Denver Dominates Cornell in NCAA Tournament Opener

Balanced scoring and stifling defense lead Pioneers to 5-0 shutout victory

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a college hockey game, with sharp planes of navy blue, gold, and white representing the Denver Pioneers.Denver's balanced, team-first approach has propelled them to the NCAA quarterfinals as they pursue their 11th national championship.Loveland Today

The Denver Pioneers hockey team continued their impressive season with a dominant 5-0 shutout victory over Cornell in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Denver's depth was on full display, as all four lines contributed goals and their defense corps played a key role in generating offense. Goaltender Johnny Hicks recorded 24 saves to earn the shutout, his 14th consecutive win for the Pioneers.

Why it matters

Denver's well-rounded team approach and ability to get contributions from all lines has been a major factor in their success this season. As they advance to the NCAA quarterfinals, their balanced attack and stifling defense will be crucial against the defending national champion Western Michigan Broncos.

The details

Denver opened the scoring with goals from fourth-line center Jake Fisher and third-line center Kieran Cebrian, setting the tone early. The Pioneers' defensemen, who have combined for 38 goals this season, continued to generate offense, with Rieger Lorenz adding an empty-net goal to seal the victory. Cornell coach Casey Jones acknowledged the challenge of defending Denver's deep, multi-dimensional offense.

  • Denver opened the scoring in the first period with goals from Jake Fisher and Kieran Cebrian.
  • Rieger Lorenz scored an empty-net goal in the third period to clinch the 5-0 victory for Denver.
  • The Pioneers will face the defending national champion Western Michigan Broncos in the NCAA quarterfinals on Sunday.

The players

Jake Fisher

Denver's fourth-line center, who opened the scoring with a well-timed deflection goal on his 21st birthday.

Kieran Cebrian

Denver's third-line center, who scored a deflected goal of his own to give the Pioneers a 2-0 lead.

Johnny Hicks

Denver's goaltender, who made 24 saves to record his 14th consecutive win and keep the Pioneers undefeated.

Rieger Lorenz

Denver's leading forward scorer, who added an empty-net goal to seal the victory on his birthday.

David Carle

Denver's head coach, who is looking to lead the Pioneers to their 11th national championship.

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What they’re saying

“Our defense is focused on shooting pucks that forwards can get a piece of. They were great at that tonight.”

— Kieran Cebrian, Denver third-line center

“A big emphasis for us was two on the inside. I think that was executed well.”

— Jake Fisher, Denver fourth-line center

“We hadn't played a team that had 38 goals from the defense corps before. I'll be honest, that is, like, three times as much as most teams. And it comes off No. 23 (Eric Pohlkamp) and it comes off No. 9 (Boston Buckberger). They get pucks down to the net. They're hard to defend. They make it hard to block shots.”

— Casey Jones, Cornell head coach

“I'd love a trip to the Frozen Four in Vegas. I think that would be pretty sweet.”

— Rieger Lorenz, Denver leading forward scorer

“We're very confident, we're very detailed, we're working extremely hard. All four lines, all 6 D-men, our goalie... everyone's got a role.”

— Rieger Lorenz, Denver leading forward scorer

What’s next

Denver will face the defending national champion Western Michigan Broncos in the NCAA quarterfinals on Sunday. The winner will advance to the Frozen Four in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Denver's balanced, team-first approach has been a key to their success this season. With contributions from all four lines, a stifling defense, and stellar goaltending, the Pioneers have proven they are a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament as they pursue their 11th national championship.