Denver and Western Michigan Face Off for Frozen Four Berth

The rivals meet in the NCAA Tournament regional final hockey game

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:25pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action of a college hockey game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in the team colors of Western Michigan and Denver, capturing the energy and intensity of the high-stakes matchup.The intense rivalry between Western Michigan and Denver will be on full display as the teams battle for a spot in the Frozen Four.Loveland Today

The defending national champion Western Michigan Broncos (27-10-1) will face off against their National Collegiate Hockey Conference rivals, the Denver Pioneers (26-11-3), in a regional final matchup on Sunday. The winner will advance to the Frozen Four.

Why it matters

This game features two of the top college hockey programs in the country, with the Broncos looking to defend their national title and the Pioneers seeking their first Frozen Four appearance since 2019. The intense rivalry between the two NCHC schools adds extra drama to the high-stakes contest.

The details

Western Michigan and Denver have met twice already this season, with each team winning one game. The Broncos are led by senior forward Cade Webber, who has 21 goals and 30 assists, while the Pioneers are paced by junior goaltender Ethan Leyh and his 2.36 goals against average.

  • The regional final game will take place on Sunday, March 30, 2026.
  • Western Michigan won the national championship in 2025.

The players

Western Michigan Broncos

The defending national champion college hockey team, members of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.

Denver Pioneers

A college hockey program that is also a member of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, seeking their first Frozen Four appearance since 2019.

Cade Webber

A senior forward for the Western Michigan Broncos who has 21 goals and 30 assists this season.

Ethan Leyh

A junior goaltender for the Denver Pioneers who has a 2.36 goals against average.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to be a hard-fought battle between two of the best teams in college hockey. The rivalry between Western Michigan and Denver always brings out the best in both squads.”

— Jim Johannson, NCAA Hockey Committee Chair

What’s next

The winner of Sunday's regional final will advance to the Frozen Four, the semifinals of the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament, which will take place on April 10-12, 2026.

The takeaway

This matchup between the defending national champion Broncos and the perennial NCHC power Pioneers promises to be an intense, high-stakes clash between two of college hockey's elite programs. The winner will earn a spot in the Frozen Four, one step away from competing for the national title.