When examining the strengths behind the University of Denver hockey team’s 6-2 start and No. 4 national ranking, junior Chris Butler points to defense and discipline.
He would know. Butler is perceived as one of the country’s best defensemen, and he plays with an edge. Sometimes his fiery play and emotional outbursts land him in the penalty box, and as DU’s top shot-blocker and one of its best penalty killers, that’s not a good place when the opponent is on the power play.
“Our discipline level from last year to this year has improved by leaps and bounds,” Butler said while preparing for this weekend’s series against Minnesota State. “We’re not taking stupid penalties. If we’re taking them, it’s because we’re working so hard in the corner.”
DU coach George Gwozdecky, whose squad returns from a bye week, said there are two facets of discipline: positional and emotional. Both have been strong despite the team having 19 underclassmen.
“We have played with a lot more positional discipline and self-discipline through our first eight games, and as a result, we’re seeing success,” Gwozdecky said.
Butler spearheads an intimidating blue-line corps that has brawn and brains. It includes senior captain Andrew Thomas (6-foot-2, 215 pounds), juniors J.P. Testwuide (6-0, 210) and Patrick Mullen (5-10, 180) and sophomore Cody Brookwell (6-4, 215). Freshmen John Ryder (6-0, 190) and Chris Nutini (5-11, 200) have been sharing the sixth spot.
Testwuide and Mullen mostly played forward last season, before young defensemen T.J. Fast and Keith Seabrook bolted for major junior. Butler insists the blue-liners are not a makeshift unit because of the two early departures.
“People don’t give us enough credit about how well our D-core can skate – even on the (Olympic) sheet we cover a lot space,” Butler said. “And I don’t think people understand that J.P. played ‘D’ his whole career until last year.
“The transition was a little tough on Pat, but he’s such a good athlete. He knows what other forwards are going to do, and I think that helps him defend.”
It amounts to what has been a solid defense in front of senior goalie Peter Mannino, who has allowed more than one goal is just two games and has not allowed a power-play goal in the past four games.
The Pioneers are ready to play again after 10 days of practice.
“It’s hard to simulate game pace, but the guys have worked hard and had fun doing it, and we’ve allowed them to have fun,” Gwozdecky said. “We’re looking forward to hopefully seeing some good results from the 10 days of practice we’ve put in.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
This weekend
No. 4 Denver vs. Minnesota State
What: WCHA two-game series.
When: Tonight (7:35 p.m.) and Saturday (7 p.m.).
Where: Magness Arena.
Records: MSU (3-4-1, 1-4-1 WCHA), DU (6-2, 3-1).
TV/Radio: None/KCKK 1510 AM (tonight), KCKK 990 AM (Saturday).
Notes: Freshmen and sophomores have scored 24 of DU’s 25 goals and account for 47 of the team’s 60 points. … For a fee, both games can be seen on . … The Mavericks, swept last weekend in a home-and-home series against Minnesota, are DU’s first unranked foe this season.
No. 7 Colorado College vs. No. 10 Wisconsin
What: WCHA two-game series.
When: Tonight (7:35 p.m.) and Saturday (7 p.m.).
Where: Colorado Springs World Arena.
Records: UW (5-3, 2-2 WCHA), CC (5-3, 5-1 WCHA).
TV/Radio: None/KYZK 103.9 FM
Notes: CC’s WCHA-leading 5-1 start is the program’s best since 2002, when the Tigers began 5-0-1 and went on to win the regular-season title. … The Badgers, who split last week against visiting North Dakota, are 8-7-1 at the World Arena.
Air Force vs. UConn
What: AHA two-game series
When: Tonight and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Cadet Ice Arena.
Records: UC (2-5, 2-4 AHA), AF (5-3, 3-3 AHA).
TV/Radio: None/KKML 1300 AM.
Notes: Frank Serratore needs one win to become the winningest coach at Air Force. He has 154 wins, tied with Chuck Delich (1986-97) and John Matchefts (1975-85). UConn has lost five of its past six games.
Mike Chambers
