Thomas to Lead 07-08 DU Hockey Pioneers

Paukovich, Testwuide and Ruegsegger named alternate captains

May 14, 2007

DENVER - Senior defenseman Andrew Thomas (Bow, N.H.) has been named captain of the 2007-08 University of Denver hockey team, while senior Geoff Paukovich (Englewood, Colo.), junior J.P. Testwuide (Vail, Colo.) and sophomore Tyler Ruegsegger (Lakewood, Colo.) will serve as alternate captains, announced today by two-time national coach of the year George Gwozdecky.

Thomas becomes the eighth consecutive defenseman to either co-captain or captain the Pioneers. The rugged blueliner has played in 120 of 122 games over the past three seasons. In 2006-07, Thomas tallied seven points on two goals and seven assists, while leading the team in penalty minutes with 71. The hard-hitting Thomas helped guide the Pioneers to their sixth consecutive season with 21 or more wins as an alternate captain last season.

"Andy has developed into one of the top defenseman in the WCHA," Gwozdecky said. "More importantly, Andy understands what kind of leadership will be necessary for our team to be successful. He is a tough competitor who will have a strong presence with our players on-and-off the ice."

Paukovich is one of DU's most experienced forwards and toughest players in the WCHA. He netted 17 points on eight goals and nine assists and led the team in penalties with 31. He tallied 4-3--7 during a career-high, seven game point streak from Jan. 13-Feb. 3 and recorded four game-winning goals.

Testwuide has emerged into a team leader with a strong work ethic and team-first attitude. The versatile Testwuide exhibited his selfless play by seeing action at forward and defense last season. He teamed with seniors Mike Handza (Glenshaw, Pa.) and Steven Cook (Denver, Colo.) on the Pioneers' top defensive forward line.

Ruegsegger was named DU's freshman of the year after a standout rookie season with 34 points on 15 goals and 19 assists. He is one of DU's top scholar-athletes and one of the team's hardest workers.

"Geoff is one of the most-like players on our team," Gwozdecky said. "He has progressed into a solid two-way college hockey forward. J.P. brings an outstanding work ethic and team-first attitude. Tyler is the ultimate competitor who leads by example with his overall approach as a student-athlete. All three of our alternate captains are Colorado natives with strong leadership skills."

The Pioneers open the 2006-07 season with a two-game nonconference series against Maine on Oct. 12-13 at Magness Arena.