Barely a week after the Calgary Sun reported that University of Denver hockey head coach Jim Montgomery was one of the finalists for the Calgary Flames’ open head coach position, DU announced that it had extended Montgomery’s contract by five years. Montgomery signed his name on the dotted line, and the rest is history…or so we hope. Continue reading DU does right by all by extending Montgomery
The University of Denver has signed head hockey coach Jim Montgomery to a new five-year contract extension, according to a story broken by Mike Chambers of the Denver Post on June 28, and made official by the University of Denver in a press release on June 29. The contract will extend Montgomery through the 2020-2021 season, and financial terms were not disclosed, per DU policy.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to be signing Jim to this well-earned extension and we’re incredibly excited about the state of our hockey program,” said DU Director of Athletics and Recreation Peg Bradley-Doppes in the press release. “Jim’s dynamic leadership, technical proficiency and passion for his sport are all unparalleled, as is his dedication to his craft. The style of play he has brought to Denver has definitely reinvigorated the program and we look forward to the Pioneers’ legacy continuing to grow and thrive in the coming years under his leadership.”
Montgomery, who turns 47 on June 30, has led the Pioneers to progressively better finishes in each of his three seasons since taking over the Pioneer program in 2013 after legendary head coach George Gwozdecky was fired. Last season, the Pioneers made it to the NCAA Frozen Four for the first time since 2005.
According to the Calgary Sun, Montgomery was a finalist for the NHL’s Calgary Flames vacant head coach position earlier this month, but the Flames selected Glen Gulutzan for the job. The flirtation with Calgary may have helped expedite the the DU deal, as some NHL teams are becoming increasingly interested in promising NCAA coaches. This new interest is based on the solid performances turned in by former University of North Dakota coach Dave Hakstol with the Philadelphia Flyers and former Western Michigan coach Jeff Blashill with the Detroit Red Wings, who both guided their NHL teams to the playoffs in their rookie seasons as NHL head coaches. Prior to last season, former college head coaches in the NHL were very rare.
The Denver Post reported that the new contract represents a substantial raise from his previous deal, and will place him in the upper echelon of coaching pay packages in the NCHC.
“I’m very pleased with the offer they put in front of me, that’s for sure,” Montgomery told the Denver Post.
Puck Swami is the internet moniker of a long-time DU fan and alumnus.
Over the weekend, the National Hockey League held its annual entry draft. Coming into the weekend, the University of Denver hockey program had a player drafted in 14 straight years. On Friday night, when the Florida Panthers selected incoming freshman Henrik Borgström with the 23rd overall pick in the first round, that streak was extended to 15. Continue reading Three Pioneers drafted, streak extended to 15 years
An all-time great hockey name is about to don the crimson and gold. Yesterday, University of Vermont goaltender Packy Munson announced via Twitter that he is going to transfer to the University of Denver, effective immediately. Due to NCAA eligibility rules, Munson will have to sit out the 2016-17 season, current DU goaltender Evan Cowley’s senior year, before resuming eligibility in the 2017-18 season. Continue reading Vermont goaltender Packy Munson to transfer to Denver
Photo credit: DU Athletics
It’s official. Denver head coach Jim Montgomery announced that Danton Heinen’s days with the University of Denver are over. After a great run to the Frozen Four ending with a heartbreaking loss to North Dakota, Heinen has decided to forego his final two years of NCAA eligibility to sign a 3 year, entry level contract with the Boston Bruins. Continue reading Danton Heinen Signs 3-Year Entry Level Contract with Boston Bruins
Photo Credit: Damien Goddard
TAMPA, Fla. – Right now, if you’re a Pioneer fan, you’re hurting today, even though it’s been more than 24 hours since the loss in the NCAA semifinal to the dreaded NCHC rival North Dakota Fighting Hawks.
And if you’re as big a DU fan as I am, you’re hurting a lot. Continue reading Puck Swami: A Pioneer Fan in Tampa
“This is the last time I’m going to be able to wear this jersey,” Denver senior captain Grant Arnold explained last night after losing in heartbreaking fashion to archrival North Dakota in the Frozen Four. “A lot of blood, sweat, and tears. Two surgeries on my body. A lot of great wins, a lot of great friendships.” Continue reading Denver Seniors to Leave Lasting Impact on Program
Photo Credit: John Leyba, The Denver Post
In the sixth and final meeting of the season between archrivals Denver and North Dakota in the Frozen Four, North Dakota emerged with a close, hard-fought 4-2 victory. After going 2-2-1 in the five previous matchups, anything other than a close game would have been a surprise. Continue reading Denver Can’t Complete Comeback, Loses to North Dakota in Frozen Four
Photo: David Sherman Photography
Coming into today’s Frozen Four rivalry game between the University of Denver and the University of North Dakota, much of the talk has been about the matchup of two of the top lines in all of college hockey. It’s North Dakota’s CBS Line (Drake Caggiula, Brock Boeser, Nick Schmaltz) vs. Denver’s Pacific Rim Line (Trevor Moore, Dylan Gambrell, Danton Heinen). Continue reading Montgomery Challenges Berry to Match Top Lines
Photo Credit: Samantha Rogan, Twitter
After a characteristically hard practice, Danton Heinen, Trevor Moore, and Grant Arnold joined DU head coach Jim Montgomery to talk about tomorrow’s matchup with archrival North Dakota in the Frozen Four. Continue reading Pioneers ready for Frozen Four showdown with North Dakota
