Already young and inexperienced, the University of Denver hockey team will be without three seniors for this weekend’s two-game Western Collegiate Hockey Association series against visiting Minnesota State.
Defenseman and captain Adrian Veideman and wing Ryan Helgason join center J.D. Corbin on the injured list. Veideman (concussion) and Helgason (broken hand) were injured in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Colorado College. Corbin, an alternate captain, broke his leg and had surgery to repair his ankle after the fourth game of the season.
DU coach George Gwozdecky said he has slim hopes Veideman and Helgason will return for the Dec. 15-16 series at Alaska-Anchorage. They likely won’t be back until the Denver Cup begins Dec. 29.
Corbin could return by the end of January.
“It’s one more challenge we as a team have to overcome,” Veideman said. “I’m sure the guys will do fine without us. Some guys just have to pick up the slack. But it’s definitely going to be a challenge right off the bat, because Minnesota State is tough.”
The WCHA last-place Mavericks (3-10-2) are coming off an impressive showing against No. 1 Minnesota. Minnesota State tied the Golden Gophers 5-5 last Friday before losing 2-1 Saturday.
“Tells you about the depth of this league,” Gwozdecky said.
The Pioneers (9-6-1) had their seven-game unbeaten streak snapped last Friday against rival Colorado College, and the Tigers went on to sweep the home- and-home series in Denver.
“CC is much improved from where they were a month ago, and I think Minnesota State is very similar,” Gwozdecky said. “Some records right now don’t tell you what kind of team you really are.”
Two juniors who have not played this season are candidates to replace Veideman and Helgason.
Forward Tom May was reinstated Tuesday from a suspension. Defenseman Zach Blom of Englewood has been the team’s eighth defenseman, but “has earned the right to play,” Gwozdecky said.
Veideman will remain as DU’s locker room leader and might join Gwozdecky behind the bench.
“Mentally we’re pretty stable,” Veideman said. “I think game preparation was missing against CC. Guys were looking too much into who CC played and lost to, rather than worrying about what we needed to be ready to go.”
Mike Chambers can be reached at 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com.
This weekend
NO. 13 DENVER (9-6-1, 5-4-1 WCHA)
Opponent: Minnesota State (3-10-2, 2-7-1 WCHA)
When: Tonight (7:35) and Saturday (7 p.m.)
Where: Magness Arena
TV/radio: FSN (tonight only)/KCKK 1600 AM
Notes: DU is 11-11-3 in 25 games against Minnesota State. … The Pioneers are trying to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season. … DU senior goalie Glenn Fisher is scheduled to start tonight. … Saturday’s game will be available via a webcast on www.denverpioneers.com.
NO. 9 COLORADO COLLEGE (10-5-1, 7-3-0 WCHA)
Opponent: Alaska-Anchorage (7-5-2, 5-5-0 WCHA)
What: WCHA two-game series
When: Tonight (7:35) and Saturday (7 p.m.)
Where: Colorado Springs World Arena
TV/radio: None/KYZX 103.9 FM
Notes: CC is 40-10-3 against UAA, including 25-1 in Colorado Springs and 16-0 at the World Arena. The Seawolves’ last victory in the city was in 1996. … After Saturday, the Tigers, 7-1 in their past eight games, won’t play until Dec. 29.
MIKE CHAMBERS
