Rieger Lorenz is in his third season with the University of Denver hockey team after making his debut with the Pioneers during his freshman campaign of 2022-23.
In his sophomore season with DU in 2023-24, Lorenz surpassed his previous season scoring totals, recording new personal highs with 16 goals and 14 assists for 30 points and playing in all 44 games. He recorded two points in the NCAA Championship Game last season, including scoring an insurance marker to help Denver capture its record 10th championship title.
Lorenz was recognized on the NCAA Frozen Four All-Tournament Team and was named DU Hockey's Murray Armstrong Most improved Player after the season. He also picked up his second NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and NCHC Academic All-Conference Team award of his career. As a rookie, the Calgary, Alberta, native played in 37 games in 2022-23 and scored nine points (two goals and seven assists).
Before taking the ice at Magness Arena, Lorenz played two seasons (2020-2022) with the Okotoks Oilers of Alberta Junior Hockey League, leading the team in all three scoring categories during the 2021-22 season. Lorenz managed to rack up 38 goals and 47 assists for a total of 85 points in 60 games in his last year with the Oilers.
He was named the AJHL's Rookie of the Year and was crowned as the Canadian Junior Hockey League's top rookie in 2022. That summer, Lorenz was also selected 56th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Why did you choose the University of Denver?
"The quality of the staff and facilities that will help me get to the next level athletically, while also earning a valued education."
How did you get involved in hockey and what is your earliest memory of ice skating?
"I started playing hockey at the age of 4. My earliest memory was playing on the backyard outdoor rink with my dad."
What are some of your favorite activities to do when you're not at the rink?
"When I'm not at the rink I enjoy golfing and fishing."
What are your plans for after college?
"I want to play in the NHL."
If you weren't playing hockey, what sport would you play?
"I enjoy baseball, so I would probably play that."
What kind of music do you like?
"Country music."
What is your go to pre-game meal?
"Chicken and rice."
What is your favorite spot to vacation and why?
"Lake Kalamalka in British Columbia because my family has a house there."
What is your favorite TV show?
"Entourage."
Do you have a pre-game routine?
"I have a nap after pre-game skate and then take a cold shower after the nap. I then head to the rink a little over two hours before game time."
What are some of your favorite spots in Colorado?
"Magness Arena, Sushi Den, and Red Rocks."
What are some things that people may not know about you?
"I can juggle and solve a Rubik's Cube."
Jack Leadholm and Arianna Rojas contributed to this story
