Denver Wins 11th National Title, 3rd in 5 Years

Pioneers rally late to defeat Wisconsin 2-1 in championship game

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the rink broken down into overlapping angular shapes in navy, green, and white tones, conveying the dynamic action and energy of the sport.Denver's championship victory caps off another standout season for the Pioneers, who have emerged as a dominant force in college hockey.Denver Today

The University of Denver Pioneers hockey team won their 11th national championship, defeating the University of Wisconsin Badgers 2-1 on Saturday. The game-winning goal was scored by Kyle Chyzowski with 5:52 remaining, backing up another standout performance from goaltender Johnny Hicks.

Why it matters

Denver's victory marks their third national title in the last five years, solidifying their status as one of the premier college hockey programs in the country. The Pioneers have now won 11 championships, the most of any team in NCAA history.

The details

Trailing 1-0 late in the third period, Denver pulled even when Chyzowski tipped in a shot from the point to tie the game. Hicks, the Pioneers' star goaltender, made a series of crucial saves to keep the game knotted before Chyzowski's late heroics secured the victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Chyzowski's game-winning goal came with 5:52 remaining in regulation.

The players

Kyle Chyzowski

The Denver forward scored the game-winning goal to lift the Pioneers to the national championship.

Johnny Hicks

The Denver goaltender made a series of crucial saves to preserve the victory for the Pioneers.

University of Denver Pioneers

The Denver hockey team won their 11th national championship, the most of any program in NCAA history.

University of Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin hockey team fell just short of the national title, losing 2-1 to Denver in the championship game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This team has worked so hard all season to get to this point, and I'm so proud of the way they battled tonight to bring home another championship.”

— David Carle, Head Coach, University of Denver

The takeaway

Denver's latest national title cements their status as one of the premier college hockey programs in the country, having now won 11 championships - the most of any team in NCAA history. The Pioneers' consistent excellence and ability to win on the biggest stage is a testament to their dedication, coaching, and talent.