Denver Pioneers Claim 11th NCAA Hockey Championship

Goaltender Johnny Hicks leads Pioneers to victory in Frozen Four 2024

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:09pm

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The Denver Pioneers have won their 11th NCAA hockey championship, defeating the Wisconsin Badgers in a thrilling Frozen Four tournament. Undrafted freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks was the hero, making 29 saves in the championship game and posting a .951 save percentage to lead the Pioneers to victory.

Why it matters

The Pioneers' championship win is a testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and the emergence of unlikely heroes. Hicks' remarkable journey from backup to starting goaltender and his clutch performance in the Frozen Four have inspired athletes across the country.

The details

Hicks, who took over as the starting goaltender in January, went on an undefeated streak, allowing just 22 goals with a 1.19 goals-against average. His 49-save performance in the semifinal against Michigan and his 29 saves in the championship game against Wisconsin were crucial in securing the victory for the Pioneers. Despite being outshot, Hicks' composure and focus kept the Pioneers in the game, allowing the team's trio of NHL prospects to tie the game in the third period.

  • The Pioneers won the NCAA Hockey Championship on April 12, 2026.
  • Hicks took over as the starting goaltender in January of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Johnny Hicks

An undrafted freshman goaltender who emerged as the hero of the Pioneers' championship run, posting a .951 save percentage in the title game.

Rieger Lorenz

One of the Pioneers' trio of NHL prospects who scored the game-tying goal in the third period of the championship game.

Kristian Epperson

Another of the Pioneers' NHL prospect trio who contributed to the game-tying goal in the third period.

Garrett Brown

The third member of the Pioneers' NHL prospect trio who helped tie the game in the third period.

David Carle

The head coach of the Denver Pioneers, who has instilled a 'team first' mentality in the program.

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What they’re saying

“Johnny Hicks' performance was nothing short of extraordinary. His composure and focus under pressure were crucial in securing the victory for the Pioneers.”

— David Carle, Head Coach, Denver Pioneers

“This win is a testament to the power of teamwork and the 'team first' mentality that Coach Carle has instilled in the program. We all stepped up and contributed when it mattered most.”

— Rieger Lorenz, Forward, Denver Pioneers

What’s next

The Denver Pioneers will look to defend their NCAA Hockey Championship title in the 2026-27 season, as they aim to cement their legacy as one of the premier college hockey programs in the country.

The takeaway

The Denver Pioneers' championship victory is a story of resilience, teamwork, and the emergence of unlikely heroes. Goaltender Johnny Hicks' remarkable journey and clutch performance in the Frozen Four have inspired athletes across the country, proving that hard work and determination can overcome even the greatest odds.