Denver Pioneers Defeat Michigan in Double Overtime Thriller

Kent Anderson's game-winning goal sends Denver to the national championship game

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A dynamic, neon-colored painting depicting the chaotic, high-energy action of a college hockey game, with players' forms blurred into abstract shapes and colors, conveying the excitement and drama of the Frozen Four semifinal.The Pioneers' thrilling double-overtime victory over the Wolverines showcased the intensity and skill of college hockey's biggest stage.Denver Today

The 2026 Frozen Four semifinal between the University of Michigan and the University of Denver was a thrilling back-and-forth affair that went to double overtime before the Pioneers emerged victorious. Denver took an early lead, but Michigan fought back to tie the game multiple times before Denver's Kent Anderson scored the decisive goal to send his team to the national championship game.

Why it matters

The Frozen Four is the pinnacle of college hockey, and this semifinal matchup between two elite programs showcased the high level of skill and competitiveness in the sport. Denver's win over a tough Michigan squad demonstrates the Pioneers' resilience and ability to overcome adversity, setting them up for a chance at the national title.

The details

Denver jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Kyle Chyzowski, but Michigan responded with tallies from Josh Eernisse and T.J. Hughes to take a 2-1 advantage. The Pioneers tied it up at 2-2 before the end of the second period. In the third, Michigan's Jayden Perron put the Wolverines back on top, but Denver's Clarke Caswell forced overtime with a late goal. After a scoreless first overtime, Denver's Kent Anderson netted the game-winner in the second extra session to send his team to the national championship game.

  • The game was played on April 10, 2026.
  • Denver took an early 1-0 lead in the first period.
  • Michigan scored twice in the first period to take a 2-1 lead.
  • The game was tied 2-2 at the end of the second period.
  • The game-winning goal was scored in double overtime.

The players

Kent Anderson

The Denver Pioneers forward scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to send his team to the national championship game.

Kyle Chyzowski

The Denver Pioneers forward opened the scoring with an early first-period goal.

Josh Eernisse

The Michigan Wolverines forward scored one of Michigan's three goals in the game.

T.J. Hughes

The Michigan Wolverines forward scored two goals to help his team rally from an early deficit.

Jayden Perron

The Michigan Wolverines forward scored the go-ahead goal in the third period to put Michigan up 3-2.

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What they’re saying

“That was one of the most exciting games I've ever been a part of. The guys showed so much heart and determination to come back time and time again. I'm so proud of this team.”

— David Carle, Head Coach, Denver Pioneers

“It's tough to come up short in a game like that, but I couldn't be prouder of the way our guys battled. We had our chances, but Denver made the plays when it mattered most.”

— Mel Pearson, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines

What’s next

The Denver Pioneers will face the University of Wisconsin in the 2026 NCAA Frozen Four national championship game on April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

This thrilling Frozen Four semifinal showcased the high level of talent and competitiveness in college hockey. Denver's ability to overcome adversity and score the game-winning goal in double overtime demonstrated the Pioneers' resilience and will to win, setting them up for a chance at the national title.