University of Denver sophomore Adam Murray will miss this weekend’s two-game series against Wisconsin with a groin injury, leaving goaltending duties to true freshman Sam Brittain.
Murray suffered the injury Tuesday during practice and will be out indefinitely, Pioneers coach George Gwozdecky said before practice today.
“It’s disappointing for Adam because he’s been playing well, but Sam has had two real good outings, done a real good job, and we’re confident that, until Adam gets back, Sam will carry the mail,” Gwozdecky said.
Brittain, 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, is just five months removed from his 18th birthday. He agreed to join DU this fall after All-American Marc Cheverie chose to forgo his senior season to sign with the NHL’s Florida Panthers. Brittain was originally pegged to play another year of junior A and begin college in 2011.
Denver (1-2-1) played its two young goalies evenly over the first two weekends of the season, with the 19-year-old Murray starting the series openers at Vermont and against Boston College.
Brittain has had far more success in the cleanup role, but he’s still winless (0-1-1) because DU has only scored one goal in his two starts.
Brittain has a stellar 1.47 goals-against average and .951 save percentage. Murray (1-1) has a 4.50 GAA and .859 SP.
Murray joins an injured list that includes junior forward Dustin Jackson (mononucleosis), sophomore defenseman William Wrenn (hamstring), freshman center Nick Shore (wrist) and senior wing and team captain Kyle Ostrow (lower body).
Jackson and Shore are out this weekend. Wrenn is questionable and Ostrow is probable.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
