Jared Wright—a 2024 NCAA National Champion, National All-American Scholar (2022-23) and two-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete, among other accolades he's achieved—is in his third season with the Denver Pioneers hockey team in 2024-25.
Wright registered personal bests with 15 goals and 10 assists and led Denver with a .205 shooting percentage in his sophomore season in 2023-24. He supplied an assist to help DU win the NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship Game versus Omaha on March 23, and Wright is responsible for the Pioneers winning their NCAA-record 10th National Championship last year. The Burnsville, Minnesota, native scored the game-winning goal in his home state during the second period in the title game against Boston College on April 13.
In his freshman season, Wright made his college debut for DU on Oct. 7, 2022 against Notre Dame in the Ice Breaker Tournament and picked up his first career points with a goal and an assist on Nov 11, 2022 at North Dakota. He recorded his first multi-goal game the next night in Grand Forks, helping him earn NCHC Forward of the Week honors. The winger finished second among rookies in scoring that year with 12 points (eight goals, four assists) in 34 games.
Prior to joining Denver, Wright skated for the Omaha Lancers of the USHL and scored 39 points (15 goals, 19 assists) in 59 games. He was named the team's Rookie of the Year and played high school hockey prior to his junior campaign, skating three seasons with St. Thomas Academy and was team captain in 2020-21.
Wright is majoring in finance at DU and hopes to someday play in the NHL. He was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in sixth round of the 2022 NHL Draft at 169th overall.
Why did you choose the University of Denver?
"I chose the University of Denver because it provides me an opportunity to excel at a high level both athletically and academically."
How did you get involved in hockey and what is your earliest memory of skating?
"I got involved in hockey because both of my older brothers (Will and Jordan) played. My earliest hockey memory is my mom and grandpa taking me outdoor skating for the first time."
What are your plans for the future/after college?
"I want to play in the NHL."
If you weren't playing hockey, what sport would you play?
"I would play soccer because fo the intensity and pace of the game."
What are some of your favorite activities when you're at the rink?
"I like hanging out with my teammates and watching other DU athletic sports compete."
Where is your favorite spot to vacation and why?
"My uncle's house in Iowa. It's my favorite vacation spot because it's where all of family gets together for the Fourth of July."
Are you related to or know anyone "famous?" If so, who?
"I met Navy Seal, Marcus Luttrell, when he spoke at my high school, Saint Thomas Academy."
What is your favorite pre-game meal?
"Chicken and rice."
What is your favorite movie?
"Batman Begins."
What kind of music do you like?
"I like country music. I'm a fan of both Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen."
What is something that other people might not know about you?
"I can watch the Lord of the Rings series in one sitting."
Maggie Poe contributed to this story.
