Johnny Hicks: From the Bench to NCAA Champion and Frozen Four MVP (Ep. 365)
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Johnny Hicks went 16-0-1 with a record .957 save percentage after coming off the bench mid-season, then posted a .955 save percentage in the playoffs to backstop the University of Denver to the NCAA National Championship. The undrafted goaltender — who went winless in his first BCHL season — earned a Frozen Four MVP and an invite to the Edmonton Oilers development camp in the summer of 2026.
- Hicks set an NCAA record with a .957 save percentage during a 16-0-1 run after spending nearly half the season as a backup.
- His path included a winless first BCHL season, a powerhouse AJHL program, and one year in the WHL before going to the University of Denver.
- Hicks earned an Edmonton Oilers development camp invite in the summer of 2026 despite going undrafted.
- Hutch warns that chasing extra reps right before tryouts and training camps can harm both on-ice performance and mental readiness.
- Dustin Wolf breaks down when to use RVH versus holding your feet on passes from below the goal line — a recurring theme in recent Pro Reads.
Episode 365 of the InGoal Radio Podcast, presented by The Hockey Shop Source for Sports, features a great interview with NCAA champion and Frozen Four MVP Johnny Hicks.
Feature Interview
presented by NHL Sense Arena
In the feature interview, presented by NHL Sense Arena, Hicks walks us through the preparation and process that allowed him to mostly sit for half a season, then come off the bench and go 16-0-1 and set an NCAA record with a .957 save percentage before backstopping the University of Denver to a National Championship with a .955 save percentage in the playoffs. It’s a great story made all the more remarkable by his unique path, from a winless first season in the BCHL, to a powerhouse team in the AJHL — and the unique lessons from both stops — then the WHL for one year before going to school. Add in an invite to the Edmonton Oilers development camp this summer for the undrafted Hicks and it really is a can’t miss interview.
Parent Segment
presented by Stop It Goaltending U
In the Parent Playbook, presented by Stop it Goaltending U the App, Hutch talks about preparing for the fast approaching season and why chasing late extra reps before tryouts and training camps can often do more harm than good, both between the pipes and between the ears.
Pro Reads
presented by Vizual EdgeWe also review the latest Pro Reads, presented by Vizual Edge, featuring Dustin Wolf with a quick but important breakdown on when to use RVH and when to hold your feet on passes from below the goal line, something that’s been a theme in a lot of recent Pro Reads.
Weekly Gear Segment
presented by The Hockey Shop Source for SportsAnd in our weekly gear segment we go to The Hockey Shop Source for Sports for a look at the new Bauer Supreme F50 Pro, a second-price point stick loaded with top-level options, including one never before offered by Bauer at anything other than the highest prices.
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