At 5-feet-7 and 160 pounds, junior winger Anthony Maiani won’t make the University of Denver hockey team tougher against the boards or stronger in front of the defensive net. But his specialty is puck possession, the first step in playing good defense.
As the Pioneers attempt to tighten up own-zone responsibilities heading into their nonconference two-game series at Ohio State, Maiani returns from a suspension for violating undisclosed team rules.
He missed last weekend’s season-opening series against Vermont —which the two teams split — a two-game set that featured far too many DU turnovers and open lanes to the Pioneers’ net.
“It’s good to get back in the rotation,” Maiani said. “I’m nervous about the first game, but anxious to help the team. We had enough offense last weekend, but we didn’t take care of the defensive zone.
“I’m hoping to focus on helping out defensively and just let the offense come.”
DU coach George Gwozdecky said his team needs to stop making low-percentage plays with the puck. Maiani, who led the Pioneers with 30 assists and 41 points last season, is a high-percentage passer.
“Anthony is a good all-around player,” DU captain Rhett Rakhshani said. “He’s good defensively and his playmaking on offense really helps us. He’s a very smart player, very positionally sound at both ends. He’s certainly one of the reasons we’re going to play better defensively this week.”
Today’s game at Value City Arena on the Ohio State campus will be DU’s first appearance at the venue since winning the 2005 NCAA title with a 4-1 victory over North Dakota.
Buckeyes fans will recognize Maiani’s name. His older brother, Domenic, produced 25 goals and 72 points for Ohio State from 2004-07. Domenic left the program after his junior year.
“I’m sure some fans will remember the name,” Anthony Maiani said. “My brother left there early. I have no idea if they’ll say something about that, or (my) suspension. I’m just glad to be back.”
DU could use as many as eight defensemen in the series.
Junior Chris Nutini and third-year sophomore John Ryder made the trip and are available to help offset a young blue line trying to gain experience. DU’s top six defensemen last week included three freshmen and two sophomores.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
College hockey
NO. 3 DENVER (1-1) AT OHIO STATE (0-2)
What: Two-game nonconference series
When: Today and Friday, 5 p.m.
Where: Value City Arena, Columbus, Ohio (tonight); Nationwide Arena, Columbus (Friday)
TV/radio: None/KRWZ 950 AM
Notes: Friday’s game is at the home of the NHL’s Blue Jackets. . . . DU lost its No. 1 ranking after last weekend’s 6-4 loss to Vermont. Ohio State was swept at home by Quinnipiac 4-2 and 3-1. . . . DU junior Marc Cheverie will begin in goal today; freshman Adam Murray starts Friday. . . . These teams split a series a year ago in Denver. The Pioneers won 3-1 before the Buckeyes prevailed 4-3. . . . DU is 0-5 in its last five road openers.
COLORADO COLLEGE (1-1) AT WISCONSIN (0-0)
What: Two-game WCHA series
When: Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m.
Where: Kohl Center, Madison, Wis.
TV/radio: FSN (Friday)/KRXP 103.9 FM
Notes: CC and Wisconsin tied for third in the WCHA last season. The Tigers were 16-12-10 overall, the Badgers 20-16-4. . . . CC was picked to finish eighth by league coaches, the Badgers third. . . . CC is 7-6-3 at the Kohl Center.
ALABAMA-HUNTSVILLE (1-1) AT AIR FORCE (0-2)
What: Two-game nonconference series
When: Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Cadet Ice Arena
TV/radio: None/KCSF 1300 AM
Notes: Alabama-Huntsville was impressive in South Bend, Ind., last weekend, splitting two games with then-No. 5 Notre Dame. The Chargers won the series opener 3-2 on a power-play goal with five seconds remaining in regulation. Goalie Cameron Talbot made 87 saves in the series. . . . Air Force is 8-3-1 in home openers under coach Frank Serratore. . . . Serratore is only two wins shy of No. 200 at Air Force.
