If there is a theme to Denver’s announcement of its three captains it would be overcoming adversity.

It’s not as if newly named captain Logan O’Connor and alternates Jarid Lukosevicius and Colin Staub, all three senior wingers, have had anything handed to them in hockey.

Consider O’Connor only played one game after January during his freshman season, and that was the third-place game at the NCHC Frozen Face-off. Lukosevicius frequently found himself on the fourth line, and at times in the press box, that season. Ditto Staub, whose college career was cast somewhat into doubt the summer before his freshman season when a degenerative eye condition derailed his plans to go to the Air Force Academy. The Falcons’ loss, however, proved to be the Pioneers’ gain.

“As a group, they’re understanding of what it means to be a Pioneer,” DU coach David Carle said. “They all have high levels of emotional intelligence, they know when to push and when to pull with guys.

“And all three are really good people.”

O’Connor’s progression

The fleet O’Connor went from a part-time player (23 games) as a freshman to a key cog for the Pioneers this past season, when he put up a career-high 21 points, and didn’t miss a game for the second consecutive campaign. His ascent mirrors that of outgoing captain Tariq Hammond in a way.

“Logan had an OK freshman year, but he didn’t play a lot and had to battle through some adversity,” Carle said. “He put his nose to the grindstone and continued to work and continued to get better.

“His sophomore season his defensive confidence grew and he became reliable in five-on-five and the penalty kill. This season his offensive confidence grew and he became an elite penalty killer. There was real growth in his confidence and maturity.”

That trajectory will help him help a Pioneers team that will have only seven upperclassmen.

“Logan’s been through a lot, that gives him a great perspective on how to get better,” Carle added.

Captain Serious?

Staub’s demeanor made him a natural to wear a letter.

“It’s the way he approaches every day,” Carle said. “He does everything right in all aspects of his life. He’s a great role model.

“When he voices his opinion, he’s well respected because of how he carries himself.”

Staub is also coming off a career high in points (22), and he was one of what former coach Jim Montgomery called his “security blankets” – meaning Staub fit seemlessly anywhere in the lineup and in any situation.

“Colin continually has gotten better and improved,” Carle said. “He leads by example.”

Have you heard the one about?

Lukosevicius might be the most outspoken of the three, but he’s also the most likely to interject humor into a conversation.

“He connects well with his teammates,” Carle said. “He’s an honest, direct teammate.”

He’s also one who is coming off a career high in points (34). But the number that really stands out is 21 goals – second only to the departed Henrik Borgström on the Pioneers. Though Lukosevicius has a hard, accurate shot and a quick release, he wasn’t ready-made either.

“He also faced some adversity as a freshman but he put the time and work in every summer to get better,” Carle said.

As a result, the winger went from six goals to 16 to 21.

When the Pioneers run into rough spots this coming season, they will have a trio of leaders who can speak from experience about how to overcome them.

Pioneers add former Av Reinprecht to staff

The Pioneers added longtime pro and former Wisconsin standout Steven Reinprecht as a volunteer assistant coach, Carle announced Friday.

Reinprecht played in the NHL for 11 seasons, including three with the Colorado Avalanche and he was a member of their 2001 Stanley Cup champions. He played in Europe up until April, primarily in Germany.

He had a stellar career at Wisconsin, capped by being selected the WCHA’s Player of the Year in 2000 after he had 66 points in 37 games as a senior for the Badgers.

“We’re thrilled to add Steven to our staff,” Carle told the school’s official website. “First and foremost, he is a great person. On the hockey side, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his playing career that will be invaluable to our staff and to our players.”

Reinprecht and his family maintained a residence in the Denver area, and he had a desire to get into college coaching.

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