CENTENNIAL — Cherry Creek's ice hockey players are having a blast, and who could blame them?

Expectations for the Bruins, made up of players from throughout the Cherry Creek School District, were low at the beginning of the season. After they compiled a 2-16-1 record in their debut season of 2012-13, the goal was simply to improve and perhaps make a run at the playoffs.

But a run to the state semifinals?

"The only people who expected us to make it this far were us, and I don't know if most of the guys expected us to make it to the 'frozen four,' " Creek senior Michael Dubus said. "It's been incredible, and we love surprising everybody. That's been our mojo this whole year."

But here they are along with Monarch (18-1-2), Ralston Valley (21-0) and Regis Jesuit (17-3-1) — all perennial powerhouses — bidding for a chance at the state championship Saturday at the Denver Coliseum after Friday's semifinals.

"It's definitely exciting being in the final four, but we don't want it to end here," Creek senior goalie Aaron Jatana said.

Under the tutelage of first-year coach Jeff Mielnicki, Cherry Creek (17-3-1) has turned an about-face in its sophomore season.

"From Day One, the players know that I am very defensive-minded as a coach," Mielnicki said. "If you look at our game schedule, you'll see a lot of one- and two-goal games. We don't see a lot of these big routs. Every game, somebody different is working to make a great defensive play that translates into a goal or something."

Instilled with a new style of play and mind-set, the team opened the season with a 4-0-1 record.

"(Mielnicki has) definitely changed the mentality. He's given us this winning attitude," said defenseman Jackson Ross, who is a junior at Smoky Hill.

That attitude proved to be infectious in the locker room, helping build the team's confidence as the season went on.

"Everyone just came in just wanting to win and earn some respect in this league," said defenseman Mark Saxelby, a senior at Grandview. "Last year, we were kind of a joke."

Their success has been sudden and unexpected, creating an underdog atmosphere. It's something several of the players agreed that they enjoy.

"I think that motivates us," Creek senior center Michael King said. "It makes us realize that we have nothing to lose."

Dubus added: "It's awesome. It takes all the pressure off us."

With the Bruins set to face defending champion Ralston Valley in the semifinals, it will be a daunting task for the Bruins to move forward. But they're hoping to have a couple of surprises left for this season.

Joe Nguyen: jnguyen@denverpost.com or twitter.com/byjoenguyen