For the third time in five years, more room will have to be made inside the trophy case at the University of Denver.
On Saturday, the Pioneers, for the 11th time in school history, became the kings of Division I NCAA men’s hockey by defeating Wisconsin 2–1 in the national title game in Paradise, Nevada.
For Denver, the 2026 Frozen Four was one of the most dramatic in program history. Thursday’s national semifinal saw Denver and Michigan battle into double overtime before Kent Anderson, with 7:25 left in the fifth period, sent the Pioneers to a date with the Badgers.
In the national title game, Johnny Hicks, the 5’10 goaltender for Denver who came into Saturday with a 15-0-1 record, kept his team in the game with Denver down 1-0 after 40 minutes and being outshot 21-5. In the third, Rieger Lorenz would equalize for Denver, while Kyle Chyzowski would beat Daniel Hauser for the game winner with just under six minutes remaining in regulation.
David Carle’s Legacy Has Been Cemented
Denver’s latest national title is also the third for David Carle behind the bench, and at only 36, he’s already on his way to being one of the greatest coaches in NCAA hockey. While Carle signed a multi-year extension to stay in his role in May 2025, NHL teams will certainly be calling this summer to see if he’d be willing to change his mind when it comes to staying in college hockey.
