It took awhile for defenseman Kyle Mayhew to find his way into the Denver lineup as a freshman last season. But when he did, he played the final 13 games … at forward.

Mayhew’s skating and hockey IQ allowed him to switch midstream and help the Pioneers reach the Frozen Four. This season, the sophomore has played in all 22 games while becoming a top-six mainstay back on defense.

Mayhew, who was a high-scoring blue liner for Fairbanks of the North American Hockey League before coming to DU, grew up in Southern California.

He graciously took time recently to fire away some one-timers with Magness Mayhem.

How has your transition to Denver gone after growing up in Southern California, and why did you pick the Pioneers?

It’s so prestigious. To be able to compete for a national championship every year, there is no way I could say no. And it’s so close to home. There’s no real negatives.

What’s been your favorite part about being at DU thus far?

Probably the culture and the vibe around campus. Everyone knows you’re on the hockey team, and it’s a big deal to be on the hockey team. All the guys are so close. We’re always hanging out and have each other’s back, so I really couldn’t ask for more.

What are you studying?

Business finance.

Does the team have any comedians or guys who can keep it loose in the locker room?

Definitely, Oly and Fins (known to their parents as Kohen Olischefski and Liam Finlay). Oly is a big one-liner guy. He’s always cracking jokes. And Fins is just a goof-ball. He’s always dancing around and being funny all the time.

Is there a sheriff on the team?

I’d say Mitchy (captain Ian Mitchell). Sometimes before games we get a little loose, and he’ll reel it back in and tell us we have to focus a bit more.

Do you like music at all?

Yes, definitely.

Do you ever collaborate with DJ Devin Cooley?

He will ask me about music sometimes. Me and him like the same stuff, like rap. He’ll send me songs to listen to, and we’ll talk about various artists. He’s definitely the biggest music guy on the team.

Who is the leading candidate on the team to be a rock star?

That’s a good one. The first one that comes to mind for me is J. Lee (Justin Lee). He’s loud and he’s funny. He’s got a good personality. I think he has all the characteristics to be a pretty big rock star.

Do you have a favorite road trip since coming to DU?

I’d say Alaska (back in October) because I played (junior hockey) up there. I had some ties and I saw some billets and friends. I really liked the Alaska trip. I know a lot of the guys weren’t as excited, but I was.

What is the breakfast of champions?

I usually go with a couple of eggs and some yogurt and raspberries.

We share a mutual favorite restaurant – In-N-Out, and it’s scheduled to land in Colorado at the end of this year or start of 2021. How big is that given all the Californians on DU’s roster?

That’s big time. That’s a game-changer. I might go there three times a week.

Before we know it election season will be upon us, if it isn’t already. Who on the Pioneers would get your vote for President?

Erich Fear. Easy. Not even a second place.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned since you’ve been at Denver?

Be observant and take in as much information as you can. Everyone is so knowledgeable. There’s many different things you can benefit from every single day.

©First Line Editorial 2020