Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-14

CELEBRATING THE 2026 NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPION, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER'S MEN'S ICE HOCKEY TEAM

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Context

On 2026-04-14, Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO-1) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE 2026 NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPION, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER'S MEN'S ICE HOCKEY TEAM" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered labor policy.

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CELEBRATING THE 2026 NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPION, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER'S MEN'S ICE HOCKEY TEAM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E321] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 2026 NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPION, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER'S MEN'S ICE HOCKEY TEAM ______ HON. DIANA DeGETTE of colorado in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the University of Denver's men's hockey team, who just won their 11th NCAA national championship--their third in five years--extending their lead as the most decorated program in college hockey history. As a proud Denverite, I have had the distinct pleasure of witnessing six of those eleven championships during my time in Congress, and this one is no less special. Head Coach David Carle won his third championship with the school at just 36 years old. The standard at Denver is unlike anywhere else in college hockey, and this team met it. The final game was a testament to the Pios' grit. Coming from behind in the third, DU had been outshot 25-6 when three NHL prospects changed the story. Garrett Brown and Kristian Epperson helped Rieger Lorenz tie the game with just the seventh shot on the Badger net. Less than seven minutes later, Brown found his second point of the night, getting the puck to Boston Buckberger, whose shot toward the net allowed Kyle Chyzowski to redirect in the tournament's final goal. The Pios were backstopped throughout by freshman phenom Johnny Hicks--who stepped into the starting role in January after the team's No. 1 goalie went down to injury and never looked back. Named Most Outstanding Player after making 29 saves in the final, he had previously turned aside 49 shots in the double overtime semifinal win against Michigan. He went undefeated in regulation, finishing his debut season 16-0-1. Saturday's championship capped a tournament run that included a 5-0 shutout of Cornell, a 6-2 dismantling of defending champion Western Michigan, and that unforgettable double-overtime battle with Michigan. The championship reflects not just extraordinary talent, but the hard work, teamwork, and dedication that define this program--a team that finished 29-11-3 and ends the season on top of the college hockey world. I am happy to recognize Coach Carle, the DU men's hockey team, and the entire DU community for this well-deserved achievement. These young athletes have bright futures ahead, but no matter where their careers take them, I hope they never forget the feeling of fighting for Denver. They have not only made Colorado proud but made history in college hockey, and I look forward to celebrating many more championships to come. I congratulate again the 2026 NCAA men's hockey champions--the University of Denver Pioneers. Or, as we say in Denver, ``Go Pios.'' ____________________

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CELEBRATING THE 2026 NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPION, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER'S MEN'S ICE HOCKEY TEAM Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E321] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 2026 NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPION, UNIVERSITY OF DENVER'S MEN'S ICE HOCKEY TEAM ______ HON. DIANA DeGETTE of colorado in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the University of Denver's men's hockey team, who just won their 11th NCAA national championship--their third in five years--extending their lead as the most decorated program in college hockey history. As a proud Denverite, I have had the distinct pleasure of witnessing six of those eleven championships during my time in Congress, and this one is no less special. Head Coach David Carle won his third championship with the school at just 36 years old. The standard at Denver is unlike anywhere else in college hockey, and this team met it. The final game was a testament to the Pios' grit. Coming from behind in the third, DU had been outshot 25-6 when three NHL prospects changed the story. Garrett Brown and Kristian Epperson helped Rieger Lorenz tie the game with just the seventh shot on the Badger net. Less than seven minutes later, Brown found his second point of the night, getting the puck to Boston Buckberger, whose shot toward the net allowed Kyle Chyzowski to redirect in the tournament's final goal. The Pios were backstopped throughout by freshman phenom Johnny Hicks--who stepped into the starting role in January after the team's No. 1 goalie went down to injury and never looked back. Named Most Outstanding Player after making 29 saves in the final, he had previously turned aside 49 shots in the double overtime semifinal win against Michigan. He went undefeated in regulation, finishing his debut season 16-0-1. Saturday's championship capped a tournament run that included a 5-0 shutout of Cornell, a 6-2 dismantling of defending champion Western Michigan, and that unforgettable double-overtime battle with Michigan. The championship reflects not just extraordinary talent, but the hard work, teamwork, and dedication that define this program--a team that finished 29-11-3 and ends the season on top of the college hockey world. I am happy to recognize Coach Carle, the DU men's hockey team, and the entire DU community for this well-deserved achievement. These young athletes have bright futures ahead, but no matter where their careers take them, I hope they never forget the feeling of fighting for Denver. They have not only made Colorado proud but made history in college hockey, and I look forward to celebrating many more championships to come. I congratulate again the 2026 NCAA men's hockey champions--the University of Denver Pioneers. Or, as we say in Denver, ``Go Pios.'' ____________________