Quentin Miller stepped up impressively as the starting goalie for the University of Denver (DU), leading the Pioneers to a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Colorado College. In front of a record crowd of 7,073 at Magness Arena, Miller made 29 saves, showcasing his skills against rival netminder Kaidan Mbereko and solidifying his role as a key player for DU.
Miller’s Impact on the Pioneers
With the departure of Matt Davis, who achieved legendary status after leading the Pioneers to an NCAA-record 10th national championship in 2024, expectations were high for Miller. Davis’s remarkable postseason performance, which included a record of 6-1 in NCAA Tournament games, left big shoes to fill. However, Miller’s early season performance suggests he is up to the challenge.
“He’s amazing. He’s the best person and kid too, so you just want to see him have success,” stated DU defenseman Boston Buckberger. “What he’s done for our team, being kind of a brick and our foundation back there, we know we can rely on him. He’s bailed us out numerous times already.”
Since joining the Pioneers, Miller has quickly established himself as a reliable presence in goal. After Friday’s win, he holds an impressive record of 6-2-1, boasting a 0.941 save percentage. His consistent performance has been crucial in tight matchups, evidenced by his ability to allow one goal or fewer in six of his nine starts.
A Journey of Resilience
Miller’s path to DU has been anything but straightforward. The Montreal native began his career as the backup goalie for the Quebec Ramparts, a team coached by NHL legend Patrick Roy, where he contributed to their Memorial Cup victory. However, a shoulder injury sidelined him, leading to a trade to the Rimouski Oceanic during the following season. To make matters more complicated, he underwent surgery in September 2024, which further delayed his playing time.
Recognizing his potential, DU coach David Carle and assistant coach Tavis MacMillan scouted Miller as he was recovering and playing in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). “We didn’t have a long time to watch him, because he came back from injury sometime in late January, early February,” Carle explained. “Fortunately for us, he was able to get 33 games in through the BCHL playoffs.”
Following a successful stint with the Chilliwack Chiefs, where he helped lead the team to the BCHL championship series, Miller caught the attention of DU’s coaching staff. His rapid adaptation to collegiate play has provided the Pioneers with a much-needed solution in goal, particularly with the transfer of backup goalie Freddie Halyk to Brown.
The Pioneers’ roster now features two freshmen, Miller and Johnny Hicks, alongside junior Paxton Geisel, who has had limited game experience. The uncertainty around goaltending was a significant concern for the team entering the season, but Miller’s performance has quickly alleviated those worries.
Junior defenseman Eric Pohlkamp remarked on Miller’s confidence and skill, noting, “He’s come in and has been fantastic. From game one against Air Force, he had a really good game. He’s just embraced it.” Miller’s capability to improve and adapt has made him a vital asset to the Pioneers.
As Miller continues to build on his success, the future looks bright for the University of Denver hockey program. With a young but talented roster that includes 14 NHL draft picks, Miller’s emergence as the starting goalie could be pivotal as the Pioneers aim for another successful season in NCAA hockey.
