The University of Denver Pioneers announced its incoming freshmen class for the 2024-25 season, a list that includes Sioux City Musketeers forward Hagen Burrows
The 10-time National Championship-winning Denver Pioneers announced its incoming freshmen class for the upcoming 2024-25 season. While not as robust as their 10-player freshmen class a season ago, the Pios will welcome five new skaters into the program this fall, including four players who skated with USHL teams this past season.
Forwards Hagen Burrows (Sioux City), Jake Fisher (Fargo Force), James Reeder (Dubuque Fighting Saints), and defenseman Tory Pitner (Youngstown Phantoms) will skate for the University of Denver this fall.
"I'm excited to welcome these five freshmen into our Pioneer hockey program for the upcoming season," said Denver head coach David Carle in a statement. "These student-athletes will continue to build on our success not only on the ice but in the classroom as well. This group brings a high-talent level and versatility that will be key to our roster as we aim for another national championship next season."
Burrows, 18, skated with the Sioux City Musketeers in the early stages of the 2023-24 season before returning to Minnetonka (Minnesota) High School to help the Skippers defend their state title. Burrows, ranked No. 68 for North American skaters by Central Scouting for the 2024 NHL Draft, led Minnetonka with 59 points on 19 goals and 40 assists in 28 games played. With the Musketeers, he recorded nine goals and 22 points in 25 games. Burrows participated in the team's Development Camp and was expected to return to the USHL for a full season in 2024-25, but he is headed off to school instead.
Fisher, 19, is one of the most intriguing re-entry candidates for the 2024 NHL Draft. The Woodbury, Minnesota, native is ranked No. 97 overall for North American skaters by Central Scouting and scored 47 points on 23 goals and 24 assists for the Fargo Force this past season. Fisher played a significant role in the Force's historic season, culminating with the organization capturing the Anderson Cup Trophy at the end of the regular season and the Clark Cup championship.
Reeder, 18, was one of Dubuque's most productive forwards and had a breakout 2023-24 season in his own right. Reeder recorded 20 goals and 60 points in 53 games while helping the Saints advance to the Clark Cup Finals against Fisher's Fargo Force. Added, Reeder played well on the international stage, tallying eight goals and 10 points for Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge in December.
Pitner, 18, entered the season known more for his defensive prowess, but his offensive game took a tremendous leap forward in 2023-24. Pitner tallied eight goals and 24 points from the blueline while continuing to excel in his own end. He represented Team USA at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the World Junior A Challenge.
The Denver Pioneers will begin their title defense on Saturday, October 5, on the road against Alaska Anchorage.