After losing four players since January with a combined seven years of eligibility remaining, the University of Denver hockey team shifted into recruiting overdrive, which promises a young roster for the upcoming season.
The Pioneers, who typically have their incoming freshman class completed in April, announced Monday they’ll have 12 freshmen – the most in coach George Gwozdecky’s 14 years at DU – when they begin training camp next month.
“(Assistant coaches) Steve Miller and Derek Lalonde have done a great job assembling this class based on the challenges that we and many other programs have had with players moving on to their professional careers,” Gwozdecky said.
Colorado Springs-raised defenseman John Ryder was the final freshman addition. DU originally wanted the hard-hitting Ryder for the 2008 class, but accepted him a year early to replace Keith Seabrook.
Seabrook, a freshman last season, signed with major-junior’s Calgary Hitmen last month. The Pioneers also lost senior-to-be forwards Ryan Dingle and Geoff Paukovich to the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers, respectively, and junior-to-be defenseman T.J. Fast to major-junior’s Tri-City Americans.
“That’s it. It’s over,” Miller, DU’s recruiting coordinator, said of the early departures.
Goalie Peter Mannino, the 2005 Frozen Four MVP, is one player DU could not afford to lose. Miller said Mannino is locked in for his senior season and will be backed up by two freshmen.
In the past two years, DU has lost seven scholarship players early, including former All- Americans Brett Skinner, Matt Carle and Paul Stastny. In a little more than a year, DU has parted ways with 13 players, including seven seniors, and will have just four seniors and eight upperclassmen for 2007-08.
“If you’re a program like us that’s taken some big-time hits the last couple years, you’re going to be young, too,” Miller said. “Everybody is taking hits. But we’re excited about the (freshman) class. Let’s go. Let’s play hockey.”
Miller is thrilled to have recently signed forward Anthony Maiani, who as a 17-year-old had 48 points in 59 games for Sioux City of the U.S. Hockey League last season. Forward Joey Brehm and goalie Eddie Guinn also were added recently.
Previously signed freshmen were forwards Tyler Bozak, Jesse Martin, Kyle Ostrow, Stephen Cunningham and Dusty Jackson, defensemen Chris Nutini and Jon Cook and goalie Marc Cheverie.
Staff writer Mike Chambers can be reached at 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com.
