Carter King’s incremental improvement each season he’s been at Denver is paying big dividends for the Pioneers this season.

King, who began his DU career at the midpoint of the 2020-21 season when his junior hockey season was delayed then cancelled by the pandemic, cemented his place in the lineup last season, when he had 11 points in 37 games for the national champions.

This season, he’s an every-situation player who has almost as many points (8) as last season in just 16 games. He’s also one of the most well-liked players on the team, and he won the team’s most improved player and most sportsmanlike player awards after last season. In addition, he’s a two-time ACHA All-American Scholar and a two-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete.

The affable sophomore recently took time to answer an array of questions for MagnessMayhem.com’s latest edition of one-timers.

What are some of your favorite parts about Denver?

Being from Calgary, Alberta, there’s a lot of similarities, which I love. You have that spread-out feel to the city, which I love. A lot of cities are compact, you feel surrounded and there’s not much land. Here it feels like there is a lot more space. You’ve got the mountains close if you want to drive and go ski. … The university is great. I love the campus. You have everything you need here, whether it’s all your athletics or the other events going on. It’s pretty diverse, there’s always a lot going on.

What have been some of your hockey highlights?

I had a bit of a different journey. This is the first time I’ve played in the same league two years in a row. My whole career I’ve played in different leagues every year. … There’s been a lot of ups and downs through that road. Playing for our national title in Midget was one of my best memories growing up, for my last year of playing Midget (U18) for the Calgary Buffaloes. Then going to play junior (for Surrey) in B.C. was one as well.

Are there road arenas you’ve particularly enjoyed playing at since you’ve been at DU?

Western Michigan is really cool with their environment there. Obviously North Dakota was really cool. Even playing out of conference, going out to Boston was really fun. There’s a lot of cool places to play in Division I.

When you have free time, what sorts of activities do you enjoy?

I don’t have much time right now with school, but I’m a big golfer. I love golf.

Are you particular about gear, or do you have any “habits” – we won’t call them superstitions – we should know about?

I’m one of the more non-particular guys on the team. If it works, I’ll use it. Even with game-day stuff I try to keep it loose. You don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you’re not able to do something and then you’re rattled because of it. I try to keep my head free and do whatever I feel like doing before games.

Usually with our pregame meals we have a lot of chicken breasts and pasta and salad, the usual stuff. I make a little peanut butter sandwich when I get to the rink. That’s probably my one thing I do most times. Other than that, it’s what is available.

This group seems very good natured, if not outright humorous. Are there some A+ comedians on this year’s team?

There are, and a lot of it feeds off each other. When you get to be a really close team like we have, it develops, too. I think there are a lot of guys who add to it, and that helps the overall environment.

It’s just part of the atmosphere we have. It makes you want to get to the rink and enjoy being around the guys all the time. I think it creates a really tight-knit team – I think it’s huge, just enjoying your time when you get to the rink. If you’re having a fun time it makes you more willing to get to work out there.

I would guess the Flames were probably the team of choice for you growing up in Calgary. Did you have a favorite player?

Growing up it was Jarome Iginla. Then once he moved on, I loved watching (Johnny) Gaudreau. Now he’s moved on so I’m looking for someone else right now. Nazem Kadri is off to a really good start, so hopefully he’ll be able to keep it going.

Are you one of those players who has to unplug from the game when you’re not playing, or do you like to follow it as much as possible?

I’m in between. I love watching hockey. I’ll watch highlights all the time. But I love watching football, I love watching other stuff like movies, but I also have bio labs and chem labs at night, so I have to mix school in there as well.

Are you an NFL or CFL fan?

NFL.

Who’s your team?

The San Francisco 49ers.

If you had a teammate running for office, which guys are going to get your vote?

Who would I trust? There’s a lot of guys who would be able to talk their way into it. We have some real good talkers. I think I’d go with Kyle Mayhew. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’s kind of the quiet smart guy. He doesn’t talk about school a lot, but behind the scenes he’s pretty sharp.

I’ve heard he’s also the team DJ.

Yes, he’s really good at it. There’s no point in looking for someone else when you have someone who’s that good at it.

©First Line Editorial 2022