Michigan Advances to Frozen Four With Nail-Biter Win

Wolverines edge Minnesota-Duluth 4-3 to reach NCAA hockey semifinals

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:25am

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The Michigan Wolverines hockey team clinched a spot in the Frozen Four with a 4-3 victory over Minnesota-Duluth in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. Michigan built an early 3-0 lead but had to hold off a late comeback attempt by UMD to secure the win and advance to the national semifinals in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

Michigan has been knocking on the door of an NCAA hockey championship in recent years, making three straight Frozen Four appearances from 2022-2024 without capturing the title. This latest trip to the national semifinals gives the Wolverines another chance to end their 28-year national championship drought.

The details

Michigan opened the scoring with a goal from Will Horcoff, then extended their lead to 3-0 with tallies from Adam Valentini and Garrett Schifsky. But Minnesota-Duluth battled back in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals to make it a one-goal game. Michigan goalie Jack Ivankovic made 30 saves to preserve the 4-3 victory and send the Wolverines to the Frozen Four.

  • Michigan opened the scoring in the first period.
  • The Wolverines built a 3-0 lead by the second period.
  • Minnesota-Duluth scored three third-period goals to make it 4-3.
  • Michigan held on in the final minutes to clinch the 4-3 win.

The players

Will Horcoff

A forward for the Michigan Wolverines hockey team who scored the opening goal in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinal.

Adam Valentini

A Michigan forward who scored one of the Wolverines' three goals to build their early lead.

Garrett Schifsky

A Michigan forward who also scored a goal to help the Wolverines jump out to a 3-0 advantage.

Jayden Perron

The Michigan player who scored the team's fourth goal to restore a two-goal lead in the third period.

Jack Ivankovic

The Michigan goaltender who made 30 saves to preserve the 4-3 victory and send the Wolverines to the Frozen Four.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Minnesota-Duluth would make a push, but our guys showed a lot of poise and resilience to hold them off. This team has unfinished business, and we're excited to have another chance at the national championship.”

— Mel Pearson, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

What’s next

Michigan will face off against Denver in the Frozen Four semifinals on April 9th, with the winner advancing to the national championship game.

The takeaway

Michigan's return to the Frozen Four gives the Wolverines another opportunity to end their 28-year national title drought and claim their first NCAA hockey championship since 1998. After falling short in their previous three trips to the semifinals, this veteran Michigan squad is determined to finish the job and bring home the school's eighth national title.