The bitter disappointment Patrick Wiercioch felt after being released by Canada’s prestigious World Junior team has turned into a positive for the University of Denver and Team USA.
The No. 2-ranked Pioneers have their best defenseman available for this weekend’s Denver Cup, and the young American all-stars have a new fan, one that used to bleed only red and white.
“I’m following the entire tournament like I do every year. That doesn’t change,” said Wiercioch, who was surprisingly removed from Team Canada on Dec. 13 because of a pre-existing knee injury. “Obviously, I wish Canada the best of luck in the tournament, but this year is the first year I’m wishing other teams luck too.”
Team USA, which played the Canadians on Thursday night in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, includes DU freshman defenseman Matt Donovan and incoming Pioneers freshman forward Jason Zucker.
“It makes it a tough choice,” Wiercioch said. “Obviously, I want ‘Dono’ and his team to succeed.”
Wiercioch said his knee feels fine, but no different than when he reported to Team Canada on Dec. 12. He strained the medial collateral ligament in his right knee Nov. 7 and reinjured it Dec. 5.
Before the setback, Wiercioch and Donovan thought they had a good chance of playing against each other in Saskatoon. Wiercioch was a late cut in Team Canada’s final tryout last year. If he had made this year’s squad, as most expected, he would have been the Canadians’ only player from the NCAA.
“Last year was more disappointing, coming back after not making the team,” he said. “This year I was released, not really cut. But I’m excited for the Denver Cup, and playing here has always been my first priority, anyway.”
DU plays Nebraska-Omaha in tonight’s second Denver Cup semifinal and No. 5 Boston College in Saturday night’s final tournament game. St. Lawrence plays BC this afternoon and UNO on Saturday at 4 p.m.
While DU will be without Donovan, UNO is without its coach, Team USA bench boss Dean Blais. BC freshman forward Chris Kreider is also playing for the U.S.
Tonight’s game ends a three-week break for DU, which last played Dec. 11 and lost 6-3 to Minnesota-Duluth. That was the Pioneers’ worst defensive effort of the season, with All-American candidate Marc Cheverie allowing all six goals.
“It was a tough game as a team defensively, and me especially,” said Cheverie (9-2-1). “It was hard to put that one behind you, having three weeks to think about it. But I’m looking forward to this weekend and we’re excited about winning this tournament.”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Denver Cup
What: Four-team, showcase-style tournament
When: Today and Saturday
Where: Magness Arena
Schedule: Today — No. 5 Boston College (10-3-2, 7-3-2 Hockey East) vs. St. Lawrence (8-7-2, 4-3-1 ECAC), 4:30 p.m.; Nebraska-Omaha (8-7-4, 5-7-2 CCHA) vs. Denver (11-5-2, 9-3-2 WCHA), 7:30 p.m. Saturday — St. Lawrence vs. Nebraska-Omaha, 4 p.m.; Boston College vs. Denver, 7 p.m.
TV/Radio: FSN/KRWZ 950 AM (DU tonight) and KKFN 104.3 FM (DU Saturday)
Notes: This is the first year of the showcase format. The tournament champion will be determined by record, not including shootouts. If tied, the following tiebreakers will be used, in order: Record including shootouts; head-to- head results; goal differential; fewest goals allowed; shootout differential. . . . BC is playing in Denver for the first time since winning the 2007 Frozen Four at the Pepsi Center. . . . DU is 26-6-2 in the tournament, with 13 titles. Nebraska-Omaha, which will join the WCHA next season, is 1-1 in Denver Cup play. BC is 4-2 and St. Lawrence is appearing for the first time.
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
