Denver Edges Wisconsin In Thrilling Frozen Four Semifinal
Denver Edges Wisconsin In Thrilling Frozen Four Semifinal...
The University of Denver defeated the University of Wisconsin 3-2 in overtime Thursday night, advancing to the NCAA men's hockey championship game. The Frozen Four semifinal matchup, played before a sold-out crowd in St. Paul, Minnesota, delivered the dramatic finish hockey fans had anticipated between these longtime rivals.
Freshman forward Sam Harris scored the game-winner 12:14 into overtime, sending Denver to its first title game since 2022. The victory extends Denver's winning streak to nine games and keeps alive their quest for a record 10th national championship.
Wisconsin's season ends at 28-11-1 despite a heroic 42-save performance by goaltender Kyle McClellan. The Badgers had forced overtime with Cruz Lucius' tying goal late in the third period.
The game is trending nationally as one of the most-watched college hockey matchups this season. ESPN reported strong television ratings, particularly in the Midwest and Mountain regions where both schools have passionate fan bases.
Social media erupted after the game, with #FrozenFour trending on Twitter. Many fans praised the high-level play and sportsmanship between the two storied programs. The matchup marked their first NCAA tournament meeting since 2005.
Denver will face the winner of Thursday's second semifinal between Boston University and Michigan in Saturday's championship game. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT at the Xcel Energy Center.
This marks Denver's 18th Frozen Four appearance and Wisconsin's 13th. Both programs rank among college hockey's elite, combining for 16 national championships. The intense rivalry dates back to their first meeting in 1963.
Ticket resale prices for Saturday's final have already doubled since Denver's victory. Local businesses in St. Paul report increased demand from traveling fans, with hotels near capacity for the weekend.
The game's impact extends beyond the ice. University officials from both schools noted increased merchandise sales and alumni engagement during the tournament run. Wisconsin's appearance marked their first Frozen Four since 2010, reigniting interest in their program.
