Denver University Hockey Advances To Frozen Four After Overtime Thriller

The University of Denver Pioneers are headed to the Frozen Four after a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory against Boston College in the NCAA hockey tournament regional final on Saturday. The win, secured by a game-winning goal from sophomore forward Jack Devine, sends Denver to its 18th Frozen Four appearance and keeps its national championship hopes alive.

The game, played at the Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Missouri, drew national attention as a clash between two of college hockey’s top programs. Denver’s victory avenged a regular-season loss to Boston College and marked the program’s first Frozen Four berth since 2022. The Pioneers will face Michigan in the semifinals on April 11 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

This matchup is trending today as fans celebrate Denver’s underdog triumph and analyze the team’s chances against a powerhouse Michigan squad. The game also sparked discussions about the growing parity in college hockey, with Denver becoming the third team from the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) to reach the Frozen Four this year.

Head coach David Carle praised his team’s resilience after the win, calling it "a testament to our culture." Meanwhile, Boston College’s season ends at 31-6-1, leaving fans disappointed but optimistic about next year’s roster. The Frozen Four semifinals will air live on ESPN2, with the championship game set for April 13.

Denver’s hockey success has energized the campus and local community, with students already planning watch parties for the upcoming game. The Pioneers, who last won the national title in 2022, are now two wins away from adding another championship banner to their storied program.