It would be pretty hard to top Rieger Lorenz’s final game of the 2023-24 hockey season. The then-sophomore had the primary assist on Denver’s first goal and scored the second moments later in a 2-0 victory over Boston College to help the Pioneers to their record 10th NCAA championship.

It was fitting that a player who once scored 40 goals in a junior season between the regular and postseasons but was cast in a defensive role at DU should emerge as an offensive star at the most important time.

Of course, Lorenz and his 16 goals got a bit lost in the shuffle last season on a Pioneers roster full of shooting stars, six of whom signed NHL contracts after the season.

The 2022 second-round draft pick of the Minnesota Wild took time earlier this fall to talk about that magical 2024 playoff run and his family’s deep connections to the sport.

Have you had any experience that compared to the national championship?

Not that I’ve been a part of. It was super special with the group of guys we had. It was something I’ll cherish forever.

Were there any special celebrations?

The three weeks after on campus were pretty fun. Got to spend some time with the guys who were leaving and signing.

You played at high levels and a big contributor on many teams, but when you came to Denver you started down lineup and worked your way up to a bigger role. How did you deal with that adjustment of expectations?

Coming into Denver I wasn’t really sure what kind of player I was. I could do everything pretty well but I didn’t have a true identity. The coaching staff here helped me find that, and I’ve really honed in on those skills that made the player I am so I could contribute to the lineup.

What can you add?

A lot of it is offensively. Last year I was relied on defensively, especially in those big games. I scored quite a few goals but I think I can make more plays this year. I’m working on that in practice.

Me, Cebs (Kieran Cebrian) and Jerry (Jared Wright) found an identity as a line, and we’ve been able to work through that the last six months or so. It’s been really exciting to see those guys grown and myself grow with them.

What are the keys to building toward the end of the season?

I think it’s understanding that this year is completely independent of last year. In the ’23 season, we had the mindset it was going to work itself out because it did in ’22, but obviously that wasn’t the case. This is a different team. We’re starting from zero. We’re building toward April. We’re off to a good start from what I’ve seen in practice the first few months.

Your dad played at Notre Dame. Was that ever a possibility or talked about?

He let me make my own decision as far as which school to go to, but he’s a true believer in the college route for players. That’s helped me tremendously. I’m super grateful for his knowledge of the game. As far as school, he let me make my decision. I talked to a few schools before I committed but it was obviously the place for me.

Did you know any of the guys from Calgary on the Pioneers before you got to DU?

I was pretty young when I committed but I’ve known Kent (Anderson) since I was 10, 11 years old.

Denver forward Rieger Lorenz scored 16 goals in 2023-24. Photo courtesy of C. Morgan Engel/Clarkson Creative via Denver Athletics

I’ve heard through the rumor mill, you have a good sense of humor. How does that manifest? Stand-up comedy, telling jokes?

I like to work the room. It’s situational, not so many jokes.

Did you have a favorite team growing up?

I was actually an Oilers fan growing up. My great uncle played for them and my grandpa was a part owner for a while. My parents are from Lloydminster, which is pretty close to Edmonton so I’ve been cheering for the Oilers since I was a little guy.

Did you have a favorite player?

Either Ales Hemsky or Jordan Eberle

What’s your favorite meal?

Steak and potatoes. I think that’s pretty standard for hockey guys.

Are you superstitious?

I’m very superstitious but I try not to be because it can get in the way of my gameday routines. You can get paranoid if you forget to do something, so I try to put that on the side burner.

When you have free time what do you like to do?

When we’re here I like to hang out with the guys. When I go home I love fishing. Going to B.C., we have a nice lake house there. I’m pretty spoiled.

What’s the biggest fish you’ve ever caught?

Probably like a northern pike, nothing huge, maybe 10 pounds.

We know hockey players probably don’t eat candy, but if you did what’s your favorite candy?

Gummies of any kind. I’m not a big chocolate guy, but gummies of any kind. I try to stay away from them, but if I open a bag it’s hard to close.

©First Line Editorial 2024