Denver’s hockey team took time to pose for a selfie with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock on Tuesday night at Magness Arena.

Eight is not enough for Denver, that much was clear from comments from various Pioneers players and coach Jim Montgomery during Tuesday night’s celebration of DU’s eighth NCAA hockey championship.

“Adding to (Denver’s rich hockey history), being part of it, it’s nice to add a banner to add to it. Obviously our next goal is to add another,” Montgomery said before the ceremony.

The 50-minute celebration featured a video recap of the Pioneers’ run to the title, brief speeches from DU Chancellor Dr. Rebecca Chopp, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper – who declared April 11, 2017 to be University of Denver hockey national championship day in the state, captain Will Butcher and Montgomery.

The tone was one of thankfulness from Butcher and Montgomery.

“It was an incredible ride and journey,” the coach said to his team. “We started ranked No. 2 and finished No. 1 on Saturday night. I can’t put into words what this means after completing our journey. All the blood, sweat and tears, all the adversity you overcame.

“It was awesome to watch you guys bring it together. Thank you for bringing us along.”

Among the other nuggets from the night:

• Injured defenseman Tariq Hammond, seated in a wheelchair, joined his teammates on the Magness Arena ice for the ceremony. He also took time to talk to the media beforehand. He expects his recovery after surgery, which is scheduled for Friday, to take approximately four months.
• Senior captain Will Butcher said he plans to take his time deciding whether or not he will sign with the Colorado Avalanche, who drafted him in 2013 but essentially told him last season they weren’t interested in signing him then. A Denver Post report Tuesday night took it a step further, reporting he might not sign with the Avs period. He could become an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 15 and sign with any NHL team he wishes at that time. If you asked me to say yes or no, based on observations and conversations I’ve had recently, I’d say he becomes a free agent.
• Freshman Henrik Borgstrom continued to say he plans to return next season, and I believe he’s sincere. Montgomery noted several times during the second half of the season that Borgstrom has NHL-level talent but needs additional maturity in other areas to give himself the best chance to succeed at the game’s highest level.
• There are several other players who could be targeted as free agents – goalie Tanner Jaillet, defensemen Adam Plant and Hammond and championship game star Jarid Lukosevicious (whose last name took an absolute beating in the ceremony). All but Lukosevicius are juniors. I don’t get the impression any of them are eager to leave the program. And why would they? If most or all of the next group of players returns with them, DU should be favored to repeat.
• Then you have draftees Dylan Gambrell, Troy Terry and Blake Hillman, each of whom just completed their sophomore season. The guess here, and it’s only a guess, is that a lot will depend on how their respective drafting teams’ prospect camps go this summer (see Trevor Moore, summer 2016, Toronto Maple Leafs). Gambrell (San Jose Sharks) and Hillman (Chicago Blackhawks) were picked by teams that typically do not pressure players to leave college before they’re ready. The Anaheim Ducks, who drafted Terry, can be another story. They are not averse to signing draft picks after their sophomore years, a cohort that includes Lake Superior State’s Mitch Hults this year and Wisconsin’s Nic Kerdiles in 2014. All three teams are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and will further evaluate where their rosters stand after the draft and free agency in late June and early July. San Jose’s situation is particularly interesting, given that longtime star forwards Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton will be unrestricted free agents.
• And what of Montgomery’s future? It says here it’s in Denver. Speculation linking him to various NHL jobs appears to be just that. He has said repeatedly over the past two years how much he and his family enjoy living here, and with three young children, that factor can’t be overstated. He reiterated how good Denver has been to him and his family on Tuesday night.
• It’s estimated about 3,000 fans showed up for the celebration and the ensuing autograph session afterward.