University of Denver hockey coach Jim Montgomery has been awarded a new contract before his fourth season behind the bench. Montgomery, who has led DU to three NCAA Tournament appearances — including a Frozen Four berth in April — has agreed to tear up his original five-year deal and sign a new contract for five years, but with a hefty raise.

The private school will announce the new deal Wednesday, but Montgomery agreed to talk about it Tuesday in a phone interview with The Denver Post.

“I’m just really happy that Chancellor (Rebecca) Chopp, the board of trustees and (athletic director) Peg Bradley-Doppes have the confidence in me to continue to lead this great program,” Montgomery said. “I love where we are right now with the talented staff I have and with the great student-athletes. I think we’re in much better position right now than when I arrived, and adding to the national championships — we’re very close.”

Montgomery, who will celebrate his 47th birthday Thursday, is 69-40-14 at DU in his first NCAA head coaching position. His three teams each have steadily improved during the season, and DU has advanced in the NCAA Tournament every year with a tenacious style of entertaining attack hockey. The Pioneers lost in the 2014 first round to Boston College before beating the Eagles in the first round in 2015, when eventual national champion Providence upset DU in the quarterfinals. Last season Denver breezed to the Frozen Four before losing in the final minute of regulation to North Dakota, which went on to win the title.

On paper, Montgomery will have his best DU team next season when he will be among the highest-paid coaches in the eight-team National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Citing school policy, he declined to disclose financial figures.

“I’m very happy with the offer they put in front of me, that’s for sure,” Montgomery said.