The latest edition of the College Sports Communicators’s Academic All-America At-Large Team has added a historic footnote to University of Denver hockey. For the first time in program history, two Pioneers earned spots on the top-tier Division I at-large roster, underscoring a rare convergence of on-ice dominance and academic distinction.
Kent Anderson, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in business finance and maintained a 3.94 cumulative GPA, joins the list after a career-defining overtime winner in the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals. His counterpart, Boston Buckberger, is pursuing a degree in accounting with a 3.95 GPA and contributed a career-best 10 goals and 29 points during the Pioneers’ championship run.
Both athletes were instrumental in guiding Denver to the 2026 NCAA Championship, a victory that capped a season filled with memorable performances, including Buckberger’s clutch contributions and Anderson’s decisive goal against Michigan in double overtime.
Their recognition extends beyond the ice, as the duo has been celebrated as National All-American Scholars and joins Tyler Ruegsegger, Kyle Chyzowski, Matt Davis, Jack Devine, Mia Hunt, Sara Rask and Max Plante among the Pioneers’ growing cadre of scholar-athletes honored by the league.
A Tradition of Excellence
The achievement reflects a broader culture of excellence within Denver’s hockey program, where competitive success is matched by a commitment to scholarly rigor. The university’s partnership with College Sports Communicators and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference has helped amplify these stories, reinforcing the institution’s reputation on a national stage.
Looking Ahead
As the Pioneers prepare for the next season, the academic accolades serve as a reminder that the program’s ambitions reach far beyond trophies. With a roster that blends elite talent and high‑achieving students, Denver continues to set a benchmark for collegiate athletics.