EXCLUSIVE: RAKHSHANI NAMED DU CAPTAIN
Pioneers head coach shares the news
University of Denver head coach George Gwozdecky just returned our call and shared the news that Islanders prospect Rhett Rakhshani has been officially named captain of the Pioneers.
“After Rhett said he was returning for his senior year, I talked it over with my staff,” Gwozdecky told Point Blank over the phone from Florida, where he is attending conference meetings. “We felt strongly that the right thing to do was honor Rhett’s commitment and character by naming him captain. A little over a week ago I spoke with Rhett and told him the news. Now I’m telling you.”
Gwozdecky believes his player’s return for his senior year of college was not about the Islanders but his dedication to Denver. “Rhett was faced with a decision that was so tempting,” said the coach, “but he knows what’s ahead of him next season at Denver and knows he has the potential to have an excellent pro career. He’ll continue his hockey development with us and only be a better player when he joins the Islanders organization.”
The Denver coach said Rakhshani was “extremely talented, with good skating ability and incredible hands.” Gwozdecky believes that the right wing’s childhood spent playing roller hockey every day in California contributed to his “really outstanding offensive skills.”
But Rakhshani has been named Denver captain for his character. “I believe Rhett’s decision to play all four years when it would have been so easy for him to leave for the pros…well, that speaks volumes for the kind of person he is,” said Gwozdecky. “We’re thrilled to have him back as our captain.”
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To Our Readers: Yes, Point Blank – where you can get two Rhett Rakhshani stories in the same day. I assure you that I’m working on all subjects in Islanders Country. It’s also nice to see Greg Logan blogging like a madman, too. Looks like you should check out Greg’s blog every day, if you aren’t already.
A request: if you have information you’ve learned personally, or have heard from a co-worker’s sister’s boyfriend who works at Iceworks, I ask that you please send an email first. I do not want the Comments space to become a spot for unfounded rumors and hearsay (only I can do that!) It’s gotten a little crazy lately, which is why you may be seeing more Comments go to moderation than any of us would like. Please send me an email first. Thank you for the consideration.
Again, I’m trying to cover all angles – even during the quiet days of late April. I should have plenty of stories this week – and not just about The Rakher…CB
23 Responses to EXCLUSIVE: RAKHSHANI NAMED DU CAPTAIN
Pioneers head coach shares the news
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leviticus says:
Looks like draft picks 1-4 in 2006 (Okposo, Joennsu, Figren,and Rakhshani) are all developing well…good for Jankowski and group!!
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nystrom23 says:
This speaks volumes as to what the organization has done in terms of drafting players the last 2 years…if we can keep this going into this years draft…we will have a very deep prospect pool for many years to come and can be a playoff team 2010-2011 and contend for a cup 2 years later.
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Matt says:
great post. it looks like our drafting has been pretty good over the past couple of years since Snow has been the GM. hope it continues.
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MilburyRuinedMyLife says:
Good for Rhett–I have a really good feeling about this kid; nice, solid 3rd line winger w/2nd line potential PLUS a great attitude. Could be our future Richard Park and, hopefully, even more.
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DavidNYC says:
Congrats Rhett! Hopefully we’ll see you at the Bridge after you lead DU to the Frozen Four title next year.
CB, thanks for keeping us posted on all things Isles and crafting compelling stories for us during the “quiet days” of April!
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MT says:
The Rakher, I like it CB!
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Islesnut says:
I really like this kid. I can see him being a really nice second or third line player.
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Pat says:
Someone should show the coach at the U of Minnesota this story. One would think that Garth Snow would let Rhett know if his development would be smarter at Bridgeport than at U of Denver.
Even if not – he is making a decision that is right for him – and he would be in line to compete for a job at the tail end of next year and the season following.
That said – he should come to camp with the Isles and give our scouts and management a chance to work with him.
Good luck Rhett
Pat
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Jimmy Sparx says:
I echo the statement from the other posted here. Let him have that full year of being the leader of Denver. He will be fine for another year of college. He will earn his BA which is very important. It’ll be fun to follow him next season.
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HilbertSnipe says:
It’s good to see great former roller players turning into solid ice players… Rhett, Ryan Hollweg, Bobby Ryan.
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oops i didn’t mean to press submit. Also see TJ Hensick, Brad Boyes, David Booth, and Paul Statsny.
All are great, or are projected to be, great offensive players for their respective teams. Roller Hockey focuses more on the offensive game. I hope Rhett can soon be mentioned in the same breath as these other players.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
CB ~ Send our Congratulations to Rhett from us Crazy Die Hard Islander fans that still go nuts for a team 3 weeks after their season ended … in 90 degree weather no less … LOL! I’m actually happy that I have a coaches clinic to go to tonight at the rink … gotta learn me some coaching.
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kabbage19 says:
That is great to see. It is another important part of the rebuild – develop the prospects properly!
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avolp55TURGEONFICHAUD says:
CB- keep up the great work! This has become a facet of my daily life and reading about Isles news not written by Mr. Botta himself just isn’t the same.
I hope we can continue to read your dedicated work for many months/years to come.
All the best to Rhett and the REST of the Islanders prospects. Should be very interested to see how Corey Trivino does next year following his limited-ice-time-NCAA championship freshman season.
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James says:
But the real question is, can you come up with THREE Rhett Rakhshani stories in one day??? I have a friend who’s sister’s boyfriend works at Iceworks who heard that… oh, never mind.
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Its nice that Coach Gwozdecky returned your call and thats great news about Rhetts Captaincy. I hope they have a fantastic year together next year!
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StevieL says:
I believe the 2006 NHL draft which is starting to look like a solid draft for the isles was presided over by Neil Smith and Co. Snow had nothing to do with the 2006 draft.
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StevieL (18): CB has stated a number of times that idea is a fallacy. Per CB, Neil Smith was not scouting players before that draft. The draft was presided over by Ryan Jankowski, just as it is now.
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Mike from Philly says:
C.B. – Was at Citi Field tonight for the 1st time, a new home for the Islanders would look so great across the street from Citi Field!!
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Frankie Boy says:
sorry little premature 3-1 ducks end of 2nd sorry once again
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Chickendirt says:
We have 20 minutes left till we get that 26th overall pick.
Olli Jokinen proved tonight that he’s not a very good playoff performer. He proved that the other night as well. No need to cry over that guys loss anymore. He can’t drive a team to the post season or play very well in it either. Just another Yashinesque player.
LETS GO DUCKS!!!!
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doc says:
Neil Smith…??? If this guy was so great… why has he not had a job in the NHL in the past 9 years??? (except for the 40 days in the Summer 2006). Give me a break… there’s a reason why he doesn’t have a job. He inherited Leetch and Richter, his drafting record with the Rangers was abysmal except for 1 or 2 good players, he struck lightening by trading away prospects to the Oilers for their past stanley cup winners and won 1 cup. Then the Rangers had a precipitous fall that took years for them to recover from.
Thank you Charles Wang for seeing the errors of your way and firing Neil Smith before he caused more irreparable damage to the Islanders.
Good for him! It will make him a stronger leader and a better player for the Isles down the line. It’s good to have someone who has led before. And even if he isn’t bound to be the captain here in the future–it’s good to know someone who is an Isles prospect is regarded that highly! Speaks volumes about the kid!