Homecoming weekend for the University of Denver hockey team might end with a group hug.
The Pioneers host RPI of Troy, N.Y., in a two-game series, which begins tonight at Magness Arena. The story line isn’t about the alumni or the current players, but the men behind the benches.
Rookie coach Seth Appert, an affable former DU assistant who helped build the 2004 and 2005 NCAA championship teams, leads the Engineers.
Appert’s top assistant is Shawn Kurulak, a popular four-year Pioneers defenseman and former DU volunteer coach.
This nonleague series was scheduled when Appert was at Denver and Kurulak was an assistant at Army, so it’s a coincidence the matchup has turned into a bigger homecoming than DU had planned.
“As soon as I get to the arena, I’m going to go see old friends,” Appert said Thursday. “We’re coming out here for a purpose, and that’s to win two hockey games. But I’m really excited to see the players. I’ve had very close relationships with them, as well as the coaches and administrative staff, so I’m just really excited to see so many people I care about.”
There might be no greater friend to DU’s modern-day program than Appert, who for nine years served as the middleman for coach George Gwozdecky, longtime assistant/recruiting coordinator Steve Miller and the players. Appert, 32, is an enthusiastic young coach whom players relate to and coaches envy because of his ability to manage offense and defense.
Appert’s focus at DU was the goaltenders and game-day bench coach, calling the defensive pairings. The former Ferris State goalie signed and taught goalies Wade Dubielewicz (2002 All-American), Adam Berkhoel (2004 USA Hockey player of the year) and Peter Mannino (2005 Frozen Four MVP), and played a big role in recruiting former All-Americans Gabe Gauthier, Matt Carle and Paul Stastny.
“For anyone that knows us, what Seth did for the program speaks for itself,” senior goalie Glenn Fisher said. “He did so much recruiting-wise and with on-ice stuff, with goalies in particular.
“All the guys were happy to see him get that job, because everyone in this organization wants to see people move on to obtain their goals in life. We wish him the best, just not this weekend.”
Unlike most games between a coach and his protégé, there will be plenty of interaction between the coaching staffs and their families. Appert’s wife, Jill, and the couple’s young daughter, Addison, are staying with Miller’s family.
Appert and Gwozdecky talk at least once a week, and they exchanged messages Thursday.
“We’re happy for them, proud of them, and looking forward to having them come home,” Gwozdecky said.
Mike Chambers can be reached at 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com.
COLLEGE HOCKEY
No. 11 University of Denver (2-2)
Opponent: RPI (0-0-1)
What: Nonleague two-game series
When: Tonight (7:35) and Saturday (7 p.m.)
Where: Magness Arena
TV/radio: FSN (tonight)/KKFN 950 AM (tonight) and KRKS 990 AM (Saturday)
Notes: Senior forward J.D. Corbin underwent ankle surgery Wednesday and is out indefinitely. Replacing Corbin, who also broke his right fibula in practice Monday, is 21- year-old freshman Brandon Vossberg. … DU is 10-0 against RPI.
Colorado College (3-0-1)
Opponent: No. 12 New Hampshire (0-0)
What: Nonleague two-game series
When: Tonight (7:35) and Saturday (7 p.m.)
Where: World Arena, Colo. Springs
TV/radio: None/KYZX 1039.5 AM
Notes: CC is 27-3-3 in nonconference games during the past four seasons. … New Hampshire, 7-5 against CC all time, defeated the U.S. under-18 team 7-1 last week.
Air Force (1-3, 0-0 AHA)
Opponent: Bentley (0-1, 0-0 AHA)
What: AHA two-game series
When: Tonight, Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Cadet Ice Arena
TV/radio: None/none
Note: Tonight marks Air Force’s debut game in the 10-team Atlantic Hockey Association. The Falcons were charter members of College Hockey America since 1999.
