Denver hockey’s Johnny Hicks wins DU Pioneers’ Male Athlete of the Year | Colorado Sunshine

By Paul Klee May 31, 2026 | updated 2 months ago

Denver goaltender Johnny Hicks (31) stops a shot during the third period of an NCAA colelge hockey game against Minnesota Duluth on Jan. 30, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Mike Buscher, File)

Where good news shines

What a year it was for Johnny Hicks.

The Denver Pioneers’ freshman goaltender was named Denver Athletics’ Male Student-Athlete of the Year on Friday. In helping the Pioneers to their 11th NCAA championship, Hicks was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. He set school records with a 16-0-1 mark and 1.19 goals-against average. His save percentage of .957 was an NCAA record.

Denver won the national title with a 2-1 victory over Wisconsin on April 11.

(“Colorado Sunshine” celebrates the good news in sports. Suggestions are encouraged through sports editor Paul Klee at [email protected].)

Paul Klee

Reporter