It’s nearly always double or nothing for Denver in NCAA Tournament

Denver goaltender Magnus Chrona. Photo courtesy of Clarkson Creative via Denver Athletics

The 2017-18 season was an outlier for Denver’s hockey program in the NCAA Tournament.

The Pioneers followed up their eighth title in 2017 with a quarterfinal loss to Ohio State in the 2018 tournament. Disappointing for DU fans, yes, but also highly unusual when the program’s history is considered.

After Denver’s first seven NCAA titles one of two things happened – they either won another one or didn’t make the tournament at all.

Championship year

Next season's result

2024

TBD


2022

L 2-0 to Cornell in NCAA first round

2017

L 5-1 to Ohio State in NCAA quarterfinals

2005

Did not make NCAA Tournament

2004

Won NCAA title

1969

Did not make NCAA Tournament

1968

Won NCAA title

1961

Did not make NCAA Tournament

1960

Won NCAA title

1958

Did not make NCAA Tournament

This season is another outlier, and it begs the question of how will this year’s NCAA appearance turn out. That’s anyone’s guess right now, but DU is at the party, and historically that’s been half the battle.

>>READ: Kyle Mayhew’s Unlikely Hockey Journey

>>READ: First look at Denver vs. Cornell

©First Line Editorial 2023

About the Author

Mayhem
Longtime journalist with more than two decades of experience writing about every level of amateur and pro hockey. Almost as longtime of an adult league player.

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