DU Hockey Unveils Championship Banner, Sets Sights on Back-to-Back Titles!
The DU hockey team continues its 75th anniversary celebrations with a Homecoming matchup against Northeastern.
As the University of Denver hockey team steps onto the ice this weekend, the Pioneers are geared up to defend their national championship title and reflect one last time on their record-breaking season that crowned them the champions of college hockey.
On Saturday, the long-awaited championship banner will be raised at around 5:45 p.m., just before the puck drops at 6 p.m. This season also marks the 75th anniversary of Pioneer hockey.
“It’s all about honoring everyone who has come before us and recognizing how special our program and culture are,” says senior goalie Matt Davis. “Being part of a team immortalized in that banner is truly special.”
As the Pioneers watch their 10th national championship banner ascend to the rafters of Magness Arena on Saturday, they’re also setting their sights on this season’s goal: to clinch another national title.
“It’s a moment to reflect and then look ahead to what we’re playing for this year,” adds senior captain Carter King.
A Legacy of Winning
Denver made history by becoming the first team to win 10 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey National Championships, defeating Boston College 2-0 on April 13. They have also won their last 11 games, dating back to March 9 against Colorado College.
The program’s winning ways began 75 years ago, with its first-ever games against Saskatchewan on December 19-20, 1949.
To celebrate this milestone, DU will host a 75th anniversary reunion weekend on November 8, coinciding with their game against Lindenwood, where alumni like Adrian Veideman will be honored.
“It’s incredible that this program has been around for 75 years, and I’m privileged to be a small part of it,” says Veideman, a former team captain.
A member of DU’s NCAA Championship teams in 2004 and 2005, Veideman emphasizes that Denver’s “tight-knit culture” has significantly contributed to the program’s success.
“When you look at the recruits coming to DU, they aren’t always the top NHL prospects. They have high character and are personable,” he explains. “It’s about finding players who fit our culture and family-oriented program, not just the most highly-touted athletes.”
Looking Ahead
The Pioneers kicked off the 2024-25 season with a sweep against the University of Alaska Anchorage on October 5-6, followed by an early-season bye week.
In that series, head coach David Carle achieved his 150th career victory, placing him fourth in program history behind Murray Armstrong (460), George Gwozdecky (443), and Ralph Backstrom (182).
Davis and King are pleased with the team’s start and eager to continue building momentum throughout the season. Along with returning players, the team has welcomed several freshmen and transfer players this year.
“Our depth is impressive. We have a lot of skill, and it’s going to be tough for other teams to match all four of our lines,” King says.
As a senior, Davis acknowledges that the road will have its challenges in pursuit of their goals and emphasizes the need to remain composed through highs and lows.
“You can’t get too high or too low. Each season brings setbacks, and sometimes those are necessary for growth,” Davis reflects. “Both teams I’ve been on that won a national championship experienced losing streaks but came out stronger.”
Veideman shares similar advice as the team begins its title defense.
“The hockey season is a long journey, so it’s essential to take it day by day, show enthusiasm at the rink, and come together as a team. This way, when tough moments arise in crucial games, you’ll be ready,” he advises.