Special To LetsGoDU
By Pat Rooney
They hope their final season at the University of Denver does not end for about another month, most preferably with victory party at the end of the Frozen Four in Washington, D.C.
Nevertheless, one way or another it is the beginning of the end of the season, and this weekend the Pioneers’ three seniors will say farewell to Magness Arena.
The trio—forward Julian Marcuzzi, defenseman Patrick Mullen, and defenseman/team captain J.P. Testwuide—arrived at DU directly in the wake of the Pioneers’ back-to-back national championship teams of 2004 and 2005.
They have collected 88 wins and counting going into this weekend’s series against Alaska Anchorage in the first round of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association tournament. As freshmen, they played with current Colorado Avalanche standout Paul Stastny and Hobey Baker Award winner Matt Carle. As juniors, they helped DU win its 15th Broadmoor Trophy as the WCHA tournament champions and also helped lead the Pioneers into the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2005 title run.
On the eve of their final appearance at Magness, the Pioneers’ three seniors discussed the highlights of their DU careers.
J.P. Testwuide - The Pioneers’ captain spent much of his first two seasons shuttling between forward and defense before finding a home on the blue line. Testwuide has registered career-bests in goals (three), assists (10), and points this season.
“Whenever you sweep at home, it’s always pretty special,” Testwuide said. “The guys come into the locker room and we sing the fight song, and I think it’s those kinds of moments that bring a team together. It’s pretty emotional. I think any sweep at home is the greatest memory.”
Patrick Mullen - Like Testwuide, Mullen spent much of his career at forward, averaging about 18.7 points during his first three seasons before moving to defense full-time this season. A skilled passer, Mullen is tied for second on the team with 19 assists and needs only one point to establish a new career-high.
“I remember the first game I ever played with all those guys that are in the NHL now,” Mullen said. “You always want to win the championship every year. We’re going to do our best to get back there.”
Julian Marcuzzi - Marcuzzi has dutifully played his role and has never complained as his playing time dwindled. Marcuzzi appeared in a career-most 23 games as a freshman and has been in the lineup 11 times this season.
“Regardless of the playing time, it’s special to be a part of the Denver hockey tradition,” Marcuzzi said.
“That stems from being around everyone in the dressing room, from the coaching staff to all the players and the alumni involved. It’s a great, great experience. It’s going to be the last home series, so it will be nice to get a couple wins and go out on a good note. That’s pretty important to us.”
By Pat Rooney
They hope their final season at the University of Denver does not end for about another month, most preferably with victory party at the end of the Frozen Four in Washington, D.C.
Nevertheless, one way or another it is the beginning of the end of the season, and this weekend the Pioneers’ three seniors will say farewell to Magness Arena.
The trio—forward Julian Marcuzzi, defenseman Patrick Mullen, and defenseman/team captain J.P. Testwuide—arrived at DU directly in the wake of the Pioneers’ back-to-back national championship teams of 2004 and 2005.
They have collected 88 wins and counting going into this weekend’s series against Alaska Anchorage in the first round of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association tournament. As freshmen, they played with current Colorado Avalanche standout Paul Stastny and Hobey Baker Award winner Matt Carle. As juniors, they helped DU win its 15th Broadmoor Trophy as the WCHA tournament champions and also helped lead the Pioneers into the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2005 title run.
On the eve of their final appearance at Magness, the Pioneers’ three seniors discussed the highlights of their DU careers.
J.P. Testwuide - The Pioneers’ captain spent much of his first two seasons shuttling between forward and defense before finding a home on the blue line. Testwuide has registered career-bests in goals (three), assists (10), and points this season.“Whenever you sweep at home, it’s always pretty special,” Testwuide said. “The guys come into the locker room and we sing the fight song, and I think it’s those kinds of moments that bring a team together. It’s pretty emotional. I think any sweep at home is the greatest memory.”
Patrick Mullen - Like Testwuide, Mullen spent much of his career at forward, averaging about 18.7 points during his first three seasons before moving to defense full-time this season. A skilled passer, Mullen is tied for second on the team with 19 assists and needs only one point to establish a new career-high.“I remember the first game I ever played with all those guys that are in the NHL now,” Mullen said. “You always want to win the championship every year. We’re going to do our best to get back there.”
Julian Marcuzzi - Marcuzzi has dutifully played his role and has never complained as his playing time dwindled. Marcuzzi appeared in a career-most 23 games as a freshman and has been in the lineup 11 times this season.“Regardless of the playing time, it’s special to be a part of the Denver hockey tradition,” Marcuzzi said.
“That stems from being around everyone in the dressing room, from the coaching staff to all the players and the alumni involved. It’s a great, great experience. It’s going to be the last home series, so it will be nice to get a couple wins and go out on a good note. That’s pretty important to us.”
1 comment:
Hard to believe this is the last home series of 08-09. Hopefully the seniors go out in style.
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