Half of MagnessMayhem.com’s eight seasons have included Magnus Chrona in net for Denver. So it’s about high time we sat down with the affable goaltender for our latest Q&A.

The native of Sweden, who was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018 and had his rights traded to San Jose in 2021, doesn’t mince words. I hope you enjoy this conversation with the masked man who backstopped the Pioneers to their ninth NCAA championship in April.

What made you decide to be a goalie?

I started out as a D as a little kid, then we switched to full ice and someone had to be the goalie. I was the biggest so that’s how it was. When I first started I loved it, and here we are. … I was about 10 to 12 at the time.

Who were some of your biggest influences when you were growing up?

Obviously Henrik Lundquist. I watched a lot of Carey Price. He was a big idol. They were the big ones. … My dad liked hockey, and he was my goalie coach early on. When I started playing junior hockey that fell off. He watches our games and still appreciates the game. So my dad would be the (influential) coach.

It’s an eight-hour difference. He’ll wake up and at least watch the end of the game. Right away after he’ll text me and say “Nice win” or “Nice game.”

Have he and your family been able to come to see you play at Denver?

My dad was here homecoming my freshman year. The next time they’re coming is graduation. My dad has only been here once and saw us beat B.C. twice.

Magnus Chrona

What’s your favorite thing been about Denver?

Besides the hockey I would say the environment. It’s a big city near big mountains. You can get everything here and then drive one hour away for fishing, hiking and the mountains.

How does it compare to Sweden? Are there things that are comparable?

I would say it’s two different worlds. There are some similarities but a lot of differences, too. That’s also why I like it. When I go back home I see the contrast. They’re both big cities, and the wilderness is close. Plus (in Skelleftea) we’re not far away from Stockholm. We’ve got mountains and forests, too.

Is there a comedian on the team this year?

We have a couple of those, at least – Mike Benning, Sean Behrens, McKade Wester, Jack Caruso. Those are the main ones.

Who is the most interesting man on the team?

We’ve got a couple of them, I’d say. We’ve got the farmer (captain Justin Lee), and I think all the comedians are interesting. The Canadians and all their “eh” talk – I think they’re interesting, too. Justin stands out the most. There aren’t a lot of farmers I’ve met in my life.

Isn’t he one of your roommates?

We’ve been roommates since our freshman year. He comes home, starts up his computer and watches videos of combines.

Have you learned anything about combines?

Nothing at all. I’ve seen all kinds of crazy stuff. I’ll ask him a few questions about farming, but then it flutters in my brain and I forget about it.

What is the breakfast of champions?

I’m not a big breakfast guy, but I’ll have some eggs, avocado and coffee. That’s my go-to.

Do you have a favorite road trip?

Alaska my freshman year. We were there for two weeks. We had an unreal time. ASU is also very fun. Boston, obviously, that was a pretty good trip (for the Frozen Four in April). Boston is probably No. 1.

Are you particular about your gear?

Mine? Yeah, I am.

I’m not going to be that upset, but my pads have to line up, and my left skate needs to be there, and my right skate needs to be there. If someone touches it, they have to leave it how I want it otherwise I’ll get mad. … That is the first thing when I walk into the rink, before I even take off my suit, I go to my stall to make sure everything is right. When it’s right, then I’ll go get ready.

On a road trip, it must be tougher.

No, not usually. After the morning skate I’ll set it up how I want it. When I come back it’s usually less work.

Halloween is right around the corner. Do you have a favorite all-time costume?

I like dressing up as a farmer. I think that’s pretty hilarious. I think Justin thinks it’s pretty fun, too.

Does he dress up like a goalie then?

No. That’s probably the last thing he would do.

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