Denver Pioneers Capture 11th NCAA Hockey Championship

Coach David Carle leads team to third title in five years, cementing Denver's status as college hockey's modern dynasty

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:00pm

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An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting the energy and movement of a college hockey championship game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the players, ice, and arena.The University of Denver Pioneers' championship triumph showcases the program's enduring excellence and coach David Carle's masterful leadership in the modern era of college hockey.Denver Today

The University of Denver Pioneers won their 11th NCAA men's ice hockey national championship, defeating the Wisconsin Badgers 2-1 in the title game in Las Vegas. Led by head coach David Carle, the Pioneers overcame a 1-0 deficit in the third period to rally for the victory, continuing Denver's long tradition of excellence in college hockey.

Why it matters

Denver's championship win further solidifies the program's status as a modern college hockey dynasty, having now won 11 national titles, the most of any school. At just 36 years old, coach David Carle has led the Pioneers to three titles in the last five seasons, cementing his reputation as one of the top young coaches in the sport.

The details

The Pioneers fell behind 1-0 early but stormed back in the third period, tying the game on a goal by senior Rieger Lorenz before Kyle Chyzowski scored the game-winner. Freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks was named the Frozen Four's Most Outstanding Player after finishing the season unbeaten. Denver overcame late-season injuries to key players to capture the title.

  • The Pioneers won the national championship game on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Denver has now won 11 NCAA hockey titles, the most of any program.

The players

David Carle

The 36-year-old head coach of the Denver Pioneers, who has led the team to three national championships in the last five seasons.

Rieger Lorenz

A senior forward for the Pioneers who scored the game-tying goal in the third period of the championship game.

Kyle Chyzowski

A Pioneers player who scored the game-winning goal in the third period to give Denver the lead for good.

Johnny Hicks

The freshman goaltender for Denver who was named the Frozen Four's Most Outstanding Player after finishing the season unbeaten.

Garrett Brown

A junior defenseman for the Pioneers who played a key role in the team's championship run.

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What they’re saying

“To me, we're the thing that everybody wants. You want a smaller school who doesn't have this behemoth budget and fan base and alumni base to still be able to be successful. I think we're the proof of concept that it's still possible.”

— David Carle, Head Coach, Denver Pioneers

“We knew what was at stake. We had a period for the rest of our lives. We're down by one, we have 20 minutes. What are we going to do with it?”

— Garrett Brown, Junior Defenseman, Denver Pioneers

“They could have thrown in the towel a long time ago, and the guys didn't. They committed to each other. That's what champions are made of.”

— David Carle, Head Coach, Denver Pioneers

What’s next

The Pioneers will return to Denver on Sunday morning to celebrate their 11th national championship with the city's fans.

The takeaway

Denver's championship victory cements the program's status as a modern college hockey dynasty, led by the young but accomplished head coach David Carle. The Pioneers' success, despite not having any first-round NHL draft picks on the roster, proves that a commitment to team values, player development, and smart coaching can still lead to sustained excellence in the rapidly changing landscape of college sports.