We might have found the unsung poster boy for the cohesive unit that is the University of Denver hockey team — a young squad ranked No. 2 in one national poll and taking a six-game winning streak into this weekend’s series against visiting Wisconsin.
No, it’s not star senior goalie Peter Mannino, junior defenseman Chris Butler or sophomore forwards Brock Trotter, Tyler Ruegsegger or Rhett Rakhshani.
It is sophomore defenseman Cody Brookwell, who promotes unselfishness and seemingly carries the team’s proud chemistry flag on his stick and in his big heart.
He goes by “Brooks” and his coaches refer to him as “The Big Guy.” But a better nickname might be “Brick Wall,” because he has become the hidden anchor to the country’s second-rated defense.
At 6-feet-4 and 215 pounds, all Brookwell cares about is defending DU’s net and winning. He has no goals and three career points in 50 games to prove it.
“Coming in as a freshman, there was a big adjustment to the speed, and keeping my head up,” Brookwell said. “I take pride in being good defensively. Obviously, I’m not a big point-getter. I’ve accepted that and my role on the team.”
DU coach George Gwozdecky has remained a college bench boss because he thrives on seeing the boys develop into men.
“Every player develops from year to year, but Cody has really come along from his freshman year,” Gwozdecky said. “He’s matured mentally, physically, emotionally. He’s much more responsible. He’s not just a big body out there anymore.
“He’s comfortable in his role, and just more comfortable in his skin, and you can see it in all of the things in his life — academics, hockey, training. He’s a great example to the younger guys.”
Brookwell is one to deflect individual praise.
Said Butler: “He’s one of the guys this year that has really taken his role, accepted it and played it to a ‘T.’ That’s the biggest difference between some of the guys this year and some of the guys last year.
“Cody knows he’s a stay-at-home defenseman. You don’t see him unnecessarily jump into the rush, trying to create offense, because that’s not the strongest point of his game. His strong point is being physical one on one and in the corners, blocking shots and killing penalties.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Weekend glance
NO. 2 DENVER
Opponent: Wisconsin
What: WCHA two-game series
When: Tonight (7:35 p.m.) and Saturday (7 p.m.)
Where: Magness Arena
TV/Radio: FSN/KCKK 1510 AM
Records: UW (8-9-3, 4-7-1 WCHA), DU (16-4, 11-3)
Notes: Both games will be televised by FSN. … DU has begun a Hobey Baker Award campaign for goalie Peter Mannino, who is 16-4 with a 1.77 goals-against average and .934 save percentage. He is among the top six in almost every national goaltending category, including third in minutes (1,189). … DU leads the WCHA in scoring (3.30 goals per game) and defense (1.75 allowed). … Wisconsin ended the Pioneers’ season in March, winning 3-2 and 2-1 at Magness Arena in the first round of the WCHA playoffs.
NO. 4 COLORADO COLLEGE
Opponent: Alaska-Anchorage
What: WCHA two-game series
When: Tonight (7:35 p.m.) and Saturday (7 p.m.)
Where: World Arena in Colorado Springs
TV/Radio: None/KYZX 103.9 FM
Records: UAA (6-7-5, 2-7-3 WCHA), CC (14-6, 13-3)
Notes: CC, which has played its past nine games on the road, returns home for the first time in six weeks in a series between the WCHA’s first- and last-place teams. … The Tigers are 7-0 at home, where they play 11 of their final 16 regular-season games.
AIR FORCE
Opponent: Rochester Institute of Technology
What: AHA two-game series
When: Tonight and Saturday, both 7 p.m.
Where: Cadet Ice Arena
TV/Radio: None/KKML 1300 AM
Records: RIT (9-7-3, 7-4-3 AHA), AFA (10-6-4, 8-5-3)
Notes: The AHA first-place Falcons host the second-place Tigers. … RIT has won four of its past five games. … Air Force split a two-game series at RIT in November, winning 2-1 (OT) and losing 4-3.
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
