He’s the toast of Denver and the Collegiate hockey world.

20 year-old Kamloops product Johnny Hicks backstopped the Denver Pioneers to a NCAA Frozen Four title in Las Vegas this past weekend.  He made 29 saves a 2-1 win over Wisconsin in the Championship Game at T-Mobile Arena. He was named the Tournament’s most outstanding player.

“Honestly I don’t have words to express myself. It just all happened so fast. I’m still at a loss for words,” Hicks said in conversation with Radio NL’s Jon Keen.

The goaltender has never been on any NHL draft radar – mostly due to his 5’10” stature.  The former Merritt Centennial has never let it become an issue.

Denver Head Coach David Carle pointed out his success in an interview on the popular podcast Spittin’ Chiclets.

“Crazy story… you look at his record the last three years he’s like 80-12 or something. Between us and Brooks (BCHL) and Victoria (WHL). It’s incredible,” Carle gushed.

Hicks says his family, some friends from Kamloops and his old goalie coach in Merritt were all in the building for Saturday’s win.

He’s been enjoying the last number of days with his teammates as they make their rounds in Denver.

“We all went to a Colorado Avalanche game (Thursday) we are going to the Colorado Rockies baseball game (today) and a Denver Nuggets game on Monday. Just to spend time with these guys. It’s been so much fun. We’ve been all hanging out at a place called Spankys. They love us there. It’s been a good few days here,” Hicks said in tone where he isn’t quite sure if he believes it all.

What’s been the craziest thing since the Championship?

“Its been awesome, and I haven’t had a lot of time to process everything but Probably the Spittin’ Chiclets episode. When I was younger I used to listen to them quite a bit. No being on it… it’s just weird (laughs). It’s really cool.”

Hicks played with the Merritt Centennials from 2021-23 before leaving to join the BCHL’S Brooks Bandits.  He went 62-7 before leaving them in his 19 year-old season to join the WHL’s Victoria Royals.  He would go 10-4-1 with a 2.69 GAA and a .909. He helped them advance to the WHL’s Western Conference final before losing to Spokane.  This year in Denver he became the #1 goaltender due to an injury to starter Quinten Miller.  Hicks would never lose in regulation going a remarkable 16-0-1 with the Pioneers including two wins in the Frozen Four tournament.

“Hopefully I’ll have some time here soon… maybe at the end of June to come back home and enjoy beautiful Kamloops and just get away from it all. Hopefully get to our cabin and just relax and reflect.”

Hicks plans to return to Denver for his Sophomore season in the fall and a chance to repeat as NCAA Champions.