University of Denver hockey coach Jim Montgomery announced Wednesday that three recruits have signed national letters of intent to join the program: forwards Logan O’Connor and Jarid Lukosevicius as well as defenseman Blake Hillman.
“We’re excited that these three players have committed to Denver,” said Montgomery in a statement. “Logan is an elite skater with a tenacious work ethic who fits our style of play perfectly while Jarid has great poise, high-end hockey sense and will add good depth to our offensive group. Blake, meanwhile, is a mobile, intelligent blue-liner with good size who will add to DU’s tradition of dependable, puck-moving defensemen.”
Lukosevicius, 19, was recently named to Team Canada West’s camp roster in advance of the 2014 World Junior A Challenge, set to be staged form Dec. 14-20 in Kindersley, Saskatchewan. Currently in his second season with the Powell River Kings of the BCHL, Powell has tallied 34 points in 24 games thus far on the 2014-15 campaign, tying him for second on the team in scoring. Last season, the 5-foot-11, 181-popund forward recorded 59 points in 57 games in picking up BCHL all-rookie honors.
O’Connor, 18, is currently in his second season with the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede. The 6-foot, 190-pound right winger has registered 22 points in 79 career USHL contests including 12 points in 20 games this season. A native of Calgary, Alberta, O’Connor spent the 2012-13 season with the Calgary Royals (AMHL), where he registered 23 points in 34 games played.
Hillman, 18, was recently named to Team USA’s roster for the World Junior A Challenge. The Elk River, Minn., native has tallied 20 points in addition to a plus-18 rating in 78 career games with the Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) since 2013. This season, the 6-1, 183-pounder has registered seven points in 21 appearances with Dubuque.
Denver (9-4-0, 3-2-0-0 NCHC) is currently ranked No. 11 in both the USCHO and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine polls. The Pioneers will host top-ranked North Dakota (12-3-2, 5-2-1-0 NCHC) on Friday night (7:36 p.m.) in Game 1 of a two-game series at Magness Arena.
