcuzzi
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Fisher
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