DENVER - Two-time National Coach of the Year George Gwozdecky has announced that forwards Beau Bennett (Gardena, Calif.) and Nick Shore (Denver), and goaltender Sam Brittain (Calgary, Alberta) have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Denver and play hockey.

Bennett, Shore and Brittain join recruits Jason Zucker (Las Vegas) and David Makowski (Wildwood, Mo.) for the 2010-11 season.

The 6-1, 180-pound Bennett tied for the British Columbia Hockey League scoring lead with 120 points on 41 goals and 79 assists in 56 games for the Penticton Vees. Bennett helped lead the Vees to a 48-8 second-place record in the Interior Conference. Bennett ranked second with 25 power-play goals and added eight game-winning goals. He tallied nine four-point games and a five-point effort during the regular season. Bennett netted 14 points on five goals and nine assists in 15 playoff games as the Vees were defeated by Vernon in the Interior Conference finals. For his efforts, Bennett was named the Rookie of the Year for the Interior Conference. He is the son of Kirk and Louanna Bennett.

Brittain honed his skills for the Canmore Eagles of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) this past season. He posted a 23-19-8 record with a 3.27 goals against average, .897 save percentage and two shutouts in 52 games during the 2009-10 season. Brittain was named to the AJHL South Division All-League and All-Rookie Teams this past season. The 6-3, 210-pounder added a 5-4 mark with a 3.01 goals against average and .913 saves percentage in nine playoff games for the Eagles, who advanced to the semifinals of the AJHL South Division playoffs. Brittain is the son of Carl and Kelley Brittain.

Shore and Zucker recently helped Team USA to a gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Men's Under-18 Championship in Minsk and Bobruisk, Belarus. Shore tied for the team lead with 10 points as the United States beat Sweden, 3-1, in the final and outscored its opponents, 33-7, in the tournament. Shore led the U.S. National Under-18 Team with 29 assists and tied for third in scoring with 45 points in 56 games. He netted 38 points on 19 goals and 19 assists in 67 games for the U.S. National Under-17 Team in 2008-09. Shore is the younger brother of Pioneer freshman forward, Drew, and the son of David and Sarah Shore.

"We are pleased to officially welcome Beau, Nick and Sam to the Pioneer hockey family," Gwozdecky said. "All three of these young men are terrific hockey players and good students. We are looking forward to the entire freshmen class joining our team this fall."

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