March
23, 2005
DU Suspends Paukovich for First Round
Denver
announced Wednesday that it has suspended freshman forward Geoff
Paukovich for the Pioneers' NCAA Tournament game against Bemidji
State on Saturday, March 26, in Amherst, Mass.
Paukovich
had already served a one-game WCHA-imposed suspension in the WCHA
championship game for his second-period hit on North Dakota sophomore
defenseman Robbie Bina in the WCHA Final Five semifinals on March
18. Paukovich will travel with the Pioneers to Amherst, Mass.,
for the Northeast Regional, but will not play against Bemidji
State.
"We have
decided to suspend Geoff for one additional game for his hit on
Robbie Bina," head coach George Gwozdecky said. "Hitting
from behind in our sport is not condoned by the student-athletes
or the coaches within the Pioneer hockey program. Geoff understands
the seriousness of his actions and accepts full responsibility.
Since the incident, Geoff has expressed his remorse and his hopes
for Robbie Bina's full recovery.
"We were
thrilled to learn of Robbie's release from St. Paul Regions Medical
Center. His doctors have termed the surgery a success and our
prayers and thoughts continue to be with Robbie as he begins his
rehabilitation."
Paukovich
is the Pioneers' ninth-leading scorer with 12-9—21 totals
in 38 games. He had played every game for Denver prior to the
WCHA championship game, and leads the team with 45 penalties and
114 penalty minutes.
