Underdogs Denver, Wisconsin Advance to Title Game

The Pioneers and Badgers pull off upsets to reach the Frozen Four championship.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:51am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a college hockey championship game, with the competing teams' colors and the arena setting fractured into overlapping planes of color and shape.The Frozen Four championship game will feature an intriguing clash of styles as the high-powered offense of the Denver Pioneers takes on the stifling defense of the Wisconsin Badgers.Denver Today

The University of Denver Pioneers and the University of Wisconsin Badgers both pulled off upset wins in the Frozen Four semifinals to advance to the national championship game. Denver defeated Michigan 4-3 in double overtime, while Wisconsin held off a late surge from North Dakota to win 2-1. The wins were particularly impressive given that both teams entered the games as underdogs, with Denver as a +130 underdog and Wisconsin nearly a 2-1 underdog.

Why it matters

This year's Frozen Four has featured several surprising results, with the two lower-seeded teams advancing to the title game. The victories by Denver and Wisconsin showcase the parity in college hockey and the ability of underdogs to pull off big wins on the biggest stage. The championship matchup will be an intriguing clash of styles, with Denver's high-powered offense taking on Wisconsin's stifling defense.

The details

In the first semifinal, Denver captain Kent Anderson scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to lift the Pioneers past Michigan 4-3. The Wolverines had taken a late 3-2 lead, but Denver's Clarke Caswell tied it with under three minutes left to force overtime. In the second semifinal, Wisconsin got first-period goals from Simon Tassy and Ryan Botterill and held on for a 2-1 win over North Dakota despite the Fighting Hawks' late push. The Badgers' penalty kill was a key factor, as they successfully killed off five North Dakota power plays.

  • The Frozen Four semifinals took place on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • The Frozen Four championship game is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Kent Anderson

The senior defenseman and captain of the University of Denver Pioneers, who scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to lift his team to the Frozen Four championship game.

David Carle

The head coach of the University of Denver Pioneers, who praised his team's resilience and effort in the upset win over Michigan.

Rieger Lorenz

A player for the University of Denver Pioneers, who expressed the team's belief in themselves and their preparation for big moments like the Frozen Four.

Mike Hastings

The head coach of the University of Wisconsin Badgers, who praised his team's ability to maintain their composure and not be afraid to make mistakes in the win over North Dakota.

Ben Dexheimer

A defenseman for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, who credited his team's effort and willingness to block shots as a key factor in their penalty kill success against North Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“It was very entertaining. It took everybody to get the win.”

— David Carle, Head Coach, University of Denver Pioneers

“I don't score many goals so this ranks right up there at the top.”

— Kent Anderson, Senior Defenseman and Captain, University of Denver Pioneers

“There's a great belief within this group. We prepared for moments like this. This is what we play for.”

— Rieger Lorenz, Player, University of Denver Pioneers

“One thing we've tried to master, it's okay not being perfect. We don't want our players to be afraid to make a mistake. You've got to go out and play.”

— Mike Hastings, Head Coach, University of Wisconsin Badgers

“We spent a lot of time preparing against their power play, watching a lot of film. Honestly at the end of the day I think this time of the year it comes down to the want to get the puck out, the want to block shots. I think that was the difference with our kill tonight. Guys took a lot of effort on blocking shots, getting in lanes.”

— Ben Dexheimer, Defenseman, University of Wisconsin Badgers

What’s next

The Frozen Four championship game between the University of Denver Pioneers and the University of Wisconsin Badgers will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

This year's Frozen Four has featured several surprising results, with the two lower-seeded teams advancing to the title game. The victories by Denver and Wisconsin showcase the parity in college hockey and the ability of underdogs to pull off big wins on the biggest stage. The championship matchup will be an intriguing clash of styles, with Denver's high-powered offense taking on Wisconsin's stifling defense.