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2026 NHL Draft

Denver Rallies Past Wisconsin To Win NCAA Hockey Championship 2026

Denver Rallies Past Wisconsin To Win NCAA Hockey Championship 2026

Denver scored two third-period goals to beat Wisconsin 2-1 and win the 2026 NCAA Hockey Championship, giving the Pioneers their 11th national title.

Apr 12, 2026 by R. R. Ellis
null
Hockey Highlights: Fights From The 2025-26 Season So Far15:27

Denver is once again a champion after rallying past Wisconsin for a 2-1 win in the NCAA men’s ice hockey championship game Saturday night in Las Vegas.

For most of the night, it looked like the Badgers were in control. Wisconsin struck first on a Vasily Zelenov goal in the opening period, created plenty of chances early and kept pressure on the DU net throughout the night.

But the Badgers were unable to pad their lead against Johnny Hicks and a Denver defense that blocked 31 shots.

That left the door open for the Pioneers in the third period. 

Rieger Lorenz tied the game with 12:29 left in regulation, and Kyle Chyzowski gave Denver the lead less than seven minutes later as the Pios completed a comeback to secure their 11th national championship.

Recap the game below as it happened. 

End Of Game: Denver Wins

Final: Wisconsin 1, Denver 2

In a low-scoring NCAA hockey final, the Denver Pioneers willed themselves back into the game and skated away with the national title.

Wisconsin controlled much of the night, outshooting Denver 30-15 and carrying a 1-0 lead deep into the third period, but goals from Rieger Lorenz and Kyle Chyzowski turned the game around and sealed the championship.

The Pioneers add their 11th national championship, the most in NCAA men's hockey history. 

Wisconsin Pulls Hauser - 3rd, 1:50

Wisconsin 1, Denver 2

With less than two minutes left, Mike Hastings pulls Daniel Hauser.

Denver Power Play - 3rd, 4:14

Wisconsin 1, Denver 2

Two minutes for holding on Blake Montgomery.

The penalty came moments after Boston Buckberger hit the crossbar to the right of Johnny Hicks.

Denver Scores Again, Takes Lead - 3rd, 5:52

Wisconsin 1, Denver 2

Denver takes the lead with a Kyle Chyzowski deflection in front of the net.

Daniel Hauser had lost his stick earlier in the Pios' offensive phase and was practically helpless to stop the goal.

Denver takes the lead for the first time in this game.

Denver Scores - 3rd, 12:29

Wisconsin 1, Denver 1

There it is. Denver finally breaks through.

The Pios had struggled to generate chances for much of the game, but Rieger Lorenz puts one past Daniel Hauser to score Denver’s first goal of the night.

We are tied with 12:29 left.

Denver Still Stuck On Six Shots - 3rd, 16:21

Wisconsin 1, Denver 0

Denver has just six shots on goal with 16:21 left in the third period.

Wisconsin's forecheck has been dominant in this game, with Denver not getting its regular chances.

The Badgers have 22 shots.

Still, one shot can change this game.

Third Period Begins - 3rd, 20:00

Wisconsin 1, Denver 0

We’re headed to the final frame, as Wisconsin holds on to a 1-0 lead.

If the Badgers can maintain the lead, it would be their first national championship since 2006.

Second Period Ends

Wisconsin 1, Denver 0

These freshman goalies are the story of the game so far, as both Hauser and Hicks have been outstanding.

Johnny Hicks Keeping Denver Close - 2nd, 4:56

Wisconsin 1, Denver 0

Johnny Hicks is still doing his part to keep Denver within a goal.

Wisconsin continues to control the pace and has been peppering the net, but Hicks has come up with several stops to keep the Badgers from extending the lead.

Halfway Through Second Period - 2nd, 11:08

Wisconsin 1, Denver 0

Denver has looked a bit better in its last few shifts. It still only has four shots in the game, compared to Wisconsin's 13 shots.

Both goalies have made elite saves.

Second Period Begins - 2nd, 20:00

Wisconsin 1, Denver 0

The second period is underway in the NCAA hockey championship game.

It'll be interesting to see how Denver responds to the unrelenting Wisconsin forecheck.

First Period Ends

Wisconsin 1, Denver 0

The Badgers come out of the first frame with a 1-0 lead.

Not only did they look like the more energetic team, but Wisconsin outshot DU 10-2, with the Pios getting their first shot six minutes into the game.

Wisconsin Scores - 1st, 6:24

Wisconsin 1, Denver 0

The power play ended, but Vasily Zelenov ripped the puck into the top left corner for the first goal of the game.

Johnny Hicks got a piece of it, but the shot sailed over his right shoulder.

The Badgers strike first.

Wisconsin Power Play - 1st, 9:24

Wisconsin 0, Denver 0

The Badgers will have their first power play of the game after Cale Ashcroft pancaked Ryan Botterill against the boards.

Two minutes for boarding on Cale Ashcroft of Denver.

Hauser Stops Harris Wrister - 1st, 11:17

Wisconsin 0, Denver 0

Wisconsin goalie Daniel Hauser faced his biggest test of the game so far when Denver’s Sam Harris fired a wrister from about 15 feet out.

Hauser came out to challenge and made the save.

No Shots For Denver - 1st, 14:25

Wisconsin 0, Denver 0

We're five minutes into this final and Denver has yet to record a shot on goal.

Wisconsin has four shots.

Denver is winning faceoffs, with seven to Wisconsin's four.

DU Power Play - 1st, 18:11

Wisconsin 0, Denver 0

Two minutes for tripping on Oliver Tulk of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Forecheck - 1st, 18:27

Wisconsin 0, Denver 0

The Wisconsin forecheck is already giving Denver trouble, with two quick shots from the Badgers.

Game Begins - 1st, 20:00

Wisconsin 0, Denver 0

The NCAA hockey championship final is underway in Las Vegas.

Wisconsin and Denver go head-to-head for the title.

Most NCAA Hockey Championships

Programs with at least two NCAA men’s hockey national championships.

  • Denver - 11 (1958, 1960, 1961, 1968, 1969, 2004, 2005, 2017, 2022, 2024, 2026)
  • Michigan - 9 (1948, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1964, 1996, 1998)
  • North Dakota - 8 (1959, 1963, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1997, 2000, 2016)
  • Wisconsin - 6 (1973, 1977, 1981, 1983, 1990, 2006)
  • Minnesota - 5 (1974, 1976, 1979, 2002, 2003)
  • Boston University - 5 (1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, 2009)
  • Boston College - 5 (1949, 2001, 2008, 2010, 2012)
  • Michigan Tech - 3 (1962, 1965, 1975)
  • Lake Superior State - 3 (1988, 1992, 1994)
  • Michigan State - 3 (1966, 1986, 2007)
  • Minnesota Duluth - 3 (2011, 2018, 2019)
  • Colorado College - 2 (1950, 1957)
  • Cornell - 2 (1967, 1970)
  • RPI - 2 (1954, 1985)
  • Maine - 2 (1993, 1999)

Wisconsin Vs. Denver Stat Comparison

Record

  • Denver - 28-11-3
  • Wisconsin - 24-12-2

Goals For

  • Denver - 152
  • Wisconsin - 141

Goals Against

  • Denver - 89
  • Wisconsin - 113

Goals Per Game

  • Denver - 3.6
  • Wisconsin - 3.7

Goals Allowed Per Game

  • Denver - 2.1
  • Wisconsin - 3.0

Shots

  • Denver - 1,416
  • Wisconsin - 1,281

Shots Per Game

  • Denver - 33.7
  • Wisconsin - 33.7

Shot Percentage

  • Denver - .107
  • Wisconsin - .110

Power-Play Goals

  • Denver - 25
  • Wisconsin - 35

Shorthanded Goals

  • Denver - 3
  • Wisconsin - 4

Saves

  • Denver - 1,119
  • Wisconsin - 877

What Time Is The NCAA Hockey Championship?

The NCAA D1 Men's Hockey Championship final starts at 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT and will see the Denver Pioneers meet the Wisconsin Badgers for the title in Las Vegas.

When Is The Frozen Four Final?

The Frozen Four final is set for Saturday, April 11, with Denver vs. Wisconsin beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

What Channel Is The NCAA Hockey Championship 2026 On?

The 2026 NCAA Men's Hockey Championship will be broadcast on ESPN. The game will also be streamed on ESPN+.

NCAA Frozen Four Schedule

Thursday, April 9

  • Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 1
  • Denver 4, Michigan 3 (2OT)

Saturday, April 11

  • 5:30 p.m. ET - Denver vs. Wisconsin - DI Men's National Championship - ESPN

Frozen Four Future Sites

  • 2026 - Las Vegas - T-Mobile Arena - April 9 and 11
  • 2027 - Washington, D.C. - Capital One Arena - April 8 and 10
  • 2028 - Chicago - United Center - April 6 and 8

NCAA Hockey Scores & Bracket

Regional Semifinals

Thursday, March 26

  • No. 3 Michigan State 2, UConn 1
  • Quinnipiac 5, Providence 2
  • Wisconsin 5, Dartmouth 1
  • No. 2 North Dakota 3, Merrimack 0

Friday, March 27

  • No. 4 Western Michigan 3, Minnesota State 1
  • No. 1 Michigan 5, Bentley 1
  • Denver 5, Cornell 0
  • Minnesota Duluth 3, Penn State 1

Regional Finals

Saturday, March 28

  • Wisconsin 4, No. 3 Michigan State 3 (OT)
  • No. 2 North Dakota 5, Quinnipiac 0

Sunday, March 29

  • Denver 6, No. 4 Western Michigan 2
  • No. 1 Michigan 4, Minnesota Duluth 3

Frozen Four

Thursday, April 9

  • Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 1
  • Denver 4, Michigan 3 (2OT)

Saturday, April 11

  • 5:30 p.m. ET - Denver vs. Wisconsin - DI Men's National Championship - ESPN

Wisconsin Hockey Roster 2026

  • 2 - Luke Osburn - Fr. - D - 6-1 - 189
  • 4 - Ben Dexheimer - Sr. - D - 5-10 - 179
  • 5 - Zach Schulz - Jr. - D - 6-1 - 194
  • 6 - Logan Hensler - So. - D - 6-2 - 198
  • 7 - Gavin Morrissey - So. - F - 5-11 - 187
  • 8 - Jack Phelan - So. - D - 6-3 - 192
  • 9 - Kyle Kukkonen - Sr. - F - 5-10 - 180
  • 11 - Simon Tassy - Sr. - F - 6-2 - 194
  • 13 - Christian Fitzgerald - Sr. - F - 6-0 - 186
  • 14 - Joe Palodichuk - Jr. - D - 6-0 - 180
  • 16 - Tyson Dyck - Sr. - F - 6-0 - 187
  • 17 - Grady Deering - Fr. - F - 6-2 - 201
  • 18 - Adam Pietila - So. - F - 5-11 - 190
  • 19 - Quinn Finley - Jr. - F - 6-0 - 192
  • 21 - Ryan Botterill - So. - F - 5-11 - 180
  • 22 - Jack Horbach - Sr. - F - 5-11 - 175
  • 26 - Weston Knox - So. - D - 6-0 - 184
  • 27 - Finn Brink - Fr. - F - 5-10 - 180
  • 28 - Aiden Dubinsky - Sr. - D - 6-0 - 196
  • 30 - Eli Pulver - So. - G - 6-1 - 165
  • 31 - Daniel Hauser - Fr. - G - 5-11 - 167
  • 33 - Anton Castro - So. - G - 6-1 - 181
  • 47 - Blake Montgomery - Fr. - F - 6-4 - 182
  • 55 - Oliver Tulk - Fr. - F - 5-8 - 174
  • 91 - Bruno Idžan - Fr. - F - 6-0 - 193
  • 94 - Vasily Zelenov - Fr. - F - 6-0 - 193

Denver Hockey Roster 2026

  • 2 - Tory Pitner - So. - D - 6-1 - 190
  • 3 - Cale Ashcroft - Jr. - D - 5-11 - 190
  • 5 - Garrett Brown - Jr. - D - 6-3 - 190
  • 6 - Alec Whipple - So. - D - 5-11 - 187
  • 8 - Kristian Epperson - Fr. - F - 5-11 - 180
  • 9 - Boston Buckberger - Jr. - D - 6-0 - 190
  • 10 - Brady Milburn - Fr. - F - 6-1 - 205
  • 11 - Samu Salminen - Sr. - F - 6-2 - 205
  • 12 - Sam Harris - Jr. - F - 5-11 - 190
  • 13 - Hagen Burrows - So. - F - 6-2 - 176
  • 14 - Rieger Lorenz - Sr. - F - 6-3 - 210
  • 15 - Eric Jamieson - Fr. - D - 6-2 - 204
  • 16 - Kyle Chyzowski - Fr. - F - 5-10 - 175
  • 18 - Payton Nelson - Fr. - F - 5-11 - 178
  • 19 - Jake Fisher - So. - F - 6-2 - 195
  • 21 - Kent Anderson - Sr. - D - 6-3 - 215
  • 22 - Brendan McMorrow - Fr. - F - 5-11 - 180
  • 23 - Eric Pohlkamp - Jr. - D - 5-11 - 210
  • 24 - Kieran Cebrian - Jr. - F - 6-2 - 203
  • 25 - Clarke Caswell - Fr. - F - 5-11 - 180
  • 27 - James Reeder - So. - F - 5-10 - 175
  • 28 - Reid Varkonyi - Fr. - F - 5-10 - 185
  • 29 - Quentin Miller - Fr. - G - 6-3 - 190
  • 30 - Paxton Geisel - Jr. - G - 6-2 - 195
  • 31 - Johnny Hicks - Fr. - G - 5-10 - 157

Wisconsin Hockey Schedule 2026

  • Oct. 3, 2025 - Wisconsin 3, Lindenwood 0
  • Oct. 4, 2025 - Wisconsin 7, Lindenwood 2
  • Oct. 9, 2025 - Wisconsin 6, U.S. Under-18 Team 0
  • Oct. 16, 2025 - Wisconsin 1, Minnesota State 1
  • Oct. 17, 2025 - Wisconsin 2, Minnesota State 2
  • Oct. 24, 2025 - Wisconsin 5, Alaska 3
  • Oct. 25, 2025 - Wisconsin 4, Alaska 1
  • Oct. 30, 2025 - Wisconsin 5, Minnesota 2
  • Nov. 1, 2025 - Wisconsin 4, Minnesota 0
  • Nov. 7, 2025 - Michigan 7, Wisconsin 4
  • Nov. 8, 2025 - Wisconsin 6, Michigan 1
  • Nov. 14, 2025 - Ohio State 5, Wisconsin 1
  • Nov. 15, 2025 - Wisconsin 6, Ohio State 5
  • Nov. 21, 2025 - Wisconsin 5, Michigan State 4
  • Nov. 22, 2025 - Wisconsin 2, Michigan State 1
  • Dec. 5, 2025 - Wisconsin 7, Notre Dame 4
  • Dec. 6, 2025 - Wisconsin 9, Notre Dame 2
  • Dec. 28, 2025 - Wisconsin 3, Lake Superior State 2
  • Dec. 29, 2025 - Western Michigan 4, Wisconsin 1
  • Jan. 9, 2026 - Wisconsin 5, Alaska Anchorage 0
  • Jan. 10, 2026 - Wisconsin 3, Alaska Anchorage 2
  • Jan. 15, 2026 - Michigan State 4, Wisconsin 3
  • Jan. 16, 2026 - Michigan State 4, Wisconsin 1
  • Jan. 23, 2026 - Penn State 7, Wisconsin 2
  • Jan. 24, 2026 - Penn State 3, Wisconsin 1
  • Jan. 30, 2026 - Minnesota 4, Wisconsin 1
  • Jan. 31, 2026 - Minnesota 8, Wisconsin 4
  • Feb. 6, 2026 - Wisconsin 6, Notre Dame 5
  • Feb. 7, 2026 - Wisconsin 5, Notre Dame 4
  • Feb. 13, 2026 - Wisconsin 4, Ohio State 2
  • Feb. 14, 2026 - Ohio State 3, Wisconsin 2
  • Feb. 20, 2026 - Wisconsin 4, Michigan 1
  • Feb. 21, 2026 - Michigan 3, Wisconsin 1
  • Mar. 5, 2026 - Wisconsin 7, Penn State 3
  • Mar. 6, 2026 - Wisconsin 5, Penn State 2
  • Mar. 11, 2026 - Ohio State 7, Wisconsin 1

Denver Hockey Schedule 2026

  • Oct. 4, 2025 - Denver 6, UNLV 1
  • Oct. 10, 2025 - Denver 1, Air Force 1
  • Oct. 11, 2025 - Denver 6, Bentley 0
  • Oct. 17, 2025 - Lindenwood 4, Denver 3
  • Oct. 18, 2025 - Denver 4, Lindenwood 0
  • Oct. 24, 2025 - Denver 7, Boston College 3
  • Oct. 25, 2025 - Northeastern 1, Denver 0
  • Oct. 31, 2025 - Alaska Anchorage 4, Denver 3
  • Nov. 1, 2025 - Denver 6, Alaska Anchorage 0
  • Nov. 7, 2025 - Denver 3, Western Michigan 1
  • Nov. 8, 2025 - Denver 6, Western Michigan 3
  • Nov. 14, 2025 - Denver 2, Colorado College 1
  • Nov. 15, 2025 - Denver 3, Colorado College 2
  • Nov. 21, 2025 - Denver 7, Arizona State 1
  • Nov. 22, 2025 - Arizona State 3, Denver 2
  • Nov. 29, 2025 - Minnesota 6, Denver 5
  • Dec. 5, 2025 - Denver 4, Miami 0
  • Dec. 6, 2025 - Denver 5, Miami 2
  • Dec. 12, 2025 - Denver 5, St. Cloud State 1
  • Dec. 13, 2025 - St. Cloud State 4, Denver 3
  • Jan. 2, 2026 - Maine 5, Denver 2
  • Jan. 3, 2026 - Denver 3, Maine 3
  • Jan. 9, 2026 - Western Michigan 4, Denver 1
  • Jan. 10, 2026 - Western Michigan 6, Denver 2
  • Jan. 16, 2026 - North Dakota 5, Denver 0
  • Jan. 17, 2026 - Denver 3, North Dakota 2
  • Jan. 23, 2026 - St. Cloud State 4, Denver 2
  • Jan. 24, 2026 - Denver 6, St. Cloud State 0
  • Jan. 30, 2026 - Denver 4, Minnesota Duluth 3
  • Jan. 31, 2026 - Denver 1, Minnesota Duluth 0
  • Feb. 6, 2026 - Denver 2, Colorado College 2
  • Feb. 7, 2026 - Denver 4, Colorado College 1
  • Feb. 13, 2026 - Denver 5, Omaha 2
  • Feb. 14, 2026 - Denver 3, Omaha 1
  • Feb. 27, 2026 - Denver 5, Arizona State 2
  • Feb. 28, 2026 - Denver 4, Arizona State 1
  • Mar. 6, 2026 - Denver 3, Miami 0
  • Mar. 7, 2026 - Denver 6, Miami 2
  • Mar. 14, 2026 - Denver 2, Western Michigan 1
  • Mar. 21, 2026 - Denver 4, Minnesota Duluth 3

Who Won The NCAA Hockey Championship 2026

The Denver Pioneers defeated the Wisconsin Badgers to win the 2026 NCAA Hockey Championship in Las Vegas. It is the program's 11th NCAA hockey title. 

NCAA Hockey Championship Overtime Rules

If the NCAA men’s hockey championship is tied after regulation, teams will play 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods at 5-on-5 until someone scores.

There is no shootout and no 3-on-3 format in the Frozen Four. The first goal in overtime wins the national title.

Where Is The Frozen Four 2026?

The NCAA Men’s Frozen Four is in Las Vegas for the first time in 2026, with the semifinals on April 9 and the final on April 11 at T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights.

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