As reported by denverpioneers.com the DU family lost a hockey legend in Greg Woods. Greg had a phenomenal run with Pioneer hockey. As a stellar defenseman, he was on a DU team that won 33-games, the second most in program history. He was alternate captain during his senior season (1978-79). During his career, he scored 176 points and ranked first among defensemen and ninth overall. By all accounts, he was a lifelong Pioneer.
According to an article in The Denver Post, ‘Woody” nearly made the the 1980 Miracle on Ice Olympic team and “was shocked and incredibly disappointed” to not make the final roster.
Woods was a tough defenseman who could score points.
“He (Woods) had very good hockey skills,” former DU coach Marshall Johnston said. “He always was one of the better defensemen in the WCHA (Western Collegiate Hockey Association). I can see why he feels he should have made the Olympic team. There’s nothing wrong with believing in yourself.”
“I truly believe I would have done very well if I had continued in hockey,” Woods said. “But when I didn’t make the Olympic team, I sort of thought it was time to hang it up.”
But Woods love of hockey continued in men’s leagues and on outdoor rinks around Denver. And of course, as a local resident, Woods love of all things Denver Pioneer hockey continued.
The memorial to celebrate Greg’s life is scheduled for Sunday, August 28 at 4 p.m.. The event is being hosted by Jim Wiste owner of The Campus Lounge, 701 South University, Denver. It will be Pot Luck meal with drink specials.
Thanks for posting this! Rest well Woody.
Thanks for posting this! Rest well Woody.
Thank you for the nice article and posting information on this. My father would love this kind of memorial party. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there. Ryan Woods
Thanks Ryan. See you there.
Ryan- Your dad was a great hockey and a better man. He will be missed!
Thank you for the nice article and posting information on this. My father would love this kind of memorial party. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there. Ryan Woods
Thanks Ryan. See you there.
oops great hockey player….
Ryan- Your dad was a great hockey and a better man. He will be missed!
oops great hockey player….
Jim, I was at Woody’s memorial today at the Campus and spoke with you. My name is Carol Baum. My husband, Shannon Stirling and I would like to understand what it would take to put him into the DU Hall of Fame.
We know that his passion was hockey. Please let me know if there is anything that we can do to follow up with the review/initiation process.
Thank you.
Jim, I was at Woody’s memorial today at the Campus and spoke with you. My name is Carol Baum. My husband, Shannon Stirling and I would like to understand what it would take to put him into the DU Hall of Fame.
We know that his passion was hockey. Please let me know if there is anything that we can do to follow up with the review/initiation process.
Thank you.