The Denver Pioneers signed five (5) student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Thursday.
Filip Larsson, Emilio Pettersen, Sean Comrie, Kyle Mayhew and Tyler Ward join previously signed student-athletes Slava Demin, Brendan Budy, Cole Guttman and Brett Stapley to comprise a group of five (5) forwards, three (3) defensemen and one (1) goalie.
"We are really excited about this group of student-athletes," Richard and Kitzia Goodman Head Hockey Coach coach Jim Montgomery said. "We believe this group will add to the storied tradition of Denver hockey as good representatives of our program on the ice and in the classroom."
Larsson, a 6'2," 196-pound goalie, posted an 18-10-0 record with a 1.65 goals against average and .941 save percentage for the Tri-City Storm (USHL) during the 2017-2018 season. Prior to joining the Storm, the Stockholm, Sweden native played with the Djurgårdens in the J20 SuperElit league, compiling a 2.24 GAA and .925 SV% in 31 games during the 2016-2017 season. Larsson was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the 6th round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft as well as named to Team Sweden for the 2018 World Junior Championship.
"Filip is an elite goaltender whose size, composure and athleticism have allowed him to have success at every level," assistant coach David Carle said. "We expect him to have an impact because of his hockey sense and great understanding of his position."
Pettersen, a 5'10," 170-pound forward, had 46 points (14-32-46) through 60 games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (USHL) during the 2017-2018 season. The Oslo, Norway native has logged 73 points (24-49-73) through 117 USHL games. He is ranked 120th among North American skaters on the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings.
"Emilio is an electric, playmaking forward who can score," assistant coach Tavis MacMillan said. "We expect him to make an immediate contribution."
Comrie, a 6'0," 165-pound defenseman, has logged 34 points (7-27-34) through 54 games with the Spruce Grove Saints of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). The Edmonton, Alberta native has registered 52 points (12-40-52) through 102 games in the AJHL. He is ranked 108th among North American skaters on the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings for the 2018 NHL Draft.
"He is a great skater with great poise and a good defensive stick," Carle said. "He is a puck-moving defenseman who can make plays in all three zones. Similar to Ian Mitchell, his development with the Spruce Grove Saints has prepared him for college hockey."
Mayhew, a 5'8," 150-pound defenseman, has recorded 39 points (8-31-39) and 14 penalty minutes through 58 games with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) during the 2017-2018 season. The Anaheim Hills, Calif. native has 51 points (8-43-51) through 94 career games in the NAHL. He is a product of the Anaheim Jr. Ducks.
"Kyle is a smooth-skating defenseman who can make plays," MacMillan said. "We believe he will add to Denver's tradition of great defenseman and are excited for what he brings to our lineup."
Ward, a 5'10," 176-pound forward, recorded 23 points (10-13-23) in 60 games for the Tri-City Storm. The Kamloops, British Columbia native played two (2) seasons with the Merritt Centennials of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) from 2015-2017, logging 57 points (31-26-57) in 86 games.
"Tyler is a skilled, offensive talent who has become a more complete player," MacMillan said. "He has a very good release and will add depth to our forward group next season."
ALUMNI GIVING CHALLENGE
The University of Denver is holding an alumni giving challenge for the 2017-2018 season in an effort to increase student-athlete alumni participation in the Denver Athletics Annual Fund. The sport with the highest percentage of alumni participation will receive an additional $10,000 of support through the generosity of an anonymous donor. Alumni can make a gift online, by calling 303-871-2388 during normal business hours or by sending a check to:
Athletics Development Office
2201 E. Asbury Avenue
Denver, CO 80208
SEASON TICKET RENEWALS
Current hockey season ticket holders can renew their seats for the 2018-19 hockey season online or over the phone by calling the Denver ticket office at 303-871-4625. New season tickets for the 2018-19 hockey season went on sale Monday, March 19th.
PIONEER MOVEMENT
Interested in making a donation to the hockey program? Click Here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.
- JOIN THE DENVER PIONEER NATION -
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 17 of DU's NCAA Division I sports