January 27, 2009
Denver Changes Course, Suspends Gwozdecky One Game
CHN Staff Report
Denver — after initially only reprimanding coach George Gwozdecky — reversed course a day later suspended Gwozdecky for one game.
Gwozdecky, after several heated disagreements with the officials during last Saturday's game against North Dakota, was ejected after he went atop the dasher board during the argument. He then walked across the ice to confront referee Todd Anderson before heading back to the locker room.
The suspension, however, was officially given because Gwozdecky communicated with his team after the ejection — which is a violation of NCAA rules.
Gwozdecky was ejected at the 9:30 mark of the second period during Denver’s 2-2 overtime tie at North Dakota on Jan. 24. Gwozdecky watched the second period on a television in the media room, but communicated via headset to coaches on the bench during the third period and overtime from the press box.
“Upon further investigation of George’s actions on Jan. 24, we feel a one-game suspension is necessary,” DU Senior Associate Director of Athletics Ron Grahame said. “George understands the one-game suspension is warranted and he will serve the suspension this Friday against Alaska Anchorage.”
Assistant coach Steve Miller will take over the head coaching duties in place of Gwozdecky, who will return to lead the Pioneers against the Seawolves on Saturday, Jan. 31.
“I want to apologize to the University of Denver and our hockey team for not having a thorough understanding of the NCAA game misconduct rule,” Gwozdecky said. “I respect the University’s decision to suspend me based upon the violation that occurred.”
The WCHA put out a statement Monday endorsing the school's reprimand, then another statement today endorsing the suspension.
“The WCHA is in full agreement with the additional steps taken today by the University of Denver in regards to this matter,” said McLeod. “We appreciate their rapid response and the pro-active stance they have taken to address this issue.”
Gwozdecky will serve his one-game suspension this Friday when Denver plays Alaska-Anchorage.
