Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 18U AAA defenseman Michael Boyle has committed to play college hockey for the University of Denver starting with the 2017-2018 season.

The Pioneers play in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and qualified for the NCAA tournament last season.

Boyle, a United States Hockey League (USHL) draft pick of the Sioux City Musketeers who turns 18 on Sept. 16, was recently listed on the team’s protected list for the 2015-16 season.

Other Jr. Coyotes to move up the hockey ladder next year to junior hockey include goaltender Jaxson Castor (USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints), forward Brandon Tucker and defenseman Connor Stuart (North American Hockey League’s Odessa Jackalopes), forward Mark Kastelic (Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen) and defenseman Nicolai Knyzhov (WHL’s Regina Pats).