The University of Denver has announced that senior forward Cole Guttman has been named team captain for the upcoming 2021-22 season.

“I am proud to announce Cole Guttman as the captain of your 2021-22 Denver Pioneer hockey team,” DU head coach David Carle said. “Cole’s drive to improve, his ability to bring others together and his care for Pioneer hockey has earned him the respect and trust of both his teammates and coaches, making him a great choice to be this year’s captain.”

Guttman, 22, led Denver with 22 points and 14 assists and ranked second on the team with eight goals during the shortened 2020-21 season. He was named the 2021 recipient of DU’s Dallas Gaume Award as the team’s offensive player of the year and Bill Masterson Award as team MVP.

An NCHC Academic All-Conference Team member in each of his previous three years, Guttman tallied five power-play goals and two game-winning markers last season, ranking second on the squad in each category. The Northridge native has recorded 36 goals and 40 assists in 99 career NCAA games.

“It’s an honor to be named captain and to be thought of by my teammates and coaches that way,” said Guttman. “To be the captain of such a great program with a rich history and all of the prestigious players that have played here before me, it’s really a true honor and privilege. I’m excited to hit the ice this season and get started with our team.”

Selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round (180th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft, Guttman played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings during his youth career.

The Pioneers begin the 2021-22 regular season with a back-to-back set at Magness Arena against Arizona State University on Oct. 8-9.

Photo/Mark Kuhlmann

(September 8, 2021)