Denver announced Wednesday that head coach Jim Montgomery has signed a multi-year contract extension through the 2020-21 season.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to be signing Jim to this well-earned extension and we’re incredibly excited about the state of our hockey program,” said DU vice chancellor for athletics Peg Bradley-Doppes in a statement. “Jim’s dynamic leadership, technical proficiency and passion for his sport are all unparalleled, as is his dedication to his craft. The style of play he has brought to Denver has definitely reinvigorated the program and we look forward to the Pioneers’ legacy continuing to grow and thrive in the coming years under his leadership.”
Montgomery, who turns 47 on June 30, has amassed a record of 69-40-14 at DU since being named the eighth coach in program history on April 15, 2013. The Montreal native has led the Pioneers to the NCAA tournament in each of his three seasons in the Mile High City, winning the inaugural NCHC championship in 2014, making the Elite Eight in 2015 and leading Denver to its first Frozen Four berth since 2005 earlier this year.
He was named a finalist for the 2016 Herb Brooks Award as NCHC Coach of the Year, as well as the 2016 Spencer Penrose Award as the top bench boss in the nation.
“Pioneer hockey has benefited greatly from the insightful teaching techniques and hockey knowledge Jim has brought to the program over the last three years,” added DU associate vice chancellor for sport supervision and internal operations Ron Grahame. “He has challenged our student-athletes to improve on the ice, while also permitting them to grow academically and as young men off the ice. The University of Denver is once again one of the premier college hockey programs in the country thanks to Coach Montgomery’s guidance and work ethic.”
“I’d like to thank Chancellor [Rebecca] Chopp, the University’s Board of Trustees, Peg, Ron and the entire Division of Athletics and Recreation for the opportunity to continue to build upon the foundation we’ve constructed here these last three years,” said Montgomery. “My family and I are thrilled to be staying here in central Colorado for the foreseeable future and my staff and I are excited to continue our quest to bring an eighth national title to Denver. We truly feel that both the present and the future are incredibly bright for the Pioneers and that the program is set up well for immediate and long-term success.”
