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
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