US EditionDenver Stands Tall, Tops Wisconsin for National Championship
Freshman goalie Johnny Hicks made 29 saves as the Pioneers won their 11th NCAA title, two more than any other program.
- On Saturday, April 11, 2026, the Denver Pioneers defeated Wisconsin 2-1 at T-Mobile Arena, with Kyle Chyzowski tipping in the game-winning goal with 5:52 remaining to secure their third national championship in five years.
- The Pioneers reached the championship after a 4-3 double-overtime victory against top-seeded Michigan on Thursday. Goalie Johnny Hicks made a career-high 49 saves in that semifinal, anchoring Denver's improbable run.
- Freshman Vasily Zelenov gave Wisconsin an early lead, but Denver rallied in the third period with goals from Rieger Lorenz and Kyle Chyzowski. Hicks made 29 saves during the championship match.
- The victory marks the Pioneers' 11th national title, extending their record to two more than any other NCAA program. The win capped a 17-game winning streak.
- Goalie Johnny Hicks, named Most Outstanding Player, finished the season with a 16-0-1 record as starter. "We've gone through so much adversity," Hicks said, reflecting on the team's historic achievement.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Denver stands tall, tops Wisconsin for national championship
LAS VEGAS — Matty, meet Johnny. Two years after Matthew Davis put together a legendary run to help the University of Denver claim its record 10th national title, Pioneers freshman Johnny Hicks has done the same to capture No. 11. Hicks made 29 saves, carrying his club for more than 50 minutes before the Pioneers finally sprung to life in a 2-1 victory Saturday afternoon at T-Mobile Arena against Wisconsin. This came two nights after a 49-save ef…
Denver wins third NCAA hockey title in five years
The Denver Pioneers of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference registered a 2-1 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers to complete the Frozen Four at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday in Las Vegas, the program's third national championship in five years.
DU Pioneers win 11th national championship at Frozen Four behind Johnny Hicks’ 29 saves
DU Pioneers hockey remains the standard in NCAA hockey after claiming its 11th national title in Las Vegas after rallying past Wisconsin behind 29 saves from freshman sensation Johnny Hicks.
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