Denver Claims Frozen Four Final Berth with Double-OT Victory Over Michigan

A Gripping Overtime Thriller Unfolds (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Las Vegas – The University of Denver Pioneers claimed a spot in the NCAA men’s hockey national championship with a 4-3 double-overtime victory over top-seeded Michigan on Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena.[1][2] Captain Kent Anderson fired home the game-winner from the slot at 7:25 of the second overtime, capping a 92-minute marathon that ranks among the longest games in tournament history. The triumph extended Denver’s winning streak to 12 and positioned the Pioneers for a potential record-extending 11th title against Wisconsin on Saturday.

A Gripping Overtime Thriller Unfolds

The semifinal delivered edge-of-your-seat action from the opening faceoff. Denver jumped ahead early in the first period when freshman Kyle Chyzowski capitalized on a Michigan turnover to slip the puck past goaltender Jack Ivankovic.[1] Michigan responded swiftly with goals from Josh Eernisse and T.J. Hughes within the final three minutes of the frame, seizing a 2-1 lead on a scramble and a rebound.

Cale Ashcroft evened the score in the second period with a wrist shot from the point during a power play, forcing a tense third. Jayden Perron restored Michigan’s advantage on the man advantage midway through the period, but Clarke Caswell redirected a shot past Ivankovic with under three minutes left to knot it at 3-3. The first overtime solved nothing despite frantic chances on both ends, setting up Anderson’s heroics.

Here is the scoring summary:

1. 1st Period, 10:31: Kyle Chyzowski (DEN) – 1-0 Denver.
2. 1st Period: Josh Eernisse (MICH) – 1-1 tie.
3. 1st Period: T.J. Hughes (MICH) – 2-1 Michigan.
4. 2nd Period, 17:30: Cale Ashcroft (DEN) – 2-2 tie.
5. 3rd Period, 8:58: Jayden Perron (MICH, PP) – 3-2 Michigan.
6. 3rd Period, 17:14: Clarke Caswell (DEN) – 3-3 tie.
7. 2nd OT, 7:25: Kent Anderson (DEN) – 4-3 final.

Johnny Hicks Delivers Standout Performance

Freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks emerged as Denver’s backbone, stopping 49 of 52 shots in a career-high effort. He preserved the tie with a sprawling denial on Garrett Schifsky during the first overtime and shook off a third-period collision to stay in net. Hicks remained undefeated in his 15th start of the season.[2]

Michigan dominated possession with a 52-26 shots advantage, including 31-18 through regulation, yet Hicks’ poise thwarted their top-ranked offense. Coach David Carle hailed him as “our best player tonight.” Ivankovic countered with 14 saves but faltered on turnovers and deflections.

Two Powerhouse Programs Collide

Denver entered as the two-time defending champions from 2022 and 2024, chasing an NCAA-record 11th crown. The Pioneers dispatched Cornell and others in regionals before edging Western Michigan to reach Las Vegas. Michigan, with nine titles but none since 1998, powered through Bentley and Minnesota Duluth en route to the semis, boasting a perfect 5-0-1 overtime record entering the night.[3]

Power plays proved pivotal: Michigan converted 1 of 2 opportunities at 31.6% season efficiency, while Denver went 0-for-5. The Wolverines’ Hobey Baker finalist T.J. Hughes tallied his 22nd goal, but the Pioneers’ depth prevailed in the extra sessions.

Anderson’s Leadership Shines Through

Senior defenseman Kent Anderson, an unsung leader, rifled a pass from Kristian Epperson under Ivankovic’s glove for his second goal of the year. “It means everything to play in this national championship game,” Anderson said. “It’s the goal at the beginning of the year. It’s what we work for.”[2]

Carle praised his preparation: “Really proud of him… He works that shot a lot in goalie skates… Kind of an unsung guy.” Anderson’s clutch strike extended Denver’s postseason magic and silenced a Michigan squad that outshot them more than two-to-one.

Spotlight on Saturday’s Championship Clash

Denver now prepares for Wisconsin, who upset No. 2 North Dakota 2-1 in the earlier semifinal with a pair of rapid-fire first-period goals. The Badgers represent an upstart challenge, but the Pioneers carry momentum into the 5:30 p.m. ET finale on ESPN.

This Frozen Four semifinal encapsulated college hockey’s intensity, rewarding grit over firepower. Denver’s journey continues toward history. What do you think of the Pioneers’ chances on Saturday? Tell us in the comments.