The University of Denver hockey team suffered its second significant preseason setback in less than two weeks Wednesday, as center Geoff Paukovich decided to forgo his senior season by signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

The 6-foot-4 Paukovich, an Englewood native, was a second- round selection (57th overall) of Edmonton in 2004.

After pondering his choices throughout the summer and consulting with former Pioneers now in the NHL, particularly Avalanche forward and former DU classmate Paul Stastny, Pauko- vich decided it was time to sign on the dotted line.

"I took my time with the decision," Paukovich said. "If I went pro, I wanted to make sure I was comfortable with the decision. It is a completely different lifestyle in the pros."

Paukovich's defection comes on the heels of the July 30 decision of defenseman Keith Sea- brook to leave school to join Canada's Western Hockey League after he posted 13 points as a freshman last season.

Ryan Dingle, DU's leading goal scorer the past two seasons, left early during the offseason, signing a free-agent contract with the Anaheim Ducks shortly after he completed his junior season.