Kamloops' Johnny Hicks playing for Denver (Image Credit: University of Denver Pioneers/Facebook)
Champs from Kamloops

Kamloops’ Hicks backstops Denver to NCAA Title; named Most Outstanding Player

Apr 11, 2026 | 5:07 PM

LAS VEGAS — The Denver Pioneers are NCAA Men’s Hockey Champions as they defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 2-1 in Saturday’s (April 11) final.

Denver was backstopped by Kamloops product Johnny Hicks, who made 29 saves in the victory. The 20-year-old stopped 78 of 82 shots and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Hicks was also named to the all-tournament team, and went unbeaten in regulation in his NCAA freshman season with a 16-0-1 record.

The five-foot-ten netminder played for the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials and Brooks Bandits as well as the WHL’s Victoria Royals before joining Denver this year.