It’s onward and upward for Littleton native Ryan Massa, who has been named an assistant coach for the University of Denver.

The 33-year-old Massa first joined Denver’s staff on Aug. 1, 2021 as a volunteer assistant where he worked with the team’s goaltenders, assisted in on-ice skill development and provided scouting reports for the student-athletes. He also assisted in managing the bench during games.

“Ryan has fit into our Pioneer family since joining us as a volunteer assistant two years ago, and I’m thrilled to elevate him within our staff,” said DU head coach David Carle. “His previous work with our goaltenders and assisting in skills with our other players have been a huge benefit for our team, and having his presence every day will continue to elevate our program in our push for another national championship.”

A member of the Pioneers’ NCAA championship team in 2022, Massa helped guide former netminder Magnus Chrona to 50 wins and 10 shutouts over the previous two campaigns and the NCHC Goaltender of the Year award in 2023. Junior goalie Matt Davis owned an 11-2-0 record, 1.84 goals-against average and .924 save percentage in his two years under the tutelage of Massa.

“My family and I are grateful and enthusiastic for the opportunity to stay within the Pioneer family, and I am looking forward to pursuing a historic 10th national championship with this program,” Massa said. “I love getting to work every day with our staff and players, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

Prior to joining DU, Massa spent four years training goaltenders at various levels in the state of Colorado. He also serves as the director of goaltending for Total Package Hockey.

Massa graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a degree in finance and investment banking in 2015 while also manning the pipes for four years for the Mavericks, going 32-27-9 record with a 2.47 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage with four shutouts. He backstopped UNO to the program’s only NCAA Frozen Four appearance in 2014-15 while producing a 14-8-6 mark with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage in that campaign.

After his time at Omaha, Massa played two seasons of professional hockey with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL from 2015-17 before co-founding Elite Edge Athlete in the Denver area in 2018.

He currently resides in Littleton with his wife Natalie, and son Julian.

During his youth hockey career, Massa played for the Littleton Hawks, Colorado Thunderbirds, and Colorado Rampage.

Photo/Harrison Barden/Clarkson Creative Photography

(September 6, 2023)