Patrick Wiercioch expects an earful from Wisconsin fans throughout this weekend’s Western Collegiate Hockey Association series at the Kohl Center, but by now, those red-clad supporters can probably understand why the 18-year-old decommitted to the Badgers and signed to play immediately for Denver.
Wiercioch, who was selected 42nd overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2008 NHL draft, is an elite young defenseman with a promising pro career ahead. But Wisconsin is loaded with that kind of luxury, with junior Jamie McBain, sophomore’s Brendan Smith, Ryan McDonagh and Cody Goloubef, plus freshman Jake Gardiner. In the end, the Badgers wanted Wiercioch to play another year of junior-A to spread out the wealth.
“That’s their great strength, a tremendous strength to have,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said of the Badgers’ blue-line. “They’re tough to pressure, they’re tough to contain, they make very strong passes, and they’re very good at defending and checking. That is as good of a defensive corps in our league.”
Wiercioch didn’t sign a letter of intent with the Badgers, and in June switched to DU after the Pioneers’ top incoming defenseman, David Carle, had to stop playing because of a rare heart condition detected at the NHL combine.
Wiercioch heads into his first game at Wisconsin with 25 points in 26 games. The primary penalty killer and power-play pointman is tied for third in team scoring and fourth in goal scoring (10).
“I’m not expecting a welcoming there, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a few boos every time I touch the puck,” Wiercioch said. “To be honest, I’m more concerned with the tight (WCHA) race, and having only five games left. This series will determine a lot.”
DU is tied with North Dakota for first in the WCHA with 29 points, but the Fighting Sioux have played one less game. The third-place Badgers (28 points) also have a game in hand over the Pioneers.
After this weekend, DU plays its final three regular-season games at home, hosting St. Cloud State Feb. 27-28 and Colorado College on March 7.
“It’s a huge weekend for us, and it probably will be a huge factor in how we finish this race,” DU goalie Marc Cheverie said. “We’d like to steal at least one game and feel pretty good about coming back home for the final three.”
The Badgers, who are 16-5-2 since beginning 0-6-1, were idle last weekend.
“We need to keep things simple off the start,” Cheverie said. “Sometimes we get a little antsy and try to do too much. We’d like to get to them early, obviously, because they may be a little rusty.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
College hockey
NO. 8 DENVER (17-9-4, 13-7-3 WCHA) AT NO. 14 WISCONSIN (16-11-3, 13-7-2)
What: WCHA two-game series
When: Today and Saturday, 6 p.m. MST
Where: Kohl Center, Madison, Wis.
TV/Radio: NHL Network (tonight), FSN (Saturday)/KLZ 560 AM
Notes: Wisconsin is No. 15 in the PairWise Rankings, out of the at-large picture for the 16-team national tournament. DU is eighth, best in the WCHA. . . . DU is 11-2-2 at the Kohl Center, including a 6-2 loss in March in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
HOLY CROSS (10-15-5, 9-12-3 AHA) AT AIR FORCE (20-8-2, 17-5-2)
What: AHA two-game series
When: Today and Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Cadet Ice Arena
TV/Radio: None/KCSF 1300 AM
Notes: Air Force hosts the Crusaders before concluding the regular season with two games next week against AHA-leading RIT. . . . A Falcons sweep this weekend would guarantee that the league title will be decided at the academy.
NO. 13 MINNESOTA (13-9-6, 10-8-4 WCHA) AT COLORADO COLLEGE (14-9-8, 10-8-5)
What: WCHA two-game series
When: Tonight (7:30) and Saturday (7 p.m.)
Where: Colorado Springs World Arena
TV/Radio: FSN (tape-delayed, begins at 8:30 p.m. Saturday)/KKFN 104.3 FM
Notes: The Gophers are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and have won just once in their past six. . . . CC is on a modest three-game unbeaten streak (1-0-2).
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
