Michigan Hockey falls to Denver in double OT Frozen Four thriller

Wolverines' comeback bid falls short as Pioneers advance to national championship game

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:22am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy of a high-stakes college hockey game, with overlapping planes of players, sticks, and pucks in motion against a backdrop of bold primary colors.A cubist interpretation of the intense, back-and-forth action that defined Michigan's heartbreaking double overtime loss to Denver in the Frozen Four semifinals.Denver Today

Despite outshooting Denver 52-26, the Michigan hockey team was unable to overcome the Pioneers, falling 4-3 in double overtime of the Frozen Four national semifinal. The Wolverines rallied from an early deficit to take a late lead, but Denver scored the tying goal in the final minutes of regulation and netted the winner in the second overtime period.

Why it matters

This loss continues Michigan's drought in the Frozen Four, as the Wolverines have not won a national championship since 1998. The team's youth-heavy, high-powered offense has faced questions about whether they can win the big games, and this defeat to their postseason rival Denver will only amplify those doubts until Michigan can finally break through.

The details

Michigan got on the board first with a goal from senior forward Josh Eernisse, but Denver responded quickly to tie it. The Wolverines then took a 2-1 lead late in the first period on a goal from senior captain T.J. Hughes. However, the Pioneers tied it again in the second period, and the game went to overtime knotted at 2-2. Michigan regained the lead on a power play goal from sophomore forward Will Horcoff in the third period, but Denver scored the equalizer with under three minutes left to force overtime. After a scoreless first overtime, Denver's Kent Anderson netted the game-winner in the second extra session.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 10, 2026 in the Frozen Four national semifinals in Las Vegas.
  • Michigan took a 2-1 lead with under four minutes left in the first period.
  • Denver tied the game at 2-2 early in the second period.
  • Michigan regained the lead 3-2 on a power play goal in the third period.
  • Denver scored the tying goal with under three minutes left in regulation to force overtime.

The players

Brandon Naurato

Head coach of the Michigan hockey team.

Jack Ivankovic

Freshman goaltender for the Michigan Wolverines.

Kent Anderson

Captain of the Denver Pioneers hockey team, who scored the game-winning goal in double overtime.

Johnny Hicks

Goaltender for the Denver Pioneers, who made 49 saves in the win.

David Carle

Head coach of the Denver Pioneers hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“We had our chances, but just couldn't find a way to finish it off. Credit to Denver, they're a great team and they found a way to win in the end.”

— Brandon Naurato, Michigan Head Coach

“This is a tough one to swallow, but our guys battled hard all night. We'll learn from this and come back stronger next season.”

— T.J. Hughes, Michigan Team Captain

What’s next

Michigan will look to regroup and come back stronger next season, while Denver advances to the national championship game.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking loss to their postseason rival Denver continues Michigan's drought in the Frozen Four, raising more questions about whether this talented but young Wolverines squad has what it takes to win the big one. The team will need to find a way to break through and capture that elusive national title.