SPORTS

Wisconsin and Denver Set for NCAA Hockey Title

PUBLISHED Apr 10, 2026, 1:47 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Center 100%

Sources: 6

Las Vegas — Wisconsin and Denver advanced to the NCAA men's hockey championship game Saturday at T-Mobile Arena after semifinal victories Thursday, with Wisconsin defeating North Dakota 2-1 and Denver beating Michigan 4-3 in double overtime. Wisconsin's Ryan Botterill scored the decisive goal, while Denver captain Kent Anderson and goalie Johnny Hicks produced pivotal plays to extend Denver's season. On Saturday, April 11 at 4:30 p.m., Wisconsin (24-12-2) and Denver (28-11-3) will compete for the national title; Wisconsin seeks its first championship in two decades while Denver is chasing a program-record 11th title. Coaches and players, including Wisconsin captain Ben Dexheimer and Denver coach David Carle, provided postgame comments this week about preparation and focus leading into the final.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Early season: USCHO ranked Wisconsin No.13 and Denver No.9 in February.
Regular season: Both programs completed schedules and entered the NCAA tournament.
Thursday: Wisconsin defeated North Dakota 2-1 to advance to the final.
Thursday: Denver beat Michigan 4-3 in double overtime to reach the final.
Saturday April 11: Championship scheduled at T-Mobile Arena at 4:30 p.m.

News Intelligence

This championship game is a big deal for NCAA hockey fans. It's a clash between two top teams, with Wisconsin chasing a long-awaited title and Denver aiming for a record 11th win. If you're a fan, you'll want to tune in on Saturday, April 11 at 4:30 p.m. to see who takes home the trophy.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6

Who Benefited

Wisconsin and Denver benefit from advancing to the national championship game, gaining the opportunity to compete for the NCAA title and increased national exposure for their programs.

Who Impacted

Michigan and North Dakota lost their Frozen Four semifinals; both teams concluded their seasons and will not compete for the national title this year.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Wisconsin and Denver benefit from advancing to the national championship game, gaining the opportunity to compete for the NCAA title and increased national exposure for their programs.

Who Impacted

Michigan and North Dakota lost their Frozen Four semifinals; both teams concluded their seasons and will not compete for the national title this year.