In a promising start to the season, freshman goalie Quentin Miller secured a decisive victory for the University of Denver (DU) Pioneers, defeating Colorado College 2-1 in overtime. This match, which saw Miller make 29 saves, took place in front of a record crowd of 7,073 at Magness Arena, marking a significant moment for the program.
Stepping into Big Shoes
The absence of former star goalie Matt Davis, who led DU to an NCAA-record 10th national championship in 2024, left a significant gap in the team. Davis finished his college career with an impressive 6-1 record in NCAA Tournament games, allowing only eight goals. Miller, who has faced his own set of challenges, is stepping into this crucial role.
Originally from Montreal, Miller’s journey to the Pioneers has been anything but straightforward. After playing for the Quebec Ramparts, where he was part of a team that won the Memorial Cup, he faced injury setbacks, including shoulder surgery in September 2024. Following his recovery, he joined the Chilliwack Chiefs in the BCHL, where he demonstrated his potential by helping the team reach the BCHL championship series.
DU coach David Carle explained how the team identified Miller: “Assistant coach Tavis MacMillan learned of a guy in Chilliwack that was coming out of injuries. We didn’t have a long time to watch him, but we made the decision to recruit him, and fortunately for us, he was able to get 33 games in through the BCHL playoffs.”
Building Confidence and Performance
Since joining the Pioneers, Miller has quickly established himself as a reliable presence in net. With a record of 6-2-1 and a save percentage of .941, he has become a critical component of the team’s success. Junior defenseman Eric Pohlkamp noted Miller’s impressive performance, stating, “He’s been fantastic. He’s super confident and easy to play with.”
In addition to his strong individual performances, Miller’s ability to communicate and adapt has impressed his teammates. Defenseman Boston Buckberger commented on Miller’s growth, saying, “He’s just been so solid back there. Now he’s starting to play the puck better, like Matty Davis did so well.” This kind of support from his teammates and coaching staff has helped Miller transition smoothly into his role.
As the season progresses, Miller’s contributions will be vital for the Pioneers, who are looking to build on their recent successes. The team not only needs to fill the void left by Davis but also compensate for the departure of backup goalie Freddie Halyk, who transferred to Brown University. With two freshmen goalies, Miller and Johnny Hicks, and junior Paxton Geisel—who has minimal game experience in the past two years—the pressure is squarely on Miller’s shoulders.
His recent performances, including a critical series sweep against defending NCAA champions Western Michigan, where he made 76 saves on 80 shots, demonstrate that he is ready for the challenge. As Miller continues to adapt and improve, he may very well solidify his status as one of the top goalies in college hockey.
With a combination of talent and determination, Quentin Miller is not just filling the skates left by his predecessor; he is carving out his own legacy at the University of Denver. As the season unfolds, fans and teammates alike are eager to see how far he can take the Pioneers.
