Caponi on Cusp of Hockey History at University of Denver
DENVER — Connor Caponi is poised to make history at the University of Denver, where he is expected to play in his 164th hockey game this Friday against Minnesota Duluth. This milestone places him just five games away from breaking the Pioneers’ all-time record held by Ryan Barrow, who played 168 games from 2017 to 2022.
Caponi, a graduate student who joined the Pioneers in 2020, expressed humility about his potential achievement, stating, "It’s obviously an honor to play that many games for a program like Denver." He emphasized the significance of each game rather than the record itself, saying, “Every game you’re able to strap on the Pioneers sweater is something really special to me.”
Currently tied for sixth place in the program’s history with Mike Markovich, Caponi aims to reach third place with his next appearance. Jack Devine, a senior forward, remarked on the honor of potentially witnessing Caponi’s record-breaking feat, noting his intensity and commitment on the ice.
Caponi credits his longevity in college hockey to a supportive environment, stating, "Some days are easier than others…We have amazing facilities and amazing trainers." He acknowledges the importance of staying mentally focused, driven by a sense of responsibility to his teammates. "I’m not going to let any of my teammates down," he affirmed.
As the Pioneers look ahead, Caponi’s journey serves as an inspiration to his teammates and a testament to the dedication required in college hockey. If he stays healthy, Caponi will likely break the record on the road against Arizona State on February 8.