Denver’s hockey team has 11 newcomers this season and several more returning players with new opportunities. One of the latter is junior Matt Davis, who began his first season as the Pioneers’ full-time starter with two victories at Fairbanks, Alaska, on Oct. 7-8.

Davis allowed just four goals on the weekend to the pesky Nanooks, and he will undoubtedly play a big role this weekend when No. 2 DU travels to play No. 10 Providence and No. 3 Boston College.

>>MORE 1-on-1s: Connor Caponi | Carter King | McKade Webster 

The affable Calgarian took some time recently for a lighthearted interview with MagnusMayhem.com founder Chris Bayee. Here are the highlights.

What have been your favorite parts about Denver?

“I love going to college in an area where it’s sunny. It’s a great town. There are so many things to do if you need to escape hockey or school. You can go watch an Avs game, go to a football game, go to Red Rocks. There are so many options there. I also love the people around here. There’s nothing that can compare with how you bond with your teammates here.”

Your free time is at a premium, but when you have some, what do you do to unwind?

“I started to play the acoustic guitar about 4-5 years ago, so that’s something I like to do a lot. I try to get in as much as I can between homework and hockey.”

What do you like to play?

“A lot of old country. I’m also trying to learn a Creed song right now, too. And I’m learning a lot of Metalica right now, which is really cool because they do a lot of different things.”

Who are some of your main hockey influences?

“My direct influences have been my goalie coaches, especially (DU assistant) Ryan Massa over these past two-plus seasons I’ve been here.”

You’ve often mentioned how much your predecessor, Magnus Chrona, helped you. Could you elaborate on how he did so?

“I got a lot from him. He’s a great guy and an unbelievable goalie. His professionalism on and off the ice was just top-notch, and the way he carried himself. It was a good lesson for me to learn to see what it takes.

“On the ice, the way he can fill space and his reads were the big things. It was good for me to watch how he reads plays and pick up the mental aspect. I can’t play the game the same way he can, so I have to fit it into my way of playing.”

Are there goaltenders you’ve tried to pattern your game after?

There are a few I really like to watch. Not being not as tall as others (Davis is 6-foot-1), I like watching Jusse Saros (of the Nashville Predators) and Igor Shesterkin (of the New York Rangers), guys who have proven themselves at that level.”

Often people have misconceptions about goalies. Are all of these true? Are there any that are more legend than fact?

“I’m not too sure. I’ve met goalies who prove certain misconceptions, and I’ve met others who prove other ones. It depends on the goalie you’re around at a given time. Some are crazy, some are normal.”

Did you play other sports growing up?

“I was a gymnast for a while. I played lacrosse, soccer, badminton and basketball. That includes junior high sports. I played rugby, too.”

If you could take your ultimate vacation, where cost and time away from school or hockey weren’t an issue, where would it be?

“It might have to be a ranch in the middle of nowhere. Just hang out for a bit.”

Pregame meals seem to be pretty standard in the hockey universe, but what would your ultimate meal be?

“A tomahawk ribeye with some mushrooms and some sweet potato fries.”

Thanks, Matt, for your time!

©First Line Editorial 2023