Who is Matt Davis? Denver goaltender comes to life during Pioneers' run to national title

Heading into this year’s Frozen Four, Boston College appeared poised for a coronation.

Then, Matt Davis arrived.

The Denver goaltender put on a historic showcase against the Eagles’ high-powered attack, turning away all 35 shots BC sent to his frame. The Pioneers’ sentry was a force in the frame.

The Pioneers captured their 10th national title in style. They have their Calgary-born backstop to thank. He denied numerous BC attempts, stifling the likes of Will Smith, Cutter Gauthier, Riley Leonard and Gabriel Perreault, all of whom were first-round picks.

He also made this stunning stop, one of the greatest in tournament history:

“MATT DAVIS IS OUT OF HIS MIND!!!!”

📺 ESPN2#MFrozenFour #SCTop10 x @DU_Hockey pic.twitter.com/EnFT0DHuHl

— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 13, 2024

Matt. Davis.

📺 ESPN2#MFrozenFour #SCTop10 x @DU_Hockey pic.twitter.com/x3RnDvIAKb

— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 14, 2024

Davis was the star of the show throughout the Frozen Four. He denied 142 of the 145 shots he faced in the past three games, proving equal to each onslaught that came his way. He captured Most Outstanding Player honors for his exploits in the crease.

Here’s what you need to know about Davis, the unheralded supernova who became a household name during this year’s NCAA tournament.

How can you not love a guy like Matt Davis

Stayed at @DU_Hockey and worked his balls off to become this teams starter

NOW HE’S A NATIONAL CHAMPION

pic.twitter.com/81X5aYnQoz

— Drop the Mitts Hockey (@dropmittshockey) April 14, 2024

Who is Matt Davis?

A Calgary native, Davis played for the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers and AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints before joining Denver in 2021. He was a member of the Pioneers’ national title-winning 2022 squad. He played sparingly for much of his first two years on campus, making just 19 appearances. However, he posted goals against averages (GAA) of 1.96 and 1.77 in his freshman and sophomore seasons, respectively.

2023-24 served as Davis’ breakout campaign. Despite missing two months of the season, Davis came to life after returning to the ice in January. He started 31 contests over the course of the year, posting a .914 save percentage.

Davis’ performances went up a level during the postseason; in his final five games, he increased his save percentage up to .946.

He saved his best for last, shutting out the Eagles to bring Denver back to the pinnacle of collegiate hockey.

Matt Davis age

Davis is 22 years old, having been born on June 16, 2001 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Compared to a great many of the prospects who shared the ice with him, Davis is something of an elder statesman.

Matt Davis NHL Draft stock

Despite his strong showcases, Davis wasn’t selected in the NHL Draft. He has another year of eligibility, although it’s unclear whether he will return to campus or not.

Either way, his legacy in the Mile High City is secure with his displays during this year’s Frozen Four.