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Rod
attended the University of Denver (1955 ‑ 1959) on a hockey scholarship.
Freshman (1955‑1956)
University rules did not permit first year students to participate in
games.
Sophomore (1956 ‑ 1957) ‑
Somewhat
unexpected, Rod became the #1 goal tender on the Denver University
Pioneers Hockey Team. He soon proved to be "very agile and positional in
his play ‑ a tough goalie to beat". In the spring of 1957, Rod
changed equipment and excelled as a pitcher on the Pioneers
Baseball team. The team won the Skyline Conference Championship and Rod
was selected to the Coaches' All‑Skyline First Team.
Junior (1957 ‑ 1958)
The
University hockey program produced a great team for the 1957-1958 season
and with outstanding goaltending by Rod, the Pioneers won their
first‑ever NCAA Championship. In the final game, played before 7900
spectators, the Pioneers won (6‑2) over the favored North Dakota
Sioux.
Rodney Schneck "who turned brilliant performances" was named goalie on
the First Team.
Senior (1958 ‑ 1959)
The
Denver University Pioneers were ruled ineligible to defend their NCAA
hockey title. That year, the Pioneers posted "best yet" records. The
"greatest‑ever game played in DU History" was played on January 10, 1959
versus a Soviet touring team which had not lost any previous games.
In goal Rod "made unbelievable plays to halt the Soviets - he kicked out
38 shots, many from point‑blank range". With the Pioneers leading
4‑3 with one minute twelve seconds remaining in the game... "it was a
perfect shot by Krylov which beat goalie Schneck". The game ended in a
4‑4 tie.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS
Records
Rod Schneck established the
following records for a Denver University goalie, going back to the
start of their program in 1949:
s
most saves
s lowest
average allowed per game
s most
shutouts
Athletic and Scholarship
Achievement Awards (Graduation 1959)
University of Denver awarded five
finalists. One of these recipients was Rodney Schneck -
"Regular hockey goaltender for
three years. All‑Conference baseball pitcher as a sophomore. Grade
average ‑ 2.398, a business management major from Wetaskiwin.
Alberta."
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