DU hockey seniors aim for historic third title in five years

The University of Denver hockey program opened its National Collegiate Hockey Conference schedule with a 2-1 victory over Omaha on Friday at Magness Arena. The win improved the Pioneers’ overall record to 4-2-1 and marked the return of backup goalie Paxton Geisel’s teammate, Johnny Hicks. Hicks has not played in five games due to an upper-body injury but remains a key asset for the defense. He is currently unbeaten in his first 19 career starts, with a record of 18 wins, zero losses, and one overtime loss. His winning streak stands at 15 games, a run that began in the previous season.

The team is currently led by captain Kieran Cebrian, a 23-year-old center who grew up in the Wash Park neighborhood. Cebrian began skating at age four and developed locally with the Junior Pioneers, Arapahoe Warriors, and Colorado Thunderbirds. He is the fifth player from Colorado to serve as captain for the Pioneers. His role as leader has expanded over four seasons on Buchtel Boulevard, shifting from a quiet presence to a more vocal voice in the locker room. Defenseman Cale Ashcroft, who played with Cebrian in the USHL, notes that Cebrian has taken distinct steps in his ability to communicate with the team in each of the last three years.

Cebrian, Ashcroft, and forward Sam Harris form a senior trio that can achieve a rare milestone this season. If the Pioneers capture the national title, they will become the first senior class since freshmen became eligible for play in the 1969-70 season to win three NCAA championships. The university holds a record 11 national titles and has won three of the last five crowns. Head coach David Carle emphasizes that the trio is focused on the present rather than past achievements. He describes them as building the foundation for a championship team by showing younger players how to respond to adversity.

The Pioneers have already faced such challenges this season. They were swept on a home weekend by Michigan on October 16 and 17. Carle views these setbacks as necessary for preparation. He compares the situation to the NHL, noting that Presidents’ Trophy winners rarely win the Stanley Cup. He argues that teams must grind through regular-season struggles to determine their character before the postseason. This approach aligns with the strategy used last season, when the team overcame a midseason slump in which they won only one of eight games from December 13 to January 23 before securing the title in Las Vegas.

The roster retains 17 players from last year’s championship team and includes eight freshmen who have been drafted by NHL teams. Among them is Daxon Rudolph, the highest-drafted defenseman in program history. Cebrian, who is one of the team’s best face-off men, aims to ensure the group commits to a specific style of play. He describes the approach as responsible hockey, focusing on loose pucks, puck management, and penalty discipline. The goal is to refine this system over the next four to five months.

Coach Carle selected Cebrian as the 97th captain in program history because of his work ethic and attention to detail. Carle states that Cebrian’s respect among teammates allows him to build relationships and hold players accountable. Angelo Ricci, the director of skill development and a former high school coach for Cebrian, recalls the center’s ability to create action and shut down opponents in high-pressure games. Those skills have translated to the college level, where Cebrian excels in net-front play and special teams.

The Pioneers face a difficult path ahead as other programs aim to end their dominance. Ashcroft acknowledges that teams will bring their best efforts against Denver due to its recent success. The team’s focus is on being ready to respond to that intensity throughout the year. The upcoming schedule will test the senior group’s ability to maintain their edge while integrating new talent into the lineup.

The next phase of the season will provide further clarity on the team’s trajectory. The Pioneers will continue their NCHC schedule, relying on Hicks to stay healthy and Cebrian to direct the offense. The senior class has the opportunity to cement their place in college hockey history, but they must first navigate the competitive landscape of the conference and the inevitable bumps in the road.