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Pioneer hockey has great hopes of regaining momentum this year as the team takes on a long and grueling season with a different approach than last year.
“Last year at this time was when publications picked us out to win the national championship,” said Director of Hockey Operations David Tenzer. “This year our approach is a lot different. The coaches and players have different mentalities, and they have a lot more to prove.”
The 20 returning players and eight new freshmen were in training camp for two weeks before starting regular practices.
“We’re really comfortable with the guys this time. The chemistry looks really good this year,” said Tenzer.
New forwards include J.D. Corbin of Littleton, Michael Handza of Glenshaw, Pa., Ryan Helgason of Woodbury, Minn., Jeff Rogers of Colorado Springs and Adrian Veideman of Sicamous, British Columbia. Matt Carle of Anchorage, Alaska and Jon James of Arnold, Md., arrive as defensemen, while Glenn Fisher of Edmonton, Alberta, steps in as a new goaltender.
“We feel we have one of the top recruiting classes in the country,” said Tenzer. “All our new players were top players on their previous teams, and now they get to step it up a level.”
Although there are no set starters so far, Adam Berkhoel (goaltender), Captain Ryan Caldwell (defenseman), alternate Captains Connor James (forward), Max Bull (forward), and Kevin Ulanski (forward) are expected to have a lot of playing time this year.
The Pioneers hope to improve upon last season’s 21-14-6 record and seventh-place WCHA conference finish at 11-11-6.
The team has not set any definite goals for the season yet. In general players are aiming at setting personal short-term goals, as the coaches help to guide them through the process.
“Last year everyone’s goal was to win the national championship, which is every team’s goal. This year I think everyone’s more focused on setting short-term goals and working toward long-term ones,” said Tenzer. “We’re all really anxious to see how we perform on the ice.”
DU will play against WCHA opponents Minnesota State-Mankato, North Dakota, Colorado College, Minnesota-Duluth, and others this season. Players said they are looking forward to playing their best every night and proving themselves again in their league. The Pioneers will also host the annual Wells Fargo Denver Cup in December and play 23 of scheduled 40 games, including two exhibition games, at home.
“It matters a great deal to the team that people are watching,” Tenzer said. “We’ve got a very talented team, and we’re hoping for some good luck as well.”
Season ticket prices for non-studnets start at $312 for 26 Pioneer home games. Denver is also offering half season “Power Pack” ticket packages that start at $196 for 14 home games. Tickets for individual games will cost $22, $19 and $16 for adults and $9 for children.
Tickets for Denver’s two Colorado College games at Magness Arena on Nov. 8 and March 5 carry a $5 premium. All season ticket holders receive advance priority seating for events such as any Avalance games that are played at Magness.
The Pioneers next home game is against the National Development program this Friday at 7:35 p.m.
