Denver Pioneers Hockey Fans Flock to Northern Colorado Regionals

Loyal supporters travel near and far to cheer on their team in the college hockey playoffs.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:37am

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Fans of the Denver University Pioneers men's ice hockey team didn't have to go far to see their team compete in the regional college hockey playoff games held at Blue Arena in Northern Colorado. Locals Jeff and Crystal, as well as out-of-state fan Gavin Cichosz who traveled 12 hours from Minnesota, all made the trip to support their respective teams in the tournament.

Why it matters

The regional games being held in Loveland, just an hour from Denver, allowed Pioneers fans to easily access the games and create a lively home-team atmosphere. This is an important boost for the team as they compete to advance in the NCAA hockey tournament.

The details

The regional games at Blue Arena in Loveland featured four teams: Denver, Western Michigan, Cornell, and Minnesota State. Pioneers fans Jeff and Crystal said they haven't missed any of their team's games this season and were thrilled to be able to attend the regionals so close to home. Meanwhile, Gavin Cichosz made the 12-hour drive from Minnesota to support his brother Campbell, who plays for Minnesota State.

  • The regional college hockey playoff games took place on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Jeff and Crystal

Fans of the Denver Pioneers men's ice hockey team who live in the Denver area.

Gavin Cichosz

A fan who traveled 12 hours from Minnesota to see his brother Campbell play for Minnesota State in the regional games.

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What they’re saying

“We haven't missed any (games).”

— Jeff, Pioneers Fan

“It's been fun, and it's been a great year, so we're excited.”

— Crystal, Pioneers Fan

“We'll take Loveland any day of the week.”

— Jeff, Pioneers Fan

“It was the reason why we bought tickets is because of it's being so close to home.”

— Crystal, Pioneers Fan

“It's great to see them play here with a hometown crowd.”

— Travis, Pioneers Fan

“12 hours -- it kind of sucked for a bit, but I'm glad to be here.”

— Gavin Cichosz, Minnesota State Fan

“I'm super proud of (Campbell) every day. Love my brother, so -- gotta come watch my brother and all his friends.”

— Gavin Cichosz, Minnesota State Fan

What’s next

The winners of the regional games at Blue Arena in Loveland will advance to the Frozen Four national semifinals.

The takeaway

The regional college hockey playoff games being held in Loveland, just an hour from Denver, allowed the Pioneers' loyal fanbase to easily access the games and create an energetic home-team atmosphere to support their team's quest for a national championship.