DENVER – Former Canmore Eagle and current University of Denver senior Sam Brittain (Calgary, Alberta) has been named to the 2014 AHCA/CCM All-America First Team (West).
Brittain’s presence in net was invaluable this season as the Pioneers boasted one of the strongest blue lines and penalty kill units in the nation as they qualified for their school-record seventh consecutive NCAA Tournament and extended the program’s streak of 20-win seasons to 13 straight – the longest such streak nationally.
“Sam Brittain had a phenomenal season for Denver and led the Pioneers on and off the ice,” DU head coachJim Montgomery said. “His mental toughness and ability to maintain focus throughout the season enabled us to win the NCHC playoffs. He is a perfect example of how we want all Pioneers to represent DU as student-athletes.”
Brittain came up big in a number of huge wins this season in addition to posting a career-best five shutouts. In addition, Brittain played the second-highest minutes of any goalie nationally and posted 30 or more saves in a total of 16 games in 2013-14 – including five contests with 40 or more stops. He ranked among the national leaders in goals against average (2.22), save percentage (.929) and his 1,130 saves ranked as the second-highest total in the nation.
The senior netminder was previously recognized as the NCHC Goalie of the Year and was a member of the All-NCHC First Team. In addition, Brittain was recognized as the NCHC Goalie of the Week a league-best six times in 2013-14.
“It is great to see Sam recognized by the AHCA for his body of work this past year by being named a First Team All American,” DU assistant coach David Lassonde said. “For him to perform at the high level he did over the course of six months was a testament to his focus and preparation. His stellar play earned him NCHC First Team honors and was a key factor in the Pioneers capturing the inaugural NCHC Championship. We are very proud of Sam's accomplishments this past year and all the postseason accolades he has earned are well deserved.”