Dingle, Stastny, Carle and Gauthier have been names that we have been hearing a lot about this hockey season, but how about those other guys. How about the three guys from Colorado that all play on the same offensive line, the 303 line. The three guys who in the last six games have combined for five goals and six assists. They are sophomore Geoff Paukovich, junior J.D. Corbin and junior Steven Cook.
“I know for all three of us we grew up watching DU hockey, and it is a dream for all us to play here and it has just been great real fun to play with the Colorado kids,” said Cook, who is playing his first full year at DU after transferring from the Air Force Academy.
“I think all being Colorado we have grown up with each other. We have all known each other for a long time and that translates to the ice, because we know what each player brings to the table, which always makes things easier when you know who you are playing with,” Paukovich.
Last year, Head Coach George Gwozdecky made very few changes in terms of lines throughout the season, but this year he has had to deal with injuries and inconsistent play and thus many changes and different lines have taken place.
“That’s what the coaches do throughout the year, try to find guys that can play with each other, and find the right mix of chemistry and what guys have to offer,” said Corbin.
“This year it has been a learning process playing with new guys all year. Now we have settled into a groove where these are going to be our lines for the rest of the year,” said Paukovich.
Last season Paukovich played in 43 of the 45 games and scored 12 goals and 10 assists as a freshman and led the team with penalties and penalty minutes. Geoff is from Englewood, and has scored four goals and six assists for the Pioneers this season.
“I have really enjoyed playing with them. Paukovich is a hard hitter and good worker and J.D. is a real fast player, so I think we all play well together,” said Cook.
Corbin played in every game last season except for the two frozen four games due to a broken clavicle, but scored one goal and 18 assists on the season as a sophomore. Corbin is a native of Littleton, and played on U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. before DU along with line mate Paukovich.
“Last year I didn’t play at all due to injuries and this year it took me a while to get into the lineup and get healthy and once I started playing it was great to be on the ice,” said Denver native, Cook.
Cook played his freshman year at the Air Force Academy scoring two goals and six assists and then transferred to DU and sat out last season with a shoulder injury.
Cook missed the first set of games this season, but since getting the call to wear the Pioneer jersey has scored one goal and assist and has been a hard and tough player on the ice.
“Steven Cook has been a guy that just competes so hard night in and night out and works hard in practice too,” said assistant coach Seth Appert.
The guys have now played four games together on the same line and things have worked out pretty well, especially in the midst of a seven-game winning streak.
“You have J.D.’s speed, Geoff’s toughness, size and physical presence, you have Cook’s work ethic and energy and it has worked out pretty well,” said Appert.
“We have a balance now, and teams can’t just shut down one line, when we are all playing well we can play with anyone in the country,” Paukovich.
The next time you turn on your television or head to Magness to watch the Pioneers don’t forget about the 303 line, the guys with a great combination of speed, hard hitting and work ethic.
