DENVER – University of Denver freshman defenseman Patrick Wiercioch (Maple Ridge, British Columbia) has been named Red Baron® WCHA Rookie of the Week for Oct. 21-27 as a result of his strong play in a two-game conference sweep over visiting Wisconsin last weekend.

The 6-4, 185-pound Wiercioch tallied two goals and two assists in the sweep over the Badgers on Oct. 17-18. In a 6-5 win last Friday night, he netted two goals, including the game-winner, and added one assist for his first collegiate three-point game. He then added another assist last Saturday as the Pioneers won 7-4 over Wisconsin to complete the league sweep.

In addition to his four points, Wiercioch also fired eight shots on goal in the two victories, had two hits, and earned a +2 plus/minus rating. Also nominated were: Jordan Schroeder (Minnesota); Jack Connolly (Minnesota Duluth) and Brad Eidsness (North Dakota).
Wiercioch is the second consecutive Pioneer to earn WCHA rookie of the week accolades. Freshman Luke Salazar (Thornton, Colo.) earned the honor last week.

Freshman Bio

Before Denver: Tallied 21 points on three goals and 18 assists in 40 games for United States Hockey League (USHL) regular-season and playoff champion Omaha in 2007-08 • added 11 points on two goals and nine assists in 14 playoff games for Omaha • netted 25 points on nine goals and 16 assists for Burnaby of the British Columbia Hockey League in 2006-07 • earned BCHL Rookie of the Year honors in 2006-07.

Personal: Son of Andrew and Eva Wiercioch • brother of Chris (24) and Gabrielle (19) • graduated from Pitt Meadows (British Columbia) Secondary School in 2008 • chose Denver for its hockey tradition and fans • career goal is to play in the NHL • enjoys fishing and watching all levels of hockey • favorite athlete is Nicklas Lidstrom • drafted in the second round (42nd overall) by the Ottawa Senators in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft • plans to major in finance • born September 12, 1990.