Denver University Hockey Wins NCAA Championship In Overtime Thriller
Denver University Hockey Wins NCAA Championship In Overtime Thriller...
Denver University's hockey team clinched the 2026 NCAA Frozen Four championship Saturday night with a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory against rival Boston College. The Pioneers secured their record-extending 10th national title after forward Jack Devine scored the game-winner 12:41 into sudden death at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The victory caps a dominant 32-6-1 season for Denver, who entered the tournament as the #1 overall seed. Head coach David Carle's squad overcame a 2-0 third-period deficit with goals from defenseman Zeev Buium and captain McKade Webster before Devine's championship clincher. The win marks Denver's third title in eight years, cementing their status as college hockey's modern dynasty.
The game trended nationally Sunday as highlights of Devine's overtime goal went viral across social media platforms. ESPN's broadcast peaked at 2.1 million viewers during the final period - the highest Frozen Four rating since 2019. Denver students flooded the campus's Driscoll Green with impromptu celebrations that lasted into Sunday morning.
Boston College's loss ended their Cinderella run after entering the tournament as a #4 seed. The Eagles nearly pulled off the upset behind goalie Jacob Fowler's 44 saves, including several spectacular stops in overtime. BC coach Greg Brown told reporters postgame: "We left everything on the ice. Sometimes the hockey gods don't smile on you."
The championship caps a remarkable turnaround for Denver hockey after missing the NCAA tournament entirely in 2025. Athletic director Josh Berlo credited the team's leadership core and Carle's coaching adjustments for the quick rebound. University chancellor Jeremy Haefner announced Sunday that the team will be honored with a campus parade on Tuesday afternoon.
With 10 national championships, Denver now holds two more titles than any other program in NCAA hockey history. The Pioneers return 18 players next season, making them early favorites to defend their crown in 2027. Tickets for Tuesday's victory celebration at Magness Arena sold out within 90 minutes Sunday morning.
