🚨⚫️➡️ Player Spotlight: Kristian Epperson,
Denver University
Kristian Epperson is a freshman forward for the Denver University men’s hockey team. The Mequon, Wisconsin native will be playing in the NCAA Frozen Four in Las Vegas next week.
Epperson’s Pioneers team will play in the second semifinal game on Thursday, April 9 versus the Michigan Wolverines.
The Frozen Four will be a big stage for a freshman. But Epperson thrives on the big stage.
In the NCHC championship game two weeks ago Epperson scored DU’s biggest goal of the season. In the second overtime of the championship against the UMD Bulldogs, Epperson caught a pass in the slot and decisively buried it to give his Denver team the championship.
If Denver beats Michigan and Wisconsin beats North Dakota…Kristian Epperson will face his home state Badgers for the national championship.
➡️ Let’s hear from Kristian Epperson!
1. Congratulations on a great freshman season at DU? Thank you. I appreciate it.
2. What emotions did you feel when DU qualified for the Frozen Four? As a team we had the self-belief we were going to make it. After the game finished, it was a surreal moment. I am looking forward to the next games and winning it all!
3. You originally committed to Michigan? Yes.
4. Does playing Michigan, and your friend Drew Schock, impact the Frozen Four game? It doesn’t change a thing. I play good buddies from past teams because former NTDP players, and other guys from past teams, are scattered across college hockey.
5. You played in the OHL after the NTDP-what was the OHL experience like? It was amazing. I really enjoyed my time. Saginaw treated me tremendously well. They are a world class organization.
6. How was the competition and level of play in the OHL? The competition in the OHL was definitely better and more high-end skill than the USHL.
7. What’s been the biggest level jump in hockey for you? The biggest was Shattuck to the NTDP. And that’s typically what everyone says. AAA or HS to juniors is the biggest jump. It’s a really hard jump.
8. It looks like NCAA hockey has been a smooth transition for you? Absolutely. The CHL helped me prepare for a smooth transition to college hockey.
9. Where did you play youth hockey? Winter Club, Junior Admirals and Shattuck.
10. Did you have family that played hockey? My brother Nick played high school hockey at USM. He was a stud. He had 58 points in 24 games. And my dad played at USM in the early 1980’s for Lowell MacDonald.
11. Who are your hockey mentors? My dad, all the coaches in the past have definitely shaped who I am. Marcus Novy in Wisconsin had a positive influence.
12. Who’s had the greatest impact on your life? My dad. He taught me good morals, a good moral compass to live by.
13. Did you play other sports growing up? Lacrosse, and golf.
14. What’s your greatest hockey memory? Winning state (WAHA) at Winter Club, nationals at Shattuck, winning gold with NTDP, and winning the NCHC this year.
15. Where’s your dream vacation? Northern Wisconsin on a lake. Minocqua. Water skiing, fishing, hang out with friends and family, maybe camping.
16. Pickup truck or sports car? Pickup truck. Blacked out F250.
17. What’s your favorite meal? A nice steak. Probably a NY Strip.
18. Favorite restaurant for steak? Not a restaurant. On a grill up on the lake.
19. What advice do you have for kids back in Wisconsin that want to play at a higher level? Challenge themselves, get outside their comfort zone. Play the hardest competition they can, even if not during the season, then find the best competition in spring or summer leagues. Take advantage of all opportunities.
20. Have a great Frozen Four, I will be cheering for #8. Thank you very much!
🎉 Best wishes to Kristian Epperson in the Frozen Four!
Yours for hockey,
Matt Carey
♥️🥅🏒