University of Denver Pioneers cruise past Cornell in NCAA opener

Pioneers keep Frozen Four hopes alive with 5-0 win over Big Red

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:04am

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The University of Denver Pioneers dominated Cornell in the opening round of the NCAA men's hockey tournament, winning 5-0 behind a 24-save performance from freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks. Five different Pioneers scored goals as DU cruised past the Big Red, setting up a regional final showdown with conference rival Western Michigan on Sunday.

Why it matters

The Pioneers' victory keeps their Frozen Four hopes alive after a midseason dip earlier in the year. DU is looking to return to the national championship tournament after Western Michigan ended their title defense in last year's Frozen Four.

The details

Avalanche prospect Jake Fisher opened the scoring for DU in the first period, and the Pioneers extended their lead to 4-0 by the third period with goals from Kieran Cebrian, Harris, and Clarke Caswell. Cornell was unable to mount a sustained offensive attack against Hicks and the stifling DU defense.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • DU has now won 14 games in a row, a surge that coincided with Hicks taking over in net after fellow freshman Quentin Miller was injured.

The players

Johnny Hicks

A freshman goaltender for the University of Denver Pioneers who made 24 saves in the 5-0 win over Cornell.

Jake Fisher

A sophomore center for the University of Denver Pioneers who was a fourth-round pick by the Colorado Avalanche in 2024. He scored the opening goal for DU.

David Carle

The head coach of the University of Denver Pioneers hockey team.

Alexis Cournoyer

The goaltender for the Cornell Big Red hockey team.

Cale Ashcroft

A defenseman for the University of Denver Pioneers who had an assist on two of the team's goals.

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What they’re saying

“I thought we were excellent from the first drop of the puck. Our speed was there all night long, with and without the puck. I thought the guys executed at a really high level.”

— David Carle, Head Coach, University of Denver Pioneers

“It's good to go through some adversity. We all stuck together, stuck through it and worked even harder. We went through the adversity and we learned from it, which is why I think we're doing so well now.”

— Jake Fisher, Sophomore Center, University of Denver Pioneers

“I can't wait. They ended our season last year. It's great to play them again. It's similar to last year. We are all pumped.”

— Harris, Junior Forward, University of Denver Pioneers

What’s next

The Pioneers will face off against Western Michigan on Sunday, March 30, 2026 with a trip to the Frozen Four in Las Vegas on the line. DU is seeking revenge after Western Michigan ended their national title defense in last year's Frozen Four.

The takeaway

The University of Denver Pioneers have regained their dominant form after a midseason slump, cruising past Cornell in the NCAA tournament opener. Now they have a chance to avenge last year's Frozen Four loss to Western Michigan and keep their championship hopes alive.