In a thrilling overtime victory, the University of Denver (DU) Pioneers secured a 2-1 win against Colorado College, thanks in large part to their new starting goalie, Quentin Miller. The freshman made 29 saves, showcasing his skill and composure in front of a record crowd of 7,073 at Magness Arena. This performance solidifies Miller’s role as the successor to Matt Davis, who led the Pioneers to their historic 10th NCAA championship last season.
Miller’s Journey to DU
Miller’s path to becoming the top goalie for the Pioneers has been anything but straightforward. The Montreal native has played for three different Canadian junior teams, but just ten months ago, he was sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Previously, he served as the backup goalie for the Patrick Roy-led Quebec Ramparts during their successful 2022-23 season, which culminated in a Memorial Cup victory. His performance earned him a fourth-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens.
After a mid-season trade to Rimouski, Miller faced another setback when he required shoulder surgery in September 2024. With the team hosting the Memorial Cup, Rimouski acquired another goaltender, leaving Miller without a clear path back to the ice. Consequently, he joined the Chilliwack Chiefs in the BCHL, where he successfully transitioned back into competitive play.
Impact on the Pioneers
DU head coach David Carle recognized Miller’s potential early on. “Assistant coach Tavis MacMillan learned of a guy in Chilliwack that was coming out of injuries,” Carle explained. “We didn’t have a long time to watch him, but we decided to recruit him, and fortunately, he had a strong playoff run.” Miller played 10 regular-season games for the Chiefs, contributing to their playoff drive before the team ultimately fell to the Brooks Bandits in the BCHL championship series.
The Pioneers faced the challenge of not only replacing Davis but also his backup, Freddie Halyk, who transferred to Brown University. With Miller and fellow freshman Johnny Hicks on the roster, along with junior Paxton Geisel, who has seen limited action, the team needed a reliable goaltender as they embarked on the new season.
Junior defenseman Eric Pohlkamp expressed confidence in Miller’s abilities. “We didn’t really have a goalie coming into this year, but Miller has come in and been fantastic. He’s super confident and easy to play with,” he noted. “He just keeps improving.” Following his latest win, Miller’s record stands at 6-2-1, with an impressive save percentage of .941.
Miller’s ability to perform under pressure has been evident throughout his early starts. He has allowed one goal or fewer in six of his nine games, including a standout performance against the defending NCAA champions, Western Michigan, where he made 76 saves on 80 shots over the weekend.
As the season progresses, the Pioneers’ blend of young talent and experienced defense could prove to be a formidable combination. While they may lack a superstar like Zeev Buium, the team features 14 NHL draft picks, positioning them for a competitive season ahead.
As Buckberger remarked, “I don’t think he’s really let in many bad goals. He’s just been solid back there.” With Miller’s growing confidence and performance, the Pioneers may have found their new cornerstone in goal, potentially paving the way for another successful season.
