Chicago Blackhawks: Hillman and Mitchell on Legendary Path to the NHL

Prospects Blake Hillman and Ian Mitchell have an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Chicago Blackhawks great defenseman Keith Magnuson, starting at the University of Denver

On April 7th 2017, the University of Denver Pioneers defeated the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs at the United Center in Chicago Illinois to win their 8th NCAA championship in school history. And watching from above was former Pioneer and Black Hawk, Keith Magnuson.

Keith Magnuson was from Saskatoon Saskatchewan and played his college hockey at the University of Denver from 1965-1969. There, he led the Pioneers as captain to two straight NCAA titles in 68′ & 69 and was a two time All-American defenseman.

Magnuson joined the Chicago Black Hawks in 1969 where he played 11 seasons ultimately becoming the captain there too. His playing style was rough, physical, and relentless. With over 1400 penalty minutes in his career with the Hawks, Magnuson defended his team and the city of Chicago with iron fists. The Black Hawks never won the Stanley Cup while Magnuson was there but they did come close losing in the finals to Montreal in 71′ & 73′.

In December of 2003, Magnuson passed away due to a tragic car accident on the way to an NHLPA alumni meeting. In 2008, the Blackhawks retired #3 and raised a banner dedicated to Magnuson at the United Center.

Other Notable Pioneers

Two other notable Blackhawks players that played at the University of Denver were Magnuson’s teammate Cliff Koroll and current Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach Kevin Dineen.

Koroll played at the University of Denver from 1965-1968 where he won the NCAA title with Magnuson in 1968. He spent 11 seasons with the Black Hawks until he retired from the NHL after the 1979-80 season. Koroll then spent six seasons as an assitant coach of the Blackhawks and one season with the Milwaukee Admirals. He currently is the president of the Chicago Blackhawks alumni association.

Kevin Dineen played with the Denver Pioneers from 1981 to 1983 where he served as team captain in his second year. He was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the 1982 NHL draft and left to sign pro after two years at the University of Denver. Dineen had a long career in the NHL playing 12 years combined for the Whalers, Flyers, Hurricanes, Senators, and the Blue Jackets.

After his playing career ended, Dineen spent six years as head coach of the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League. He then landed the head coaching position in Florida spending three seasons with the Panthers from 2011-2014. Dineen has been an assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks since 2014.