I love watching collegiate hockey, it’s always fun for me to watch the players the Colorado Avalanche have drafted and see what to expect if these players were to eventually come up on the team. My eyes always turn to Denver University though not only because I’m a proud Colorado native but because of the hockey excellence the college boasts. With a legacy dating back to 1949, they’ve consistently been a force in NCAA Division I hockey. So while everyone’s eyes were turned towards March Madness, I was watching the NCAA Men’s Hockey Championships. DU before this past championship had won nine NCAA Champion titles and they were looking for a 10th while sitting at the 3rd seed with a record of 32-9-3 this season.
The success of DU is something that many speculate about. It’s isn’t exactly common for a Colorado team to be good in hockey with most notable collegiate hockey teams coming from either Minnesota or Massachusetts. However DU’s success is attributed to a combination of talent recruitment, rigorous training, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the ice. The team has produced numerous NHL players who have gone on to have successful careers at the professional level. Notably the Colorado Avalanche obtained Logan O’Connor from DU and the 27 year old right wing has become an asset to the team and was one of the many reasons the Avs won the cup back in 2022.
Well last Saturday was the championship game between DU and Boston College (34-6-1), with BC being the No. 1 seed, this game was one many were antsy to watch, for BC and DU fans alike. First there was tremendous effort from the scorers of the Denver team, with special attention to the two goals of the game scored by Jared Wright and Rieger Lorenz scoring in the second period. This paired with exceptional goaltending from DU goalie Matt Davis, having shutout out BC at 35 saves, Denver was able to take the championship at a 2-0 win.
This championship is a testament to the hockey greatness that is over at DU. Off the ice, the Pioneers are actively involved in community outreach programs, embodying the values of sportsmanship and leadership. Their dedicated fan base, known for packing the arena and creating an electric atmosphere, further contributes to the team’s success and enduring legacy in the world of college hockey. This championship was a well deserved one and every single one of the boys on that team should be proud.
