Denver Pioneers Hockey Advances To Frozen Four Championship
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 game appearance since 2017, reigniting excitement among college hockey fans nationwide.
Forward Carter Mazur scored the game-winning goal just 1:12 into overtime, sending Denver's home crowd at Magness Arena into a frenzy. The Pioneers will now face Michigan in Saturday's title game at TD Garden in Boston, where they aim for their record-tying 10th national championship.
This matchup is trending today as it features two of college hockey's most storied programs in a high-stakes showdown. Denver's unexpected playoff run has captured attention beyond Colorado, with ESPN reporting a 28% increase in Frozen Four viewership compared to last year.
The Pioneers' success comes despite losing four key players to NHL contracts earlier this season. Coach David Carle's ability to develop younger talent has drawn praise from hockey analysts, including former NHL star Jeremy Roenick, who called Denver "the most complete team left in the tournament" during Thursday's broadcast.
University officials confirmed they've chartered 10 flights for students and alumni traveling to Boston for the championship game. Ticket resale prices have surged past $400 for upper-level seats at TD Garden, reflecting intense demand for what could be a historic game.
Denver last won the national title in 2017 under then-coach Jim Montgomery, who now leads the Boston Bruins. A victory on Saturday would tie the Pioneers with Michigan for the most NCAA hockey championships in history.
Local businesses near DU's campus are preparing for large watch parties, with several bars extending hours for Saturday's 6 p.m. MT puck drop. The university plans a campus-wide celebration next week regardless of the outcome, highlighting the team's academic achievements alongside their athletic success.
This Frozen Four appearance continues Denver's resurgence as a hockey powerhouse after missing the tournament entirely in 2021. Athletic director Josh Berlo told reporters Friday that the program's success helps recruit both athletes and students to the university, with applications up 15% this year.
The championship game will air live on ESPN2 and stream on ESPN+, with pregame coverage beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET. Weather forecasts suggest clear skies in Boston, easing travel concerns for fans making last-minute trips to support their teams.
