The University of Denver hockey team began the season with two critical needs:
First, the Pioneers had to get strong goaltending from senior Peter Mannino. Check. Mannino is 3-1-0 with a 1.51 goals- against average and .935 saves percentage.
Second, the freshmen forwards needed to grow up quickly. Bold check. Seven of DU’s 11 goals have come from newcomers, and Kyle Ostrow and Anthony Maiani have two apiece.
Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky is pleased with the start, particularly since it has come against ranked teams (Maine, Notre Dame). But if there’s one area in which DU needs major improvement, it’s producing on the power play.
The Pioneers, who begin Western Collegiate Hockey Association play this weekend with a two-game series against Minnesota-Duluth, are scoreless in their past 16 opportunities with the man-advantage. They are 2-of-24 on the season.
“Despite the fact that our special teams have not been very good, we’ve found ways to win,” Gwozdecky said. “We’ve got good goaltending and timely goals. Usually, special teams, especially the power play, takes awhile.
“We’ve been working on that this week, and hopefully we’ll still be able to continue to create chances and just do a better job finishing around the net.”
Minnesota-Duluth (3-0-1, 2-0 WCHA) is off to a good start behind goaltender Alex Stalock. The sophomore has a 1.22 GAA and .941 saves percentage. Ten players have combined for the Bulldogs’ 12 goals.
“They’re playing well and it should be a real good challenge for us,” Gwozdecky said.
DU likely will continue to use a lineup consisting of 11 forwards and seven defensemen. That has given freshman defensemen John Ryder and Chris Nutini an opportunity to spot shift in the team’s quest to give support to Mannino in every way.
“You can never be content, but so far we’re happy where we’re at, having a 3-1 record against two teams that were in the NCAA Tournament last year,” Mannino said. “We’re going to continue on the same path, keeping the consistency going.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
No. 7 Denver vs. Minnesota-Duluth
What: WCHA two-game series
When: Tonight (7:30) and Saturday (7 p.m.)
Where: Magness Arena
Records: UMD (3-0-1, 2-0 WCHA); DU (3-1, 0-0)
TV/radio: None/KCKK 1510 AM
Notes: Senior defenseman Zach Blom has returned from a suspension for breaking a team rule but likely won’t play this weekend. … DU is 5-5 in its past 10 games against Minnesota-Duluth. The teams split four games last season.
No. 4 Colorado College at No. 6 New Hampshire
What: Two-game nonleague series
When: Tonight and Friday, 5 p.m. MDT
Where: Whittemore Center, Durham, N.H.
Records: CC (2-0, 2-0 WCHA); UNH (1-0, 1-0 HE)
TV/radio: None/KYZK 103.9 FM
Notes: New Hampshire defeated Boston University 4-1 last weekend to begin the season. … The Wildcats’ athletic director is Marty Scarano, who hired CC coach Scott Owens in 1999 while running the Tigers’ athletics. … CC is making its first trip to Durham since the 1987-88 season.
Air Force at Bentley
What: AHA two-game series
When: Tonight and Saturday, 5 p.m. MDT
Where: Ryan Arena; Waltham, Mass.
Records: Air Force (2-0, 0-0 AHA); Bentley (0-4, 0-0)
TV/radio: None/none
Notes: With two victories, Air Force could climb into the top-15 national rankings for the first time in the history of the program. … Bentley has been outscored 15-3. … Falcons forward Eric Ehn is No. 3 in the season debut of the CSTV Hobey Baker Award watch list.
Mike Chambers
