Three University of Denver student-athletes have been named National Collegiate Hockey Conference Players of the Week the conference office announced today. Junior blueliner Will Butcher (Sun Prairie, Wisc.) has been named NCHC Defenseman of the Week, sophomore winger Danton Heinen (Langley, B.C.) has earned NCHC Offensive Player of the Week honors and freshman center Dylan Gambrell (Bonney Lake, Wash.) has been named NCHC Rookie of the Week.

Butcher, 21, recorded four assists last week as Denver swept Colorado College by a combined score of 8-2 in a home-and-home series that included the historic 'Battle on Blake' game at Coors Field on Saturday. The Colorado Avalanche prospect also registered a +2 plus/minus rating over the course of the two wins and blocked a pair of shots. This is the fourth time this season that Butcher has been named NCHC Defenseman of the Week.

Heinen, 20, tallied four points against the Tigers on two goals and two assists. The Boston Bruins prospect earned Second Star of the Game honors in Thursday's road victory and was named the No. 1 Star at the 'Battle on Blake'. This is the third time this season that Heinen has been named NCHC Offensive Player of the Week.

Gambrell, 19, registered 2G-3A-5P versus CC, earning No. 3 Star honors on Thursday night and No. 2 Star honors on Saturday. His highlight-reel goal at the 'Battle on Blake' was named the No. 10 Play of the Day by ESPN SportsCenter while his five-point week tied him with Ohio State's Nick Schilkey for tops in the nation. This is the fourth time this year that Gambrell has been named NCHC Rookie of the Week.

With their win on Saturday night, the Pioneers clinched home ice advantage for the first round of the NCHC playoffs (March 11-13). Postseason tickets will go on-sale to the general public on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Ticket prices will range from $19-$37 and can be bought in person Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., online at www.denverpioneers.com/tickets or by calling 303-871-2336. Sunday's (if necessary Game 3) will go on sale online or in person on Saturday night immediately following the conclusion of the game. Season Ticket Holders can call 303-871-GOAL (4625) to order additional tickets right now. Additional season ticket holder notes: Season Ticket Holders can still exchange their Friday, March 4 tickets for Saturday, March 5 tickets (or vice versa) up to 72 hours prior to puck drop. Season Ticket Holders can also exchange NCHC Friday Tickets for NCHC Saturday Tickets (or vice versa) up to 72 hours prior to puck drop. Nebraska-Omaha tickets cannot be exchanged for NCHC tickets or vice versa. Sunday's Game 3 is not exchangeable.