University of Denver coach George Gwozdecky today said he will likely ask freshman goalie Sam Brittain to open this weekend’s series at Minnesota, and that the 18-year-old might also start Saturday’s afternoon game at Mariucci Arena.
Neither Brittain nor sophomore Adam Murray have played at the Gophers’ arena in Minneapolis, although Murray served as Marc Cheverie’s backup in DU’s two 3-0 victories last season.
The games begin at 6 p.m. MT Friday and 4 p.m. MT Saturday.
“I think we’re probably leaning towards going with Sam on Friday, and then making a decision whether to come back with Adam on Saturday or come back with Sam on Saturday, based upon how the game goes (Friday),” Gwozdecky said before today’s practice.
The 6-foot-3 Brittain and 6-1 Murray have traded starts in the past five series after Brittain started 15 consecutive games from Oct. 16 to Dec. 4.
With just eight regular-season games remaining, Gwozdecky said he and his staff have talked about playing one goalie almost every game. But he declined to identify which player that might be.
“The team has confidence in both guys and both guys are rested, healthy, and neither guy has had the weight on their shoulders from October to now, and both guys have gotten enough playing time to where they know what they can do, and we know what they can do,” Gwozdecky said.
Brittain has the better statistics. He is 12-4-5 with a 2.13 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. Murray is 5-2 with a 3.60 GAA and .871 SP.
“Obviously, when you’re competing you want to be the No. 1 guy at any level,” Brittain said. “I haven’t heard anything from the coaches, whatsoever, so I think right now Adam and I are just working hard in practice and trying to make it tough for the (shooters).”
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
