Denver freshman defenseman Zeev Buium has been named NCHC Co-Rookie of the Month and has been named a First Team All-American.

Buium continued his stellar rookie season, helping lead the Pioneers to a Frozen Faceoff title and a fifth Frozen Four appearance in eight seasons last month.

The projected NHL first-round draft pick led all NCHC rookies with 11 points in 10 games in March, while his 1.10 points per game were second among rookies and tops among NCHC defensemen. Buium, who was named NCHC Rookie of the Year on March 21, scored two goals during the month and added nine assists to tie for the NCHC lead. His plus-15 plus-minus was tops among all NCHC skaters in March.

Buium recorded points in seven of 10 games, as DU went 9-1-0 in March, including three multi-point games. He was named to the 2024 NCHC Frozen Faceoff All-Tournament Team after scoring two goals and tallying two assists at Xcel Energy Center. The 18-year-old recorded three points in the 5-4 semifinal win over then-No. 17 St. Cloud State on March 22, including his second goal being the overtime game-winner. He had an assist in the Frozen Faceoff championship game win over Omaha, as well.

The San Diego native dished out a pair of helpers on back-to-back nights in a sweep at St. Cloud State to start the month March 1-2, which earned him NCHC Defenseman of the Week honors.

In the NCAA Tournament, Buium blocked four shots in the Northeast Regional and added an assist on the game-winner against Cornell in the regional final on March 30.

On the season, Buium’s 49 points are third in the NCHC and tops among both rookies and defensemen, while tying for first nationally among blueliners. He has 11 goals so far this year and 38 assists, which ties for third in the NCAA.

Buium was a unanimous First-Team All-NCHC selection and tabbed NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year and Rookie of the Year this season.

In California, Buium played for the SDIA Oilers and Los Angeles Jr. Kings.

Photo/Martin Gonzalez

(April 4, 2024)