A Retrospective on the 2024 Season and Anticipations for 2025

Dwayne Dokes | EJSports

The University of Denver Pioneers men's ice hockey team has long been a staple of excellence in NCAA Division I hockey. Over the years, the Pioneers have built a rich tradition of success, cementing themselves as a powerhouse in college hockey. The 2024 season continued this legacy with impressive performances and thrilling moments, and the outlook for the 2025 season is equally exciting. Let's take a closer look at the team's 2024 campaign and what fans can expect moving forward.

2024 Season Recap: A Strong Push for the Title

The 2024 season was another remarkable chapter in the history of the Denver Pioneers. Coached by David Carle, who has been at the helm since 2018, the team continued to build on the strong foundation laid in previous seasons. With a roster filled with talented players and leadership from veterans, the Pioneers showed their resilience and skill.

Denver’s offense was as potent as ever, thanks to the leadership of key players like junior forward Carter Mazur and senior captain Justin Lee. Mazur’s offensive output was critical, with several multi-point games and clutch performances throughout the season. His ability to create opportunities in both even-strength and special-teams situations kept Denver among the nation’s top teams offensively. On the defensive end, the Pioneers were rock-solid. Senior goaltender Magnus Chrona continued to be a steady force in net, with a remarkable save percentage and a number of highlight-reel saves that kept the Pioneers in games. His ability to handle high-pressure situations was one of the defining features of Denver’s season. The blue line, led by experienced defensemen like Michael Benning, was instrumental in maintaining a strong defensive structure, limiting opponents’ scoring chances and facilitating smooth transitions into the offensive zone.

Despite a strong season overall, the Pioneers’ pursuit of another national title fell short. Denver made a deep run in the NCAA tournament, but ultimately, they were ousted in the Frozen Four. While the loss was disappointing, the season was a testament to the program's continued excellence, and the team showed great potential for the upcoming year. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the Pioneers. With a solid core of returning players and some key recruits coming in, Denver is poised to remain one of the top teams in the NCAA. As with every season, Denver will have to say goodbye to a few key players. Senior defenseman Justin Lee and forward Carter Mazur have moved on after impactful careers, leaving big shoes to fill. However, Coach Carle has done an excellent job recruiting, and the Pioneers will bring in a talented group of freshmen and transfers to fill the void.

One of the most notable incoming players is forward Macklin Celebrini, a highly sought-after recruit who brings high-scoring potential and playmaking ability to the team. His addition will be a major boost to the Pioneers' offensive depth, and he could quickly become one of the focal points of the lineup.

In goal, Denver will look to fill the void left by the graduation of Magnus Chrona. The team has a solid goaltending pipeline, and sophomore Jack O’Brien could be primed for a breakout season, having shown flashes of brilliance in limited appearances during the 2024 campaign.

One of the biggest strengths heading into the 2025 season is Denver’s depth. With a mixture of experienced upperclassmen and talented younger players, the Pioneers have the ability to roll out four strong forward lines and three dependable defensive pairings. This depth, combined with solid special teams play, will be crucial in making another run for the national championship.

Another area to keep an eye on is the Pioneers' power play, which has historically been a strength under Coach Carle. With a good mix of experienced players and emerging talent, Denver will look to remain one of the most effective power-play teams in the nation, making the most of every opportunity on the man advantage.

The Road to the Frozen Four:

The 2025 season is shaping up to be another thrilling ride for the Denver Pioneers. With the right blend of returning talent and new faces, the Pioneers will have the potential to make another deep run in the NCAA tournament. Expectations are high, and while there will be challenges along the way, Denver’s commitment to excellence and its strong hockey culture make it one of the most feared teams in college hockey. The road to the Frozen Four will be a competitive one, with teams like Minnesota, Boston University, and Michigan all shaping up to be tough competition. But if the Pioneers can stay healthy, continue to improve, and maintain their strong defensive play and high-powered offense, they will certainly be contenders for another national title in 2025.

The 2024 season was a memorable one for the Denver Pioneers, but with the 2025 season on the horizon, fans are eager to see what this talented group can accomplish. With new faces coming in and key returnees leading the charge, the Pioneers are ready to make another run at college hockey’s ultimate prize. As always, expect a thrilling season ahead for the University of Denver’s men’s ice hockey team—one that is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Upcoming Frozen Four Matchups:

The Pioneers are set to compete in the NCAA Frozen Four, with the following games scheduled: University of Denver Athletics

• Semifinal: On April 10, 2025, Denver will face Western Michigan University at 3 p.m. MT at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. 

• Championship Game: Should they advance, the Pioneers will play in the National Championship Game on April 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. MT, also at the Enterprise Center. 

Viewing Information:

Both games will be broadcast on ESPN2, with radio coverage on Denver Sports 104.3 The Fan HD3.