Despite falling short of a Frozen Four, the 2014-15 season provided several building blocks for the future of the DU hockey program.
In head coach Jim Montgomery’s second season behind the bench, there were marked improvements. The team sported a 24-14-2 overall record and 14-10-1 conference record, which both compare favorably to last year’s results of 20-16-6 overall and 10-11-3 in conference. From the beginning of the year to the end, there was more consistency and commitment to the fast and up-tempo play style of the Pioneers.
Two freshmen, Danton Heinen (Langley, British Columbia) and Tanner Jaillet (Red Deer, Alberta), gave the squad a much needed spark this year. Heinen surprised the entire country when he totaled 45 points, a rare feat by a freshman forward. A Boston Bruins prospect, he will likely stay at school at least one more year and continue to improve before joining a professional team.
Goalie Jaillet stole the spotlight midway through the year from incumbent starter Evan Cowley (Evergreen, Colorado). Jaillet ended the season having played in 27 games compared to Cowley’s 20. Cowley actually owned better numbers across the board with a 2.16 GAA, .924 SV percent, and three shutouts. Jaillet posted numbers of 2.35 GAA, .917 SV percent, and one shutout. Despite the discrepancy, Jaillet showed the affinity for the big moment and provided key stops for the Pioneers down the stretch.
Senior defenseman Joey LaLeggia (Burnaby, British Columbia) rounded out his career with a fantastic 15 goal, 40 point campaign. A powerplay whiz, he manned the point well for DU and chalked up 7 powerplay goals and 6 powerplay assists. If he wasn’t rushing the puck through the neutral zone at even strength, he was providing crisp outlet passes that eased Denver’s transition game. A smaller offensive defenseman, LaLeggia still managed 56 penalty minutes, 39 blocked shots, and finished with a +14 rating.
Collectively, the team managed to sweep rival Colorado College and thus, won the Battle for the Gold Pan with ease. DU’s combined goal differential from the three games was +12, an incredibly impressive stat when it comes to this intense rivalry.
The Pioneers earned third place in the NCHC Tournament after sweeping the University of Minnesota Duluth, losing to the University of Miami- Ohio, and then defeating the University of North Dakota 5-1.
In the NCAA Tournament, DU bested Boston College by 3 goals, but lost to Providence after three scrappy periods.
With an NCAA Tournament win, individual standouts, and notable improvements to its record, the DU hockey team has a lot to be proud of from 2014-15. As head coach Montgomery continues to recruit his own players and install his gameplan, an upward trajectory looks probable for this historically great program.
