Source link : https://las-vegas-news.com/denvers-gritty-comeback-nets-record-11th-ncaa-hockey-crown-over-wisconsin/
Wisconsin Seizes Control Early, But Denver Stays Composed (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas – The University of Denver Pioneers etched their name deeper into college hockey history with a tense 2-1 victory over the University of Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA Frozen Four championship at T-Mobile Arena.[1][2] Trailing for nearly two periods amid relentless pressure from their opponents, Denver mounted a decisive third-period rally to secure the program’s third national title in five years. Goaltender Johnny Hicks anchored the effort with clutch saves that kept the Pioneers alive until their offense ignited.
Wisconsin Seizes Control Early, But Denver Stays Composed
Wisconsin struck first at 13:36 of the opening period when forward Vasily Zelenov rifled a shot from the left circle past Hicks, giving the Badgers a 1-0 lead.[2] The Badgers poured on the pressure, outshooting Denver 21-5 through the first two frames and dominating puck possession. Denver managed just five shots on Wisconsin goaltender Daniel Hauser during that span, testing his resolve minimally.
Despite the lopsided play, the Pioneers refused to crumble. They absorbed the onslaught without panic, leaning on disciplined defense and Hicks’ steady presence in net. This resilience echoed Denver’s tournament path, where they had already survived high-shot deficits in earlier rounds.[1]
Third-Period Surge Delivers Championship Glory
Denver exploded to life in the final frame, erasing the deficit at 7:31…
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Author : Matthias Binder
Publish date : 2026-04-12 19:24:00
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