Denver Pioneers Hockey Advances To Frozen Four Championship

The University of Denver Pioneers 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 win marks Denver's first championship appearance since 2017 and keeps their quest for a record-tying 10th national title alive.

The game, played at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, saw Denver overcome a late third-period deficit. Junior forward Jack Devine scored the game-winner just 1:19 into overtime, sending Pioneers fans into a frenzy. The team now faces Michigan in Saturday's title game.

Denver's success has sparked celebrations across campus and drawn national attention to the program's storied history. The Pioneers last won the championship in 2022 under current head coach David Carle, who has maintained the program's elite status.

The Frozen Four matchup is trending today as college hockey fans debate whether Denver can complete its championship run. A win would tie the Pioneers with Michigan for the most NCAA hockey titles in history. ESPN's broadcast of the game drew over 1.2 million viewers, the highest semifinal rating in five years.

University officials report ticket demand for Saturday's championship has overwhelmed the school's allotment. Local watch parties are being organized across Denver, including at Magness Arena, where the team normally plays its home games. The city last celebrated a hockey championship when the Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022.

Michigan enters the final as slight favorites, but Denver's strong defensive play and tournament experience make them dangerous underdogs. The championship game airs Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2, with the winner claiming college hockey's ultimate prize.