What was looking like a storybook march to the Frozen Four at the Pepsi Center has turned into a messy soft-drink spill. Things are sticky and uncomfortable around the University of Denver hockey team.
Brock Trotter, DU’s leading scorer who was suspended from the team last week, has signed with the Montreal Canadiens, Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky confirmed Thursday night.
Trotter leads DU in goals (13) assists (18) and points (31). The sophomore forward has a three-year, free-agent, entry-level deal and will report to the Montreal’s AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs. DU coach George Gwozdecky on Thursday night declined to say whether Trotter was dismissed from his program or left on his own.
“It has been challenging without him, but I think him being able to accomplish one of his childhood dream of playing professional hockey provides closer for us,” Gwozdecky said. “Every single guy in our locker room is excited and proud for him, and I say that with all sincerity.
“As far as our team is concerned, every team goes through challenges . . . and sometimes triumph without adversity doesn’t mean a whole lot. . . . We’re going to move on.”
Meanwhile, sophomore star Tyler Ruegsegger, who is third on the team in scoring, may not play in this weekend’s series against Minnesota because of an injured stomach muscle.
And, oh yeah, DU has lost its confidence, not to mention four of its past five games, and appears on a similar late-season slump that kept it out of the NCAA Tournament the past two years.
But there is hope. The Pioneers have Peter Mannino, the senior goalie who is one of the fiercest competitors in Gwozdecky’s 14-year tenure. Mannino is mad, and that’s usually when he plays his best.
“Peter has been our most consistent performer, arguably, from Day One, and he’s taking this . . . he’s not easy on himself,” Gwozdecky said of Mannino, who is 0-4 in his past four starts. “That’s a reaction from a very competitive, great player.”
Minnesota hasn’t scored more than two goals in its past six games, so regardless of DU’s missing scorers, the Pioneers think great defense and goaltending could lead them to collect points. But DU’s defense was missing last week in 5-1 and 3-2 losses at Minnesota State.
“Five of their eight goals were scored within 5 feet of the net,” DU defenseman and team captain Andrew Thomas said. “Busted coverages, bad rebounds on our part — not clearing stuff out. We have to get a lot tougher.
“That’s what we did extremely well before Christmas. The first shot, Peter always made the save, and once in a while he had to make the second save. Lately, we’re forcing him into that second and third save regularly.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
This weekend
NO. 7 DENVER VS. MINNESOTA
What: WCHA two-game series
When: Tonight (7:35) and Saturday (7 p.m.)
Where: Magness Arena
TV/Radio: FSN/KCKK 1510 AM
Records: UM (12-12-6, 6-10-4 WCHA), DU (18-8, 12-6 WCHA)
Notes: DU on Thursday received a commitment from Shattuck- St. Mary’s defenseman David Carle, brother of former Pioneers star Matt Carle. . . . DU beat Minnesota 5-1 and 4-1 in Minneapolis in November. . . . The Pioneers have allowed 4.4 goals in their past five games, and averaged just 2.2. . . . DU is 19-19-3 in the second half of the season (after Jan. 1) this year and the two previous years. During its 2004 and 2005 NCAA championship seasons, the Pioneers were a combined 35-10-3 in the second half.
NO. 4 COLORADO COLLEGE VS. ST. CLOUD STATE
What: WCHA two-game series
When: Tonight (7:30) and Saturday (7 p.m.)
Where: Colorado Springs World Arena
Radio: KYZX 103.9 FM
Records: SCS (11-12-3, 6-10-2 WCHA), CC (20-7-1, 15-4-1 WCHA)
Notes: With eight remaining regular-season games, including five at home, CC takes a 13-0 record at the World Arena into tonight’s game. Potentially, the Tigers could play five playoff games at home, and two in Denver if they advance to the Frozen Four.
AIR FORCE AT MERCYHURST
What: AHA two-game series
When: Tonight (5:30 p.m. MT) and Saturday (5 p.m.)
Where: Mercyhurst Ice Center, Erie, Pa.
Radio: KKML 1300 AM
Records: AFA (13-10-5, 10-8-4 AHA), MC (9-14-5, 9-6-5 AHA)
Mike Chambers
