DENVER – Denver Pioneers men's hockey defenseman
Ian Mitchell has been named captain for the 2019-20 season while
Tyson McLellan and
Michael Davies will serve as alternates, Richard and Kitzia Goodman Head Coach
David Carle announced on Friday.
"We believe these three have the qualities and characteristics needed to lead our team next year as we pursue our ninth National Championship," Carle said.
Entering his junior season, Mitchell has eight goals, 49 assists and 32 penalty minutes through 80 career games with the Pioneers. The Chicago Blackhawks prospect served as an alternate captain during the 2018-19 season, registering six goals, 21 assists and 18 penalty minutes through 39 games to lead Denver defensemen in points and lead all Pioneer skaters with 12 power-play points and 66 blocked shots. In January, the Calahoo, Alberta native represented Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship where he posted one goal and two assists in five games.
"To be named captain is a tremendous honor," Mitchell said. "This is such a special program and without the leaders and teams of past years, this program would not be where it is today. Our team is looking forward to next season and excited for the opportunity to add to the tradition and success of Denver Hockey."
McLellan enters his fourth season with the Pioneers with 11 goals, 22 assists and 58 penalty minutes through 98 career games. In 2018-19, the San Jose, Calif. native and alternate captain had three goals and 10 assists in 40 games.
"It's very humbling to be named alternate captain for such a storied program," McLellan said. "Our leadership group is extremely excited and determined to guide this team in pursuit of another National Championship next year."
Davies looks ahead to his senior season with eight goals, 34 assists and 60 penalty minutes through 125 career games. The St. Louis, Mo. native notched four goals and notched a +16 rating during the 2018-19 season, receiving the Pioneers' Keith Magnuson Award for Best Defensive Player. Davies and McLellan won a National Championship with Denver in 2017.
"It's an honor to wear a letter for such a storied program," Davies said. "We have a great leadership group for next year and we're excited to get to work toward another title next season."
1 DAY 4 DU:
On May 22, the Pioneers will celebrate the fifth-annual One Day 4 DU, the single largest day of giving on campus. Fans are encouraged to support DU Athletics & Recreation and can learn more online. Donations can also be made by texting 1DAY4DU to 41444 on May 22.
2019-20 SEASON TICKETS:
Season tickets for the 2019-20 season are on sale now, and can be purchased here. Check out the complete 2019-20 schedule here.
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.
- PIONEER TOGETHER-
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 17 of DU's NCAA Division I sports
Like Denver Pioneers and Denver Hockey on Facebook
Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_Hockey on Twitter
Follow @DenverPioneers and @DU_Hockey on Instagram
