Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Behind the Bench: George Gwozdecky


Behind the Bench: George Gwozdecky

In Behind the Bench, College Hockey, Inc. will introduce college hockey head coaches from around the country and provide some insight into their approach, their program and their background, in their own words.

Our fourth subject is Denver’s George Gwozdecky, who will enter his 18th season with the Pioneers in 2011-12.

WHAT IS …

The best way to describe your coaching style?

Our philosophy of play is a very uptempo style that relies on a quick-strike transition, strong forechecking, solid defensive awareness and powerful special teams.

As a head coach I am:

  • Professional
  • Even tempered/level headed
  • Demanding
  • Organized
  • Caring
  • Trusting
  • Competitive

Your favorite part of coaching?

Watching a player’s confidence grow as he develops his game, while gaining a more mature attitude towards life.

Your least favorite part of coaching?

Hearing from talented young players who regret not taking the college hockey route. Hearing from players who regret leaving college early to pursue a professional hockey career.

The most important thing your assistant coaches do for you?

Recruit the right players to our program and then mentor and develop them to help achieve their dreams.

Your favorite thing about college hockey?

The great feeling of togetherness that comes from committing to a common goal and resulting in successfully achieving a dream.

Your favorite place on campus outside the rink?

Being in any of our great DU athletic venues and watching our other athletic teams practice or compete.

Something unique or noteworthy about your school?

Walt Disney Co. designed and created “Boone,” one of our former Pioneer athletic logos and mascot.

The best advice you could give a young player hoping to make Division I?

Work hard and be patient with your development – there is no rush.

The best advice you would give parents of a young hockey player?

Be supportive of your son and help him understand that patience, hard work and perseverance are the main ingredients to success.

The best advice you ever got?

There are no guarantees in life but if you set a goal and work hard at it you give yourself a great chance to accomplish it.

The most important trait you look for in a player?

Strong character.

The biggest win of your career?

Capturing our first national championship as the head coach at Denver with a 1-0 win over the University of Maine in the 2004 NCAA Frozen Four National Championship game. We had to survive a 6×3 for the final 94 seconds of the game – considered to be the most exciting final seconds in NCAA Frozen Four Championship game history.

A game you look forward to each year?

The first game of the NCAA Tournament.

WHO IS?

Your biggest coaching influence?

Ron Mason – the former head coach at Michigan State University who hired me in the spring of 1984 to work on his staff as an assistant coach
“Badger” Bob Johnson – my college coach at Wisconsin
Albert Cava – my Junior “A” coach in Thunder Bay, Ontario

An NHL coach you admire?

Barry Trotz

A coach you admire outside of hockey?

Clint Hurdle – Pittsburgh Pirates

A former player you’re particularly proud of?

Rod Brind’Amour – never been around anyone who worked harder to achieve his goals

An unsung hero in your program?

My wife, Bonnie

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Book

Just finished reading “Unbroken”- an incredible story of survival in the Pacific during World War II

TV network

Root Sports (formerly Fox Sports Rocky Mountain)

Movie

Apollo 13, Hoosiers, Rocky, Kelly’s Heroes

Web site

www.denverpioneers.com

Vacation spot

Maui

Pro team

Any team one of our former DU players is on

Sport besides hockey

Waterskiing

Time of year

The week before Christmas

Quote

“I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish he didn’t trust me so much” – Mother Teresa
“You make your choice and your choice makes you” – Unknown
“Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne