The first official full-squad practice for the University of Denver on Saturday revealed that depth — one of the strengths of the country’s No. 2-ranked team — will be tested early.
Junior wing Anthony Mai- ani, who led the team in scoring last season, will begin a three-game suspension in today’s exhibition game against the University of Calgary. Maiani broke an undisclosed team rule and also will miss next weekend’s season-opening, two-game nonconference series against visiting Vermont.
DU coach George Gwoz- decky also revealed that superstar sophomore defenseman Patrick Wiercioch is in the early stages of battling the flu. The preseason All-American will miss today’s game and might not return to practice until Wednesday.
Junior forward Dustin Jackson broke his leg last month and is out for the season.
Maiani led DU with 30 assists and 41 points as a sophomore. He is practicing with the team but not skating on a regular line.
“It’s going to be tough sitting out, watching the team play,” Maiani said. “I’m just working hard in practice and being supportive of the team. I’ll be ready when I get back in the lineup.”
Footnotes.
Gwozdecky said his three goalies will each play a period today, beginning with returning starter Marc Cheverie. Goalie Adam Murray will be among at least six freshmen in the lineup, including defensemen Matt Donovan, William Wrenn and Paul Phillips. . . . Donovan will play the point on the No. 1 power play alongside senior center Tyler Ruegsegger. The forwards on the unit are left wing Rhett Rakhshani, center Joe Colborne and right wing Kyle Ostrow.
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
