Juuse Saros.

That’s the entire list of current NHL goaltenders who stand under six feet tall. Since the year 2000, only 47 netminders under that threshold have appeared in five or more NHL games, and while that list includes some impressive names — Tim Thomas, Jaroslav Halak, and José Théodore to name a few — only a handful have managed to carve out long, sustainable careers at the position.

But it can happen. And this past weekend, the hockey world was given a reminder of that possibility at the NCAA Frozen Four in Las Vegas.

Johnny Hicks, the University of Denver’s 5-foot-10 starting netminder, delivered a performance that was impossible to ignore, especially so for an Edmonton Oilers team who don’t have a clear future answer in net. Across two games, he stopped 78 of 82 shots, backstopping Denver to a national championship. That run included a 49-save performance in a double-overtime win over the Michigan Wolverines to punch a spot in the finals against Wisconsin.

Those performances capped off what can only be described as a near-flawless season. As a freshman, Hicks posted a remarkable 16-0-1 record, along with a 1.19 goals-against average and a .957 save percentage, both of which sat at the top of the nation.

And yet, for many, his emergence still feels sudden. If you’re wondering how a goaltender with numbers like that managed to fly under the radar for much of the season, you’re probably not alone.

The Kamloops native’s path hasn’t necessarily been loud. As recently as September 2024, Hicks was tending goal for the Brooks Bandits of the BCHL, where he spent parts of four seasons in the league. Posting an 18-3- 0 record by mid-December, he led the league in both goals-against average (1.37) and save percentage (.943). That incredible start earned him an opportunity with the Victoria Royals. He made the most of that chance, catching 15 games down the stretch and appearing in eight games during a two-round WHL playoff run.

Even with that momentum, he entered his freshman season at Denver without a guaranteed starting role, initially playing behind Quentin Miller, a 2023 fourth-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens.

But he did not spend long in the backseat, eventually leapfrogging as the team’s clear go-to goaltender with unavoidable numbers. And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, he adds both an NCHC Championship — where he was named Tournament MVP — and a National Championship, earning MVP honours once again on the biggest stage.

It has been a whirlwind year, but one that has firmly put Johnny Hicks on the map.

Despite being undersized by modern goaltending standards, Hicks’ game is built on elite athleticism and quickness. He moves efficiently in the crease, showing strong post-to-post movements and the ability to track plays at high speed. Where larger goaltenders rely on blocking and structure, Hicks leans into his mobility and reaction time, allowing him to recover quickly and stay engaged in second-chance scenarios.

His track record, even prior to his NCAA breakout, points to consistency. From his time in the BCHL through his transition into the WHL and now the NCAA, Hicks has consistently produced solid results, suggesting that his recent success is not simply a short-term surge but part of a larger upward trajectory. Since his first year in Brooks (2023), he’s posted a 77-11-2 record across those three levels.

In a position where size continues to dominate the conversation, his emergence serves as a reminder that there is still room for outliers — players who can overcome physical limitations with elite athleticism, compete, and perform.

Whether that success ultimately translates to the professional level remains to be seen. But for now, Hicks has done more than enough to ensure that he is no longer flying under the radar — and has become a name worth tracking closely moving forward.

There’s a new chapter beginning at Derrick Dodge, and the momentum is real. Under new ownership, the dealership is bringing fresh energy, a renewed focus on customer experience, and a bold, forward-thinking approach to vehicle buying. This change marks the start of an exciting new era, built around transparency, trust, and putting customers first. To celebrate this transition, every vehicle purchase comes with a trip for two to Las Vegas. Whether you’re shopping for your next vehicle or simply curious about what’s changed, Derrick Dodge is moving forward with confidence, purpose, and a clear vision for the future.