Denver Clinches 11th NCAA Title by Defeating Wisconsin at Frozen Four

Bassyonni

Published: April 12, 2026 5:55 AM ET

Denver Clinches 11th NCAA Title by Defeating Wisconsin at Frozen Four

Denver Pioneers have clinched their 11th NCAA title by defeating the Wisconsin Badgers 2-1 in a thrilling Frozen Four championship match, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This victory marks the Pioneers’ fourth national championship in the last ten years, showcasing their dominance in college hockey.

Key Highlights from the Championship Match

The Pioneers returned to the national championship after narrowly missing out last season. Coach David Carle emphasized the uniqueness of this season, highlighting the team’s culture and selflessness. Goaltender Johnny Hicks played a pivotal role, being named the Most Outstanding Player.

Outstanding Goaltending Performance

Hicks made 29 saves in the championship game.
He boasted a save percentage of .951 throughout the tournament.
In the Frozen Four semifinal, he had a staggering 49 saves in a double overtime win against Michigan.

Despite allowing an early goal in the first period from Wisconsin’s Vasily Zelenov, Hicks maintained his composure. He halted 24 consecutive shots, helping his team rebound from a slow start. “We stuck with it as a group,” Hicks stated after the match. “We came back and fought back into it.”

Team Effort Leads to Victory

Denver’s offense came alive in the third period, tying the game on just their seventh shot. Minnesota Wild prospect Rieger Lorenz scored the equalizer with an assist from Los Angeles Kings draftee Kristian Epperson and Winnipeg Jets prospect Garrett Brown.

Lorenz scored at 7:31 into the third period.
Brown assisted in the go-ahead goal at 14:08, redirecting the puck to Boston Buckberger, who set up Kyle Chyzowski.

Coach Carle praised the depth of the team, noting how players rose to the occasion. “This is just one of the deepest teams that we have,” said Brown, echoing his teammates’ sentiments about their collective effort and sacrifice.

Challenges and Triumphs

The Badgers fought hard, with goalie Daniel Hauser making 13 saves and allowing only three goals through the entire tournament. They showed resilience by winning six of their final eight games this season. Coach Mike Hastings recognized the challenges faced during the match, relaying, “We just didn’t capitalize on our opportunities.”

Overall, Denver’s victory encapsulates a season of determination and teamwork. With standout performances and a solid understanding of their game, the Pioneers have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in NCAA hockey.