Defensemen Tariq Hammond and Blake Hillman had a combined 10 games of NCAA experience when the University of Denver opened its season in October. They were question marks — perhaps the primary reason the Pioneers could have found themselves mired in a rebuilding year.
Six months later, they are a primary reason DU will play in this week’s Frozen Four.
Hammond, a 6-foot-2 sophomore, is the Pioneers’ shutdown guy from Calgary, Alberta. He’s the team’s most physical defenseman. Hillman is a 6-1 freshman from Elk River, Minn. He is strong in all three zones.
It took half the season, but since January they have meshed extraordinarily well with DU’s experienced end-to-end defensemen in senior Nolan Zajac, juniors Will Butcher and Matt VanVoorhis and sophomore Adam Plant — each of whom is relatively small.
“We needed their size on the back end, and we needed them to develop,” Pioneers coach Jim Montgomery said of Hammond and Hillman, both listed at 185 pounds. “If they don’t develop and take the steps that they’ve taken, we’re not in this position because Zajac, Butcher and Plant would have to play 30 minutes — at least — a night.
“So their development and physicality — especially Hammond — has been key. Hillman is really good defensively, taking away time and space because of his speed and stick, and ability to transition pucks. He’s a great passer.”
Hillman is paired with Avalanche draftee Butcher at even strength, and Hammond skates with Zajac. Plant (5-9, 161 pounds) and VanVoorhis (5-7, 168) will make up the smallest defensive pairing Thursday in the national semifinals at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.
Denver (25-9-6) takes on North Dakota (32-6-4) after Boston College (28-7-5) plays Quinnipiac (31-3-7). The championship is Saturday.
The Pioneers will depart for Tampa on Tuesday. Before Monday’s practice, Hammond and Hillman reflected on their seasons — both acknowledging they’ve made huge progress since DU was 7-7-2 at Christmas.
“It’s been a lot of fun this year,” said Hammond, who played only 10 games as a freshman. “We’ve stepped in and made an impact — and we want to be out there in all situations. Gaining that confidence has been huge for us, and it’s been a fun ride.”
Hillman was named MVP of the West Regional after Denver pounded Boston University 7-2 and Ferris State 6-3 in St. Paul, Minn., on March 26-27. He had two goals and two assists, including a goal and three points in the regional title.
“We’re a really good-skating D-corps,” Hillman said. “We’re good at moving the puck up ice and going to work. Hammond has really solidified himself as a shutdown D-man. And I knew I was going to be one of the bigger D and would need to be more physical. I’ve focused on that, and I do think it’s really helped our team.”
Denver is 2-0-1 in its past three games against North Dakota, which is 10-1-1 since being swept by 6-4 and 4-1 scores at Magness Arena in February.
The Pioneers are 18-2-4 since Jan. 1.
Mike Chambers: mchambers@denver-post.com or @mikechambers
