Trending Now - Denver Claims Third NCAA Hockey Title in Five Seasons
WHO:
The New York Times - Samu Salminen left the game due to a shoulder injury after drawing an early tripping penalty.
The New York Times - Jake Fisher also left the game after taking a high dump into his face.
The New York Times - Head coach David Carle is 36 years old.
The New York Times - Samu Salminen is a New Jersey Devils prospect and served as a first-line center and alternate captain for Denver.
The New York Times - Jake Fisher is a sophomore for Denver.
ESPN - Johnny Hicks did not lose in regulation since taking over as starter, going 16-0-1.
ESPN - Hicks entered the championship game leading the nation with a 1.20 goals-against average and .957 save percentage.
ESPN - Denver Pioneers men's hockey team
ESPN - Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team
ESPN - Goalie Johnny Hicks of Denver
ESPN - Rieger Lorenz, player for Denver
ESPN - Vasily Zelenov, player for Wisconsin
ESPN - Daniel Hauser, goalie for Wisconsin
WHAT:
ESPN - Wisconsin's goal was scored by Vasily Zelenov at 13:36 of the first period.
ESPN - Rieger Lorenz scored the tying goal for Denver at 7:31 of the third period.
ESPN - Kyle Chyzowski scored the game-winning goal for Denver at 14:08 of the third period.
NHL.com - Johnny Hicks finished the season with a 1.19 goals-against average after taking over as the starter on January 23rd, 2026.
The New York Times - Wisconsin's shot advantage at the end of the first period was 10-2.
The New York Times - The shot difference after two periods was 21-5 in favor of Wisconsin.
The New York Times - Rieger Lorenz scored his 17th goal of the season during the championship game.
ESPN - Denver had only two shots on goal in the first period, marking the fifth time in a title game they ended a period with so few shots.
ESPN - Wisconsin outshot Denver 21-5 through the first two periods of the game.
ESPN - Denver won the NCAA hockey championship with a score of 2-1 against Wisconsin.
ESPN - This victory marked Denver's third national championship in five years and their 11th overall.
ESPN - Johnny Hicks made 29 saves during the game and was named Most Outstanding Player.
ESPN - Wisconsin's goal was scored by Vasily Zelenov, while Rieger Lorenz scored for Denver.
WHERE:
ESPN - The championship game took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
WHEN:
ESPN - The championship game occurred on Saturday, April 11th, 2026.
ESPN - Denver's previous game was on Thursday, April 9th, 2026, against Michigan.
WHY:
NHL.com - Wisconsin coach Mike Hastings noted that his team played well but failed to capitalize on opportunities.
The New York Times - Wisconsin's head coach Mike Hastings has turned the program around, leading them to their third Frozen Four appearance in six years.
ESPN - The victory denied Wisconsin their seventh championship and first since 2006.
HOW:
NHL.com - Denver's go-ahead goal was assisted by Boston Buckberger, who initially whiffed on his shot attempt before redirecting the puck to Chyzowski.
The New York Times - Johnny Hicks made a significant save early in the third period against Wisconsin winger Jack Horbach, who created a partial breakaway.
ESPN - Kyle Chyzowski tipped in a shot from the point with 5:52 left in the game to secure the victory for Denver.
ESPN - Denver rallied to win after being down 1-0, with goals scored by Rieger Lorenz and Kyle Chyzowski.
ESPN - Johnny Hicks had a personal-high of 49 saves in the semifinal game against Michigan just two days prior.
(UPDATED April 12, 2026 11:06 UTC)
In a tough matchup, Wisconsin's Samu Salminen and Jake Fisher both left the game due to injuries, with Salminen suffering a shoulder injury and Fisher taking a high hit to the face. The game saw Wisconsin's Vasily Zelenov score first, but Denver rallied back with Rieger Lorenz tying it in the third period, followed by Kyle Chyzowski netting the game-winner, assisted by Boston Buckberger. Wisconsin coach Mike Hastings acknowledged his team's solid performance but pointed out their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
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(UPDATED April 12, 2026 09:09 UTC)
In a thrilling championship game, Rieger Lorenz scored his 17th goal of the season, helping Wisconsin dominate with a shot advantage of 21 to 5 after two periods. Wisconsin's head coach Mike Hastings has successfully led the program to its third Frozen Four appearance in just six years, showcasing a remarkable turnaround. Meanwhile, Denver's head coach David Carle, who is 36 years old, has players like Samu Salminen, a first-line center and alternate captain, and sophomore Jake Fisher, contributing to the team's efforts.
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(UPDATED April 12, 2026 05:37 UTC)
In a thrilling championship game, Denver secured a victory thanks to Kyle Chyzowski, who tipped in a shot from the point with just under six minutes remaining. Johnny Hicks, who has not lost in regulation since becoming the starter with a record of sixteen wins and one overtime loss, entered the game leading the nation with a remarkable goals-against average of 1.20 and a save percentage of .957. Despite being outshot by Wisconsin twenty-one to five through the first two periods, Denver managed to clinch the win with a strong finish.
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(UPDATED April 12, 2026 04:00 UTC)
on Saturday, the Denver Pioneers men's hockey team clinched the NCAA championship with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Johnny Hicks, who made 29 saves during the game, was named Most Outstanding Player, while Rieger Lorenz scored for Denver and Vasily Zelenov found the net for Wisconsin. This win marked Denver's third national championship in five years and their 11th overall, denying Wisconsin their seventh title and first since 2006.