Defenseman
Tory Pitner is in his second season with the University of Denver hockey team.
The El Cerrito, California, native skated in 40-of-44 games as a freshman in 2024-25 and recorded his first college point with an assist on Nov. 16, 2024 at North Dakota. He finished the season with a plus-3 rating and 10 blocked shots.
In the classroom, he has twice been named both to the NCHC Honor Roll and an NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete (2024-25, 2025-26) and was recognized as a national AHCA All-American Scholar in 2024-25.
Before coming to Denver, he recorded eight goals and 16 assists in 50 games as the alternate captain with the USHL Youngstown Phantoms during the 2023-24 campaign. The year prior in 2022-23, he won the USHL Clark Cup championship with Youngstown where he contributed nine assists in 36 appearances.
Pitner was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the sixth round at No. 185 overall of the 2024 NHL Draft.
He spends his time away the rink playing baseball, going on hikes and practicing his juggling skills.
Why did you choose the University of Denver?
"I chose to attend the University of Denver because of the elite athletics and academics. The hockey program also has a great history of developing NHL defensemen and that is what my goal is to become."
How did you get involved in hockey and what is your earliest memory of skating?
"I got involved in hockey by watching all the hockey players skate at the rink inside a mall near where I grew up. I would get my hair cut right next to it and always loved watching the players skate and begged my parents to skate every time we went. My first memory of skating was actually at that same rink when I was finally old enough to skate in the 'learn to skate' they held at the mall rink."
What are some of your favorite activities to do when you're not at the rink?
"Some of my favorite activities include playing baseball, going on hikes, fishing and cooking."
If you weren't playing hockey, what sport would you play?
"If I wasn't playing hockey, I would probably play baseball. Growing up I played baseball, and my family was a softball/baseball family, so I probably would've done that."
What kind of music do you like?
"I like to listen to country music."
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
"My go-to pre-game meal is chicken and rice."
Where is your favorite spot to vacation?
"My favorite vacation spot is Lake Tahoe because it has a blend of the mountains and the beach. I find it very relaxing there."
What is your favorite movie and TV show?
"My favorite movie is probably Miracle, and my favorite TV show is either the Derek Jeter documentary on ESPN or The Office."
Do you have a pre-game routine?
"I do have a routine, but I'm not too superstitious about it. I will always get a nap in before the game and then have my pre-game meal (chicken and rice) before I get ready and head to the rink. I will usually have another snack at the rink before taping my sticks and then play some sewer ball."
What is something that other people might not know about you?
"One thing people may not know about me is that I can juggle, but another interesting thing is that I like watching college softball. My mom played in college and my sister played growing up, so we always had it on, and I find it very interesting."
Are you related to or know anyone "famous?"
"I am family friends with Patrick Marleau, who played for the San Jose Sharks. Patrick has been a great mentor and friend to me."
What other sports have you participated in?
"I played all kinds of sports growing up, including, soccer, baseball and cross country. I wasn't able to play any of them past middle school just because of the time commitment hockey has, but I really enjoy playing all kinds of sports and still play all of those for fun with friends during my free time."
Sophie Hamill contributed to this story.
