Denver Defeats Michigan in Double OT at Frozen Four

Pioneers advance to national championship game against Wisconsin

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of navy blue, crimson red, maize, and blue, conceptually representing the intense action and competition of the Frozen Four semifinal between Denver and Michigan.Denver's dramatic double-overtime victory over Michigan sets the stage for an epic national championship showdown between the Pioneers and Wisconsin Badgers.Denver Today

The Denver Pioneers defeated the top-seeded Michigan Wolverines 4-3 in double overtime on Thursday in the second NCAA Men's Frozen Four semifinal at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The win sets up a national championship matchup between Denver and former WCHA rival Wisconsin on Saturday.

Why it matters

This victory for Denver marks a significant upset over the tournament's top overall seed, Michigan. The Pioneers will now have a chance to win their first national championship since 2005, while Wisconsin seeks its first title since 1990.

The details

Senior defenseman Kent Anderson scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to lift Denver over Michigan. The Pioneers rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the third period to force overtime and eventually prevail in the extra session.

  • The semifinal game was played on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • The national championship game is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. CT.

The players

Denver Pioneers

The Denver hockey team, which is making its first Frozen Four appearance since 2005.

Michigan Wolverines

The top overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament, which was upset by Denver in the semifinal.

Wisconsin Badgers

Denver's opponent in the national championship game, seeking their first title since 1990.

Kent Anderson

The senior defenseman for Denver who scored the game-winning goal in double overtime.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The national championship game between Denver and Wisconsin will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. CT in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Denver's upset victory over the tournament's top seed sets up an intriguing national championship matchup between the Pioneers and their former WCHA rival Wisconsin. Both teams will be seeking their first national title in decades.