DU alpine skier Leif Kristian Haugen will hit the slopes for Norway in the Winter Olympics, but he isn’t the only connection the University has with the Vancouver games.
Former Denver Pioneers hockey standout Paul Stastny will play for the United States hockey team. Stastny played for the Pioneers from 2004–06. During his time at the University, he helped DU to its 2005 NCAA national championship and led the WCHA in scoring the year after. Stastny departed DU with 98 career points, scoring 36 goals and registering 62 assists in 81 games. Since DU, Stastny has played for the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.
Stastny will be a forward on the U.S. team. The American team begins play in the preliminary rounds on Feb. 16 in a game against Switzerland.
The other DU connection to the Olympics is also part of a rink-related sport.
Alumnus Tom Zakrajsek (BA English and mass communications ’88) is at the center of the Olympic figure skating competition. Zakrajsek coaches Rachael Flatt, the 2010 U.S. national champion who is considered a favorite to win a medal in the games.
Zakrajsek is based out of the Broadmoor Skating Club in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The short program in women’s figure skating is scheduled to begin on Feb. 23.
For more information, visit Vancouver’s Olympic Web site.