[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 2026 NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPION, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER'S 
                         MEN'S ICE HOCKEY TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 14, 2026

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the University of 
Denver's men's hockey team, who just won their 11th NCAA national 
championship--their third in five years--extending their lead as the 
most decorated program in college hockey history.
  As a proud Denverite, I have had the distinct pleasure of witnessing 
six of those eleven championships during my time in Congress, and this 
one is no less special.
  Head Coach David Carle won his third championship with the school at 
just 36 years old. The standard at Denver is unlike anywhere else in 
college hockey, and this team met it.
  The final game was a testament to the Pios' grit. Coming from behind 
in the third, DU had been outshot 25-6 when three NHL prospects changed 
the story. Garrett Brown and Kristian Epperson helped Rieger Lorenz tie 
the game with just the seventh shot on the Badger net. Less than seven 
minutes later, Brown found his second point of the night, getting the 
puck to Boston Buckberger, whose shot toward the net allowed Kyle 
Chyzowski to redirect in the tournament's final goal.
  The Pios were backstopped throughout by freshman phenom Johnny 
Hicks--who stepped into the starting role in January after the team's 
No. 1 goalie went down to injury and never looked back. Named Most 
Outstanding Player after making 29 saves in the final, he had 
previously turned aside 49 shots in the double overtime semifinal win 
against Michigan. He went undefeated in regulation, finishing his debut 
season 16-0-1.
  Saturday's championship capped a tournament run that included a 5-0 
shutout of Cornell, a 6-2 dismantling of defending champion Western 
Michigan, and that unforgettable double-overtime battle with Michigan.
  The championship reflects not just extraordinary talent, but the hard 
work, teamwork, and dedication that define this program--a team that 
finished 29-11-3 and ends the season on top of the college hockey 
world.
  I am happy to recognize Coach Carle, the DU men's hockey team, and 
the entire DU community for this well-deserved achievement. These young 
athletes have bright futures ahead, but no matter where their careers 
take them, I hope they never forget the feeling of fighting for Denver.
  They have not only made Colorado proud but made history in college 
hockey, and I look forward to celebrating many more championships to 
come.
  I congratulate again the 2026 NCAA men's hockey champions--the 
University of Denver Pioneers. Or, as we say in Denver, ``Go Pios.''

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