The Spruce Grove Saints are proud to announce that rookie goaltender Matthew Davis has committed to Denver University. The Pioneers hockey program, located in Denver, Colorado and compete in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), are one of the most decorated NCAA hockey programs. The Pioneers possess twenty-nine NCAA tournament appearances and eight National Championships, most recently winning the 2017 NCAA Division I National Championship.
A 2001 born goalie, Davis is set to become a Pioneer after claiming the Saints crease as a rookie and turning the heads of scouts after an impressive showing at the World Junior A Challenge in December. In 22 starts with the Saints, Davis has collected 16 wins, 5 losses and 1 tie accompanied with a .917 save percentage and 1.95 goals against average.
Standing 6’0”and weighing in at 175 pounds, Davis relishes the opportunity to join the Pioneers.
“As a player aspiring to play NCAA hockey, pulling on a Denver Pioneers jersey is something you dream of. To get the opportunity to live out that dream is something I couldn’t pass up,” said an excited Davis. “They (Denver) have a world class program that has proven to develop goalies and move them on to professional hockey.”
When asked about his fly-down Davis again light up.
“It’s a beautiful campus located right downtown Denver, from what I got to see it’s an amazing city and actually quite close to home (Calgary). I can’t wait to play in front of the Pioneer fans at the Magness Arena.”
Naturally though Davis was quick to recognize the people that have been with him along the way.
“I just want to thank all my previous coaches, teammates and trainers for the support over the years. I am thankful to be a Saint; the organization has been incredible this year. Most importantly though, I want to thank my mom, dad, brothers and sister for helping me achieve my goals, I wouldn’t be here with out them.”
Davis joins current Saint Jordan Biro and Saints alumnus Ian Mitchell and Sean Comrie on the Denver roster.
General Manager Rob Sklaruk couldn’t be happier for the Calgary, AB native.
“Matthew Davis is a ray of sunshine, he has a smile on his face and comes to the rink everyday ready and willing to get better,” exclaimed Sklaruk. “Matt comes from an exceptional family, he is the consummate teammate. We are so thrilled for him and cannot wait to see him in a Pioneers jersey.”
Davis is the first Saint to commit this season, joining four current Saints that have secured an NCAA Div. I scholarship.
Head Coach Bram Stephen echoed Sklaruk’s sentiment in regard to his first year starting goaltender.
“It has been a pleasure to have Matt as a Saint. He is a big part of our team, a high character individual and someone who has come in and worked diligently to hone his craft. It is no accident that he will play for a top NCAA school like Denver,” Stephen continued. “He has put in the work and is now being rewarded. It’s exciting for us a coaching staff to be a part of this special day for Matty, we’re very proud of him.”
The Saints organization would like to congratulate Matthew and his family on his exciting achievement.