Despite losing two of its top three scorers from last season to NHL contracts and having preseason all-American Dylan Gambrell miss four early games because of wrist surgery, the University of Denver has put together an eight-game unbeaten streak and ascended to No. 1 in the national polls.
For the first time since 2010 under former coach George Gwozdecky, the Pioneers are top-ranked in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine and U.S. College Hockey.com polls. Denver, which tied and beat defending NCAA champion North Dakota on the road last weekend, is on a 7-0-1 tear since beginning 0-2. The previously No. 2 Pioneers overtook Minnesota-Duluth, which split at home to Western Michigan last weekend.
“It means we’ve had a good start and we’re being recognized for our good play,” said fourth-year DU coach Jim Montgomery, who in April led DU to its first Frozen Four appearance since 2005 “I want to be No. 1 at the end of the year, and in order for that to happen we have a lot of growth and improvement to do. That’s our focus.”
Montgomery captained Maine to the 1993 NCAA title and the Black Bears were often ranked No. 1.
“It’s big for recruiting and important for the tradition of Denver hockey that we are No. 1,” Montgomery said. “I was used to it in my last two years at Maine, but this is my first time as a coach. It’s a nice feeling.”
The Pioneers (7-2-1, 3-0-1 National Collegiate Hockey Conference) will host Miami (3-6-2, 0-4-0 NCHC) for a conference series Friday and Saturday at Magness Arena.
Footnote. DU junior Tanner Jaillet was named NCHC goaltender of the week. Jaillet allowed just three goals in two games at North Dakota and posted a 1.44 goals-against average and .944 save percentage. Jaillet leads the NCHC in most goaltending statistics.