DENVER — A player who has always strived for success and improvement is forward Jake Fisher. The Colorado Avalanche selected the Minnesota native 121st overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. Fisher did not go far for his collegiate career, choosing the University of Denver just down the road from the Avalanche.

“They just create a huge winning culture here,” Fisher said. “And I think their success speaks for itself. Ten national championships. This program has a long history of winning. And I think just coming here, they know how to win and teach you a winning style of hockey, and really care about your personal development as well.”


Fisher was part of a very successful Pioneers team last season that started with a 12-game win streak. It was the sixth longest in program history and led the Pio to a 31–12–1 record. The forward would regularly see time on the second, third and fourth lines for head coach David Carle. Fisher tallied eight goals and seven assists as a freshman. He pointed out that the switch from the USHL to the NCAA was a “big jump,” citing that the players being older and bigger makes an enormous difference.


The sophomore notes that having the Avalanche down the road from his university is special. Few players get to have the ability for their NHL to drop in and check on them whenever they would like to. He also attended their development camp this summer along with Pio teammate Tory Pitner.

“I’m really fortunate to be part of it,” Fisher said. “Development camp was awesome. Kind of just proving to the organization, kind of proving yourself out there. And come in, it’s a week to be with everyone and build relationships with the entire staff and everyone there.”

What to look forward to

With ten freshmen on the University of Denver squad, Fisher is now seen as a veteran at just 20-years-old. His hope in one year is to improve his skills with the coaching staff at the school and to have an NCAA National Championship under his belt. Five years from now, he has dreams of playing for the Colorado Avalanche. Fisher will probably move up the depth chart this season with the departure of Carter King to the Calgary Wranglers (CGY). Now, Fisher will play solid middle-six to top-six minutes on the best team in the nation. Expect his production to go up after a full season in the NCHC and learning from top talent above him.

Full interview here!