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Top line for DU Pioneers continues to produce in weekend sweep over Miami (Ohio)

By Tyler King January 12, 2025 | updated 7 months ago

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Carter King, DU hockey vs. Miami

Denver senior forward Carter King (15) looks on during the second period of a game against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 at Magness Arena in Denver.

Tyler King, The Denver Gazette

The best line in college hockey might just be at Magness Arena.

They hadn’t played much together until this season, but Denver’s top trio of Carter King in the middle with Aidan Thompson and Jack Devine on the wing is producing about as much as the Pioneers could ask for — if not more.

That line contributed another six points (two goals and four assists) in No. 6 DU’s 6-2 win over Miami (Ohio) on Saturday night that caps a two-game sweep and an important six points in the NCHC standings.

“When they’re hanging onto the puck, their talent level allows them to break people down,” Pios coach David Carle said. “It’s hard to get the puck off their stick(s) when they’re connected and when they’re moving their feet. I thought they did a lot of that tonight and it was nice to see them get rewarded.”

After leading the team with 27 goals a season ago, Devine is already up to 27 assists through 22 games in the current campaign and he’s got eight more than second place in the country — who just so happens to be DU teammate Zeev Buium.

“I think he’s just a super unselfish player,” Thompson said. “I think he could score many more goals if he wants to.”

Thompson, the junior from Fort Collins, isn’t far behind, tied for fourth nationally in both goals and assists.

King, the senior captain, is tied for 15th in the country in points with now 12 goals and 12 assists.

“I think we share a common mentality to how we want to play,” King said. “We want to play a fast-paced game, supporting each other and getting pucks to the net eventually. I think we’ve really complimented each other with our roles and how we’ve been able to play together.”

That’s not the only line that will determine just how far the Pioneers get in their quest to repeat as national champs.

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The only one of four lines that played together prior to this season — the trio of Kieran Cebrian, Rieger Lorenz and Jared Wright — hadn’t been the most productive group coming into Saturday night, but they all got on the scoresheet to help DU complete its first weekend sweep since mid-November.

Wright opened the scoring with a goal he didn’t even realize went in until Cebrian gave him a big hug from behind. Lorenz had the assist on Wright’s goal and Cebrian wristed home a beautiful shot for the final tally of the night.

“It was nice to pot one in,” Wright said. “I think it was just important our line starting getting going. I haven’t, overall, been disappointed with our line. I think we’re playing the right way and playing Denver hockey, but I think it’s huge for our group just to get a sweep.”

That line played a big role in the program’s 10th national championship last season with Wright and Lorenz scoring the only two goals in the win over Boston College in the title game.

It’s never been about scoring for that group, but DU won’t complain when they do light the lamp.

“They’re a reliable line and it’s awesome to see them get on the board as well,” King said. “Night in, night out, they’re playing hard defense, they’re forechecking hard. Anytime they’re on the scoresheet too, you know they’re doing their job.”

In a highly competitive NCHC, DU’s six points this weekend was enough to boost it up from a tie for sixth place to a tie for fourth place. The Pios (17-5-0) are off next weekend, but they’ll be back in no time for an important series on the road against Minnesota Duluth.

The DU that rattled off 12 straight wins to start the season might just be returning.

“I think it was a good weekend getting some confidence back throughout our lineup,” King said.

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