Hometown Hero: Aidan Thompson Leads Denver’s Charge with Scoring Prowess

Seven months ago, amidst the champagne celebrations of Denver’s Frozen Four victory in Tampa, Aidan Thompson found himself cradling the NCAA championship trophy. It wasn’t just a moment of triumph for the Pioneers’ record-breaking 10th national title but also a personal milestone for a local kid who grew up dreaming of this exact moment.

For the junior forward from Fort Collins, Colorado, playing for Denver isn’t just a spot on the roster—it’s a lifetime connection. Thompson committed to the program at age 15, recruited by then-assistants David Carle and Tavis MacMillan, and has since embraced the program with the same enthusiasm he had watching them as a fan. Now, leading the charge on the Pioneers’ top line, Thompson is turning childhood dreams into on-ice dominance.

A Colorado Connection

Despite Colorado’s burgeoning hockey culture, few native players have cracked the elite levels of college hockey, let alone the NHL. Thompson joins a small but impactful list of homegrown talents, including Anaheim Ducks star Troy Terry and Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin. Currently, he is one of just three Coloradans playing for Denver, underscoring the rarity of his journey.

“Any time a local kid can play for this program is pretty unbelievable,” Thompson said. “Growing up watching this team, it’s a dream come true.”

A Top Line That Delivers

This season, Thompson has taken on a new role as the left winger on Denver’s formidable top line, centered by captain Carter King and flanked by senior Jack Devine. Together, the trio has created an offensive juggernaut. Devine leads the nation in assists, while Thompson’s knack for finding the net has propelled him to 10 goals in just 14 games—just one shy of his total from last season.

The chemistry between the three players is undeniable. “We’ve connected well,” Thompson said. “Our line has a high hockey IQ. We make plays, react quickly, and find ways to get open. That’s allowed us to gel.”

The results speak for themselves. Thompson is on track for a career year, already ranking among the top scorers in the nation, with only a handful of players like Boston College phenom Ryan Leonard and teammate Sam Harris netting more goals this season.

Built for Success

Thompson credits Denver’s strength and conditioning program, led by trainer Matt Shaw, for helping him develop into a stronger, more physical forward. “It’s a lot of hard work and reps,” he said, reflecting on his growth during his time at Magness Arena.

The payoff has been clear not only in his scoring but also in his durability and ability to adapt to Denver’s fast-paced system. “When we play our best, we’re as good or better than any team in the country,” Thompson said confidently.

A Reality Check and the Road Ahead

Despite their red-hot start to the season, the Pioneers faced a humbling moment this past weekend when Arizona State swept them at home. It marked Denver’s first home sweep since 2020 and served as a stark reminder that even the reigning champs can’t afford to coast.

Thompson, however, remained a bright spot, scoring in Saturday’s 5-2 loss to extend his season-opening point streak to 14 games. The streak is the longest by a Pioneer since Bobby Brink’s run in 2022, further solidifying Thompson’s reputation as one of the team’s most reliable offensive weapons.

Head coach David Carle took the loss in stride, acknowledging Arizona State’s strong performance while focusing on Denver’s need to regroup. “For us, it’s looking in the mirror and looking to get better,” Carle said.

Thompson echoed that sentiment, keeping his personal and team goals aligned. “I came to DU to be part of this program,” he said. “And to win national championships.”

A Legacy in the Making

For Aidan Thompson, this season is more than just a breakout year—it’s a testament to his journey from a young hockey fan in Fort Collins to one of the key players in Denver’s quest for another title. Whether he’s scoring goals, setting up plays, or inspiring future Coloradans to chase their hockey dreams, Thompson embodies what it means to be a hometown hero.

With the Pioneers eyeing another deep postseason run, Thompson’s story serves as a reminder of what’s possible when talent, hard work, and a little bit of hometown pride come together. If his trajectory so far is any indication, the best is yet to come for both Thompson and Denver hockey.