Welcome to an exciting exploration of the University of Denver Pioneers men’s ice hockey team, a program that has not only defined excellence in collegiate hockey but has also become a cornerstone of local sports culture. Founded in 1949, the Denver Pioneers men’s ice hockey team has a storied history that’s as rugged and majestic as the Rocky Mountains themselves. Playing their home games at the state-of-the-art Magness Arena, the Pioneers have carved out a reputation for themselves in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC).
Magness Arena, home of the Denver Pioneers
The University of Denver Pioneers are not just participants in college hockey; they are champions. With an impressive tally, the Pioneers stand alone at the pinnacle of college hockey history.
A Dynasty of Championships
The University of Denver hockey program defeated Boston College 2-0 for the program's record-breaking 10th NCAA Championship. With the win, the Pioneers pass Michigan for the most NCAA National Championships in men’s college hockey history, earning their 10th, while the Wolverines are stuck on nine. Their victories span decades, showcasing a legacy of consistent excellence.
Here's a breakdown of their championship years:
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- 1958
- 1960
- 1961
- 1968
- 1969
- 1971
- 2004
- 2005
- 2017
- 2024
Denver vs Colorado College | NCAA College Hockey | Highlights - November 14, 2025
Key Moments and Highlights
The Pioneers have been part of some of the most memorable moments in college hockey. Their rivalry with Colorado College, known as the Battle for the Gold Pan, is one of the most storied in college sports. One of the most recent highlights was in 2022 when, under the guidance of Head Coach David Carle, the Pioneers made their 18th Frozen Four appearance. After a dramatic overtime victory against Michigan, they clinched their 9th National Championship against Minnesota State.
2024 Championship Recap
No. 3 Denver used stellar goaltending and a big second period to down No. Davis stopped all 35 shots he faced Saturday night, including a whopping 23 in the third period to tie a single-period Frozen Four record. It was only his second shutout all season, both of which came in the postseason. The undrafted free agent totaled 139 saves on 142 shots in the NCAA Tournament, including 68 stops in the Frozen Four, while posting a .979 save percentage en route to the national championship.
Denver Pioneers celebrate their 10th National Championship
The Pioneers finally broke through 9:42 into the second period when sophomore forward Jared Wright, a Burnsville, Minn. native, lit the lamp in his home state. Wright played some give-and-go with classmate Rieger Lorenz down the left side, with Lorenz dishing back to Wright below the circle. Wright’s shot initially hit the post, then bounced off the back of BC goalie Cam Fowler’s mask and dropped into the net to make it a 1-0 game. Denver doubled its lead a little more than five minutes later when Lorenz found the back of the net himself. All-American and NCHC Rookie of the Year Zeev Buium skated around an Eagle to enter the zone, then attracted two more defenders along the wall before spinning for a back-hand pass to Lorenz in the left circle.
Taking a 2-0 lead into the final frame, Denver and Davis stepped up their game even more. The Eagles had a pair of power play chances in the third period, firing six shots on goal, but Davis calmly turned them all aside. Boston College pulled Fowler for an extra attacker in the final minutes, but it was to no avail as Davis would not be beat on Saturday night.
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Denver claimed five of six spots on the All-Tournament Team. Joining Davis on the Frozen Four All-Tournament Team were Lorenz, who had a goal and an assist in the title game, Buium, junior defenseman Sean Behrens, and junior forward Tristan Broz, who scored the overtime game-winner Thursday night against No.
The Pioneers finish the season with a 32-9-3 record, marking their third straight 30-win campaign, including nine straight wins to end the season. Four of those nine wins came at Xcel Energy Center, with the Pioneers also winning the NCHC Frozen Faceoff three weeks ago on the same ice. DU, the highest scoring team in college hockey this season, scored exactly two goals in all four NCAA Tournament games on its way to a title, winning its first three all by 2-1 scores.
Individual Success and NHL Impact
From the Pioneers, about 75 players have advanced to play in the National Hockey League (NHL), including stars like Keith Magnuson, Kevin Dineen, Matt Carle, Paul Stastny, and Will Butcher.
The Pioneers Community
The DU hockey community is more than just fans; it’s a family. The University of Denver has a tradition of celebrating its hockey heritage, from alumni events during the 75th Anniversary Weekend to the annual sendoff for the Frozen Four, as captured by The Denver Post in 2022.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, the Pioneers continue to be a beacon of excellence. With a roster that includes promising talents and a coaching staff led by the successful David Carle, the team is poised for more victories.
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The University of Denver Pioneers men’s ice hockey team is more than just a sports team; it’s a symbol of Denver’s competitive spirit and resilience. With a legacy of championships, a rich history of rivalries, and a community that lives and breathes hockey, the Pioneers are truly Rocky Mountain Rivals in the best sense. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the excitement of DU hockey, there’s always something to celebrate with this team.
tags: #denver #university #hockey #championships