Three LA Kings Prospects Win NCAA National Championship with Denver University

Sophomores James Reeder and freshmen Kristian Epperson and Brendan McMorrow capture title in their first and second seasons with the Pioneers

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the celebration of a college hockey championship, with overlapping planes of blue, gold, and red conveying the raw energy and excitement of the moment.Three LA Kings prospects capture the NCAA hockey title, their success a testament to the team's strong pipeline of young talent.Denver Today

Three LA Kings prospects - sophomore forward James Reeder and freshmen forwards Kristian Epperson and Brendan McMorrow - won the NCAA National Championship with Denver University. The Pioneers defeated Michigan in the semifinals and Wisconsin in the championship game to claim their third title in five years.

Why it matters

This is a significant accomplishment for the LA Kings organization, as they now have three of their top prospects winning a national title at the collegiate level. The experience and success these players are gaining will be invaluable as they look to transition to the professional ranks in the coming years.

The details

In the semifinal win over Michigan, Epperson and McMorrow both contributed to the scoring, with McMorrow recording a primary assist on the opening goal and Epperson picking up a secondary assist on the game-tying goal late in regulation. In the championship game against Wisconsin, Epperson scored the game-tying goal in the third period to help Denver rally for a 2-1 victory. Reeder, a sophomore, played on Denver's top line throughout the season and finished with 32 points in 40 games.

  • Denver defeated Michigan in the national semifinals on April 10, 2026.
  • Denver defeated Wisconsin 2-1 in the national championship game on April 11, 2026.

The players

James Reeder

A sophomore forward for Denver University and LA Kings prospect who had a breakout season with 32 points in 40 games, ranking fourth on the team in scoring during the regular season.

Kristian Epperson

A freshman forward for Denver University and LA Kings prospect who finished his first collegiate season with 11 goals and 18 points, playing on the Pioneers' second forward line.

Brendan McMorrow

A freshman forward for Denver University and LA Kings prospect who scored one goal and added three points in the NCAA Tournament, capping off an eventful first season that also included earning a spot on Team USA's World Junior Championship roster.

Denver University

A college hockey powerhouse that has now won three NCAA National Championships in the last five seasons.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“sick angle here of Kristian Epperson's helper to send Denver to the national championship game! Had 2 🍎 in the semifinal win over Michigan.”

— Zach Dooley, Reporter

What’s next

All three LA Kings prospects are expected to return to Denver University next season, where they will look to build on their national championship success and take on enhanced roles for the Pioneers.

The takeaway

This NCAA title represents a significant milestone for the LA Kings organization, as they now have three of their top prospects winning a national championship at the collegiate level. The experience and development these players are gaining will be invaluable as they look to transition to the professional ranks in the coming years.