University Of Denver Hockey Advances To Frozen Four Championship
University Of Denver Hockey Advances To Frozen Four Championship...
The University of Denver hockey team secured a spot in the NCAA Frozen Four championship game after a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against Boston College on Thursday night. The Pioneers, seeking their 10th national title, will face Michigan in Saturday’s final in St. Paul, Minnesota. The win has sparked celebrations across Denver and put the program back in the national spotlight.
Denver’s victory was sealed by sophomore forward Jack Devine, who scored the game-winning goal just 1:12 into overtime. The dramatic finish capped a back-and-forth battle that saw the Pioneers overcome a third-period deficit. Head coach David Carle praised his team’s resilience, calling it "a testament to their character."
The Frozen Four appearance marks Denver’s first since 2022, when they last won the national championship. The program’s storied history includes nine titles, second only to Michigan’s record of 10. A win on Saturday would tie the two schools for the most championships in college hockey history.
Fans flooded social media with reactions, with #DUHockey trending nationally on X (formerly Twitter). Local bars near the Denver campus reported packed crowds during Thursday’s game, and ticket demand for Saturday’s final has surged. The university announced plans for a watch party at Magness Arena, where the team normally plays.
The matchup against Michigan carries extra significance as the Wolverines eliminated Denver in last year’s tournament. Michigan advanced to the final by defeating Quinnipiac 4-1 in Thursday’s earlier semifinal. Both teams feature multiple NHL draft picks, raising the stakes for scouts in attendance.
Puck drop for the championship game is set for 4 p.m. MT Saturday on ESPN2. The game will be played at the Xcel Energy Center, home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. With Denver’s hockey tradition and Michigan’s powerhouse program, the final is expected to draw one of the largest Frozen Four TV audiences in recent years.
