Edmonton Oilers sign Pioneers’ Paukovich
The University of Denver hockey team lost another player to the professional ranks Wednesday when Geoff Paukovich said he will skip his senior season to sign a contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
Paukovich, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound forward, has a three-year entry-level deal with the Oilers. He was selected by the NHL team in the second round, 57th overall, in the 2004 entry draft.
“Geoff was a valuable two-way center for us and played a key role in our (NCAA) championship run in 2005,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said. “He is ready to take his game to the professional level.”
Ryan Dingle, also a forward, left DU in March to sign with the Anaheim Ducks. Sophomore defenseman Keith Seabrook left the team in July to sign with the major junior Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.
Paukovich had 49 points (24 goals and 25 assists) in 117 games with the Pioneers. His 257 penalty minutes rank 11th in DU history. He was a member of the U.S. junior national team in 2006.
CU volleyball star sidelined for season
University of Colorado senior outside hitter Amber Sutherland, a preseason all-Big 12 volleyball player, will miss the 2007 season. An injury has forced her to redshirt.
Sutherland was selected by Big 12 coaches to the preseason all-conference team on Tuesday. The former Glenwood Springs High School star ranked fourth in the Big 12 in kills last season.
“I’m not real excited about that announcement but we’re ready to make the necessary adjustments,” said CU coach Pi’i Aiu, who also announced the promotion of Jil Thomason to associate head coach. Thomason is in her eighth season as CU’s top assistant coach.
