The University of Denver on Tuesday suspended hockey coach George Gwozdecky, a day after verbally reprimanding him for drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and game misconduct Saturday night at North Dakota.
The one-game suspension was for communicating with his team after being ejected.
Gwozdecky’s punishment stems from speaking to assistant coaches via headset from the press box and will be served Friday against visiting Alaska-Anchorage.
Longtime assistant Steve Miller will act as interim head coach to begin the two-game series against the Seawolves.
DU spokesman Erich Bacher said Gwozdecky plans to watch the game, to be televised by FSN, from his home.
“George acknowledged that he was in violation of NCAA Rule, misconduct penalties, section 4b,” DU senior associate athletic director Ron Grahame said in a statement. “George understands the one-game suspension is warranted.”
Gwozdecky was given a game misconduct for the second time in 20 years of head coaching, including the past 15 at DU. This is his first suspension.
In a release, he said he was unaware that he was forbidden to speak to his assistants from the press box.
“I want to apologize to the University of Denver and our hockey team for not having a thorough understanding of the NCAA game misconduct rule,” Gwozdecky said. “I respect the University’s decision to suspend me based upon the violation that occurred.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
