SPORTS

Denver defeats Michigan in double-overtime Frozen Four semifinal

PUBLISHED Apr 9, 2026, 1:54 AM ET

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Las Vegas — Denver defeated Michigan 4-3 in double overtime on Thursday, April 9, at T-Mobile Arena when captain Kent Anderson scored 7:25 into the second overtime, sending the Pioneers to the national championship game. The victory, powered by freshman goalie Johnny Hicks’s 49 saves, advances Denver to face Wisconsin in the championship on Saturday, April 11; Michigan’s loss marks another Frozen Four semifinal exit and prompts near-term program evaluation.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Aggregated From:

The Detroit News Yahoo Sports

Timeline of Events

1969: Wisconsin joins the WCHA, beginning a long rivalry with Denver.
1973: Wisconsin defeats Denver to capture its first NCAA men's hockey championship.
2022: Denver defeats Michigan in overtime and wins the national title.
9th April 2026: Denver beats Michigan 4-3 in double overtime at T-Mobile Arena.
11th April 2026: Denver scheduled to play Wisconsin in the national championship final.

News Intelligence

Denver's victory over Michigan is a thrilling chapter in college hockey history. It's a testament to teamwork, perseverance, and the raw talent of young athletes. If you're a sports fan, this game was a nail-biter worth watching. Check out the highlights or the full game replay if you missed it.

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Who Benefited

The University of Denver program, its players and coaching staff benefited most by earning a national championship berth, building momentum and receiving public credit for Johnny Hicks's 49-save performance and Kent Anderson's double-overtime winner ahead of the April 11 title game.

Who Impacted

The University of Michigan program, its players and coaches suffered a narrow double-overtime semifinal defeat, ending their Frozen Four run and prompting internal evaluation after a fifth straight semifinal exit and the loss of an opportunity to compete for the 2026 national title.

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