Denver pioneers snatch frozen four victory in double overtime thriller

A freshman's grit and a last-minute equalizer propelled the Denver Pioneers to a nail-biting 4-3 victory over the Michigan Wolverines Thursday night in the Frozen Four semifinals. Johnny Hicks, the nation's top goaltender, turned aside 49 shots, a personal best, while Kent Anderson’s sudden-death goal at 7:25 of the second overtime sealed the win, keeping Denver’s national title hopes alive.

Michigan's missed opportunity

The Wolverines, boasting a potent offense and a desperate desire to reach their first championship game since 2011, came agonizingly close. Outshooting Denver 52-26, they appeared poised to challenge for their first national title since 1998. However, a late goal by Denver and subsequent resilience in overtime dashed those aspirations. Coach Brandon Naurato acknowledged the profound impact his seniors had on the program, a legacy that extends beyond this season’s Frozen Four appearance.

The game swung wildly. Michigan, led by Hobey Baker finalist T.J. Hughes (who reached a career milestone with his 179th point), appeared to have secured the win with Jayden Perron’s power-play goal late in regulation. But Denver, refusing to surrender, responded with a clutch redirection by Clarke Caswell with just 2:46 remaining.

What nobody saw coming was the sheer dominance of Hicks in goal. Facing a relentless Michigan attack, the freshman netminder absorbed a brutal hit early in the third period and remained steadfast, a testament to his unwavering resolve. “He’s a battler, he’s unfazed,” declared Pioneers coach David Carle, “he was our best player tonight.”

Pioneers extend championship pursuit

Denver (28-11-3), the No. 2 regional seed, will now face Wisconsin (24-12-2) in Saturday’s championship game. The Pioneers, seeking their third national title in five years, have a storied history in college hockey, boasting a record 11 titles. Anderson's goal, a tap-in from the slot, resonated deeply, marking a career-high moment. “I don’t score many goals,” he admitted, “so this is ranking up top so far. That means everything to play in this national championship game.”

While Michigan, despite their offensive prowess, ultimately fell short, the Wolverines demonstrated an impressive tenacity. The Pioneers, however, proved their mettle in the face of adversity, a team built on resilience and a refusal to concede defeat. The final shot count of 21-8 in overtime for Michigan speaks to Denver's desperate defense, but it was Denver’s unwavering belief that ultimately propelled them to victory.

The clock is ticking. Denver's bid for an 11th national championship is within reach, a legacy they’re determined to uphold.