On April 11, Denver hockey player Danton Heinen (Langley, British Columbia), signed a three-year, entry level contract with the Boston Bruins. The sophomore forward was drafted in the fourth round, 116th overall by Boston in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Heinen was quick to adjust to NCAA-level hockey. He led the Pioneers in scoring as both a freshman and sophomore. Among his many accolades are the 2014-15 NCHC Freshman of the Year, 2015-16 NCHC Forward of the Year and the 2015-16 ASN Player of the Year Award.

With the Bruins missing the playoffs, Heinen will play on a professional try-out (PTO) for Boston’s minor league team, the Providence Bruins. Providence only has two games left in the regular season, but has already clinched a playoff spot, so Heinen should have a solid chance to play down the stretch.

At only 20 years old, the playmaking forward is likely to begin next season in the American Hockey League (AHL) as well, but is on the fast track to breaking into the National Hockey League (NHL). Known for his playmaking ability in college, Heinen’s two-way play will be his calling card in the pros.

In only 81 career games with Denver, Heinen amassed 93 points, including 36 goals and 57 assists. He played alongside Dylan Gambrell and Trevor Moore in 2015-16 on the Pacific Rim Line, and could play either wing position professionally with his left-handed shot.

Signing this contract unfortunately signals the end of Heinen’s Pioneer days, but continues the trend of DU hockey producing NHL-level talent.