In addition to the hiring, the program received national praise after the Hockey News Prospect Rankings were released Wednesday afternoon, which ranked DU No. 1 in terms of top NHL prospects among current, former and future collegiate players.

Included in the list were 10 Pioneers who all look to have bright futures in the NHL. The development of these players remains a major focus for NHL franchises, especially the Pittsburgh Penguins who own the rights to sophomore forward Beau Bennet. The California native was selected in the first round (20th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and has been dubbed the Penguins top prospect.

Other players on the 2011-2012 Pioneers rosters who were present on the list include Las Vegas-native Jason Zucker, and local brothers Nick and Drew Shore.

Zucker had a stellar freshman campaign in which he was named WCHA Rookie of the Year while recording 45 points (23 goals, 22 assists) in 40 games. Zucker was drafted in the second round (59th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild. He currently ranks No. 7 among Wild prospects.

Drew Shore proved his offensive explosion, edging Zucker as the Pionners top scorer by one point last season as he recorded 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) in his second season with the Pioneers.

His younger brother Nick made a name for himself around the DU campus after scoring two goals in the deciding Gold Pan Trophy game against Colorado College back in early March.

Drew was selected in the second round (44th overall) by the Florida Panthers in 2009 and ranks No. 8 amongst Panthers prospects, while Nick was selected in the fourth round (82nd overall) and ranks No. 10 among Kings prospects.

“These rankings are very important for future prospects that we are will look to bring here,” said head coach George Gwozdecky. “This is also good for future of college hockey as it will attract players trying to get to the next level.”

Former players included in the Hockey News Prospect Rankings are Joe Colborne of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Scott Mayfield of the New York Islanders, Rhett Rakhshani of the New York Islanders, Patrick Weircioch of the Ottawa Senators, Mark Cheverie of the Florida Panthers and Matt Donovan of the New York Islanders.  

As for Lassonde, the former New Hampshire head coach will be behind the Pioneers bench for the 2011-2012 campaign, along with his 23 years of collegiate hockey experience and expertise.

The move comes a few days after Lalonde accepted the head coach and general manager position for the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League.

Lassonde, like Gwozdecky, owns many years of collegiate experience and fits nicely with an already experience heavy coaching staff.

Lassonde began his collegiate coaching career in 1988 as the goaltending coach with New Hampshire University. He has also had coaching stints with the University of Wisconsin (1991-1994) and Miami University (1994-1997). In 23 years, Lassonde has helped coach his teams to 15 NCAA Tournaments and five frozen fours.

“David will assume the same role as Derek Lalonde had last season with us,” said Gwozdecky. “He was our number one candidate to fill the position and has an extraordinary ability to work with goaltending prospects. He will help develop forwards, denfensman, as well as goaltending which makes him very unique.” 

Lassonde will assist the Pioneers with practice and game preparation and will also take on important role to bring world class prospects to the University of Denver.