University of Denver forward Rhett Rakhshani will return for his senior season and serve as team captain.
DU sports information director Erich Bacher confirmed Rakhshani’s intentions today and said an official announcement about his captaincy will take place when coach George Gwozdecky returns from the NCAA convention in Florida.
Rakhshani, 21, is a 2006 fourth-round selection (100th overall) of the New York Islanders and probably the Pioneers’ top returning two-way forward. He finished his junior season tied for second in team scoring with 37 points, including 15 goals. He has 101 points in 115 career games.
“Rhett’s skill level is second to nobody’s and his will to win is the same,” DU sophomore center Jesse Martin said. “We’re excited to have him back and with the ‘C.’ He’s a great guy and the kind of guy you can really lean on, on and off the ice, when it comes to leadership.”
Rakhshani’s decision to remain in college eliminates one of the two big question marks about the 2009-10 team.
Sophomore-to-be defenseman Patrick Wiercioch, a second-team All-American, is a prized pick of the Ottawa Senators. He has told Gwozdecky he expects to return, but the Sens might try to persuade the burgeoning star to sign.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
