Goalie Lucas Denham Commits to Oakland

by | Apr 20, 2026 | Recruiting, Oakland ACHA DI Hockey News

Oakland ACHA DI Hockey general manager Corey Hagood is pleased to announce that goalie Lucas Denham has committed to Oakland. Denham previously played for the Niagara Predators where he had a 2.45 goals against average and a 92% save percentage. “My overall thoughts are positive” Denham stated. “I am looking forward to a good year of hockey and relationship development with my teammates.” Denham also played in the AAU II with Niagara University.

“Lucas comes to us looking to compete, his character and work ethic are second to none.” Oakland head coach
Nick Mammel stated. “Bringing in another proven goaltender gives us more options and allows every day to be a competition. The biggest thing we are looking to add this year are kids that are fighters. And Lucas is the epitome of that. He’s going to go to war for me, for the guys in front of him and that’s what will define his career as a Grizzly.”

The recruiting process made a good impression on Denham, who was impressed with how welcoming everyone has been. “My impressions of the staff here at Oakland are very positive.” Denham said. “All throughout the process, everyone has been very welcoming, positive, and understanding when scenarios appear.”

The decision to continue his hockey career at Oakland was helped by what the program has to offer, and the education Oakland University provides. “I made this decision because I was looking for a school which values both education and athleticism, with a strong team bond and facilities for players to use, that will not break the bank. Oakland fit all of these criteria, which is what led to me continuing my hockey career here.” Denham said.

Denham is a strong positional goalie and will be a key piece in the goaltending depth of Oakland. “On the ice, you can expect a strong, committed, and passionate goaltender who gives it his all no matter what.” Denham stated. “It does not matter whether it is an optional skate, a practice, or a game, I put my full 100% effort out onto the ice. I would say I am a positional goalie. I play my angles well and can adapt to different scenarios on the ice.”

Consistency is the key for any goalie, and for Denham it has become one of his strengths. “The best part of my game, in my opinion, is my consistency throughout the game.” I’ve met some other goalies who have great starts, yet they trail off as the game goes on. I do not do this, and I put a consistent, strong level of effort all throughout the game. “

Denham will be studying Business, with a minor in sports management. 

2026 Oakland ACHA DI Hockey Recruiting Class

NamePositionPrevious Team/League
Mike BishopForwardMaine Nordiques/18U AAA
Nathan Conklin Jr.DefensemanPeoria Mustangs / NA3HL
Jason BertrandDefensemanDelta College Prep /USHS-Prep
Lucas DenhamGoalieNiagara Predators/GMHL

Graphic By OU Hockey Alum Joseph Guenther