Denver product, Jr. Pioneers, Denver East alum Friedman moves up to NCAA D-III Chatham

The NAHL’s Chippewa Steel have announced that goaltender Noel Friedman has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Chatham University in the UCHC.

Hailing from Denver, Friedman, will play in the blue paint for the remainder of the 2025-26 season for the Pittsburgh-based Cougars.

Friedman is a first-year goaltender for the Steel. This season, the 20-year-old played between the pipes in seven games, putting up a 4.63 goals-against average and a .869 save percentage.

Kelley Kasik, the owner and president of Steel, shares more on the organization’s excitement for Friedman’s next steps.

“We are proud of Noel for his commitment to Chatham University,” said Steel owner and president Kelley Kasik. “Noel’s hard work and dedication to honing his goaltending skills showed daily. He was always professional and a leader on and off the ice. We were blessed by Noel’s time and contributions in Chippewa. The Steel very much looks forward to seeing Noel progress and be successful at the college level.”

In Colorado, Friedman played for the Denver Jr. Pioneers and Denver East High School and has previous junior hockey experience with the NCDC’s Pueblo Bulls.

“Coach (John) Kopperud definitely helped me succeed in my two years playing high school,” Friedman said. “He gave me the chance to be the starter even as an underclassman and I made the most of that opportunity. Matt Zaba, my goalie coach, who I’ve worked with for years, has made a big difference in my game and has helped me get to the point I am at in my game today.”

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