Denver’s senior class brings a strength down the middle that has been crucial to the third-ranked Pioneers’ excellent bounce-back season.

The group includes three four-year seniors, one fifth-year senior and one grad transfer senior. All have been scoring at record clips this season, and all bring polished academic credentials.

As the Pioneers head into their season-closing series against Colorado College, let’s salute DU’s 2022 seniors.

Denver center Cole Guttman. Photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

Cole Guttman

The captain has done it all for the Pioneers this season. He scores (career-high 36 points and career-tying 14 goals), he defends well, he wins face-offs (60-plus percent) and he plays every night (131 games and counting). He’s been a machine at five-on-five this season – only two of his goals have come on the power play after he had 13 such during the previous two seasons.

His calm, pragmatic approach has suited a young DU team quite well.

“Cole has meant a lot to the program,” head coach David Carle said. “He’s done a real nice job leading, and he’s found a way to have more and more impact whether offensively or defensively.

“As captain he’s bringing younger teammates along. He’s done a nice job relating to younger players and helping them.”

It should be no surprise that he also thinks the game well, either. He’s a four-time NCHC Academic All-Conference team pick, and a two-time Distinguished Scholar (3.5 or better grade-point average).

Denver defenseman Kyle Mayhew. Photo courtesy of Justin Tafoya/Clarkson Creative via Denver Athletics

Kyle Mayhew

Mayhew’s progression has gone from part-time player who saw more time at forward than defense to a full-time, lockdown defender who has helped freshman D partner Sean Behrens have one of the finest first years of any Pioneers blueliner ever.

“Kyle is another guy we’re seeing in a really good place from a growth standpoint,” Carle said. “He takes time and space away so well. He’s helping Sean Behrens. They’re not the biggest defensemen but they’re a pain to play against because they’re constantly moving their feet.

“Kyle runs the music in the locker room and gets along with everybody.”

Mayhew, who also has a career-high nine points, is a fixture in defensive situations. Despite standing 5-foot-7, he defends well because his high hockey IQ and elite skating. He can take chances most of us can only dream up because he has the speed to make up for it.

He’s a four-time Academic All-Conference pick and a four-time Distinguished Scholar. Last season, he was selected an ACHA Scholar-Athlete as well.

Denver center Brett Stapley. Photo courtesy of Clarkson Creative via Denver Athletics

Brett Stapley

After a couple of seasons ended prematurely by injuries, it was fair to wonder what Stapley could do over the course of a full season if he stayed healthy. Now we know.

Centering the third line and playing on the power play, the Montreal Canadiens draft pick has put up  career highs 36 points and 13 goals. He’s one of the best stickhandlers, if not the best, on the team, but he has found his finishing touch this season. His 13 tallies are almost triple what he’s had in any other season at Denver.

“Better health has been a huge part of what Brett’s been able to do,” Carle said. “I like where his game is. He’s shown a lot of resiliency, and he is impactful on both sides of the puck.”

Stapley has made the NCHC’s Academic All-Conference team all four years he’s been at DU.

Denver winger Ryan Barrow. Photo courtesy of Denver Athletics

Ryan Barrow

A two-time alternate captain, Barrow returned to the program for a fifth season thanks to the NCAA’s more liberalized grad transfer rules. His leadership has been essential for a younger group, and it’s manifest in a variety of ways, not the least of which is a strong sense of humor.

“Ryan is comfortable being who he is,” Carle said. “He’s got a quiet confidence in how he carries himself.”

He has set career highs in every offensive category (17 points, 6 goals, 11 assists) despite playing on the third and fourth lines. He’s a first call penalty killer and sees some power-play time on occasion. He’s an excellent skater who is versatile enough to scale up or down the lineup if needed. Really, he’s reminiscent of the type of players DU had down lineup when they won it all in 2017.

“He’s done a nice job 5-on-5 and on the kill,” Carle added. “Ryan will do whatever is asked. The proof’s in the pudding with him. He plays a lot of hard minutes. It’s great as a coach to have that security blanket to throw over the boards.”

Barrow has been an Academic All-Conference pick all five years he’s been at DU, and a Distinguished Scholar four times.

Denver forward Cameron Wright. Photo courtesy of Brittany Evans and Denver Athletics

Cameron Wright

Transfers have been a mixed bag for Denver in recent years, but the program hit this one out of the park. Wright has fit in seamlessly and has been a major contributor in what will be his only season in Crimson and Gold after a standout four-year career at Bowling Green.

“It’s not easy being the new guy, but Cam has earned everyone’s trust and respect,” Carle said. “He came out from Bowling Green as soon as he could and started training with Matt (Shaw) and going on the ice.

“We do an aerodyne bike test every year, and he was the first guy to pass it, which speaks volumes about him.”

His 19 goals lead the Pioneers, and his 27 points are two off his career best at Bowling Green. He has scored consistently throughout the season, tallying in 15 games. Opponents would be wise to know where he is on the power play because nine of his strikes have come there (tied for fourth most in Division I).

“We thought he could be a goal scorer for us, but not to the extent he has,” Carle added. “He’s doing the right things to find openings.”

Before coming to DU he was a three-time WCHA Academic All-Conference pick and a two-time Scholar-Athlete.

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