Wisconsin men's hockey advances to Frozen Four with 4-3 overtime win over Michigan State

The Badgers will face the winner of North Dakota-Quinnipiac in the national semifinal on April 9.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic, high-energy action of an overtime college hockey game, with sharp planes of navy, red, and green representing the players, puck, and arena.The Badgers' dramatic overtime victory against the Spartans showcases the intensity and skill of college hockey's biggest stage.Worcester Today

The Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team defeated the Michigan State Spartans 4-3 in overtime on Saturday to advance to the Frozen Four, marking the Badgers' 12th ever appearance in the national semifinals. After falling behind 3-1 in the third period, the Badgers rallied to tie the game and then won it in overtime on a goal by Ben Dexheimer.

Why it matters

The Frozen Four is the pinnacle of college hockey, and the Badgers' return to the national semifinals is a major accomplishment for the program. Wisconsin has a storied history in men's hockey, with 12 previous Frozen Four appearances, and this run will generate excitement among the team's loyal fanbase.

The details

Wisconsin opened the scoring with a goal by Quinn Finley in the second period, but Michigan State responded with three unanswered goals to take a 3-1 lead midway through the third period. The Badgers then scored twice in the final five minutes of regulation to tie the game and force overtime. Just 24 seconds into the extra period, Ben Dexheimer netted the game-winning goal to send Wisconsin to the Frozen Four.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 29, 2026.
  • Wisconsin scored the opening goal 18 seconds into the second period.
  • Michigan State scored three straight goals to take a 3-1 lead in the third period.
  • Wisconsin scored twice in the final 4:47 of regulation to tie the game at 3-3.
  • Ben Dexheimer scored the game-winning goal 24 seconds into overtime.

The players

Wisconsin Badgers

The men's hockey team from the University of Wisconsin, a storied college hockey program with 12 previous Frozen Four appearances.

Michigan State Spartans

The men's hockey team from Michigan State University, who were defeated by Wisconsin in the regional final.

Quinn Finley

A Wisconsin player who scored the opening goal for the Badgers.

Gavin Morrissey

A Wisconsin player who had one goal and two assists in the win.

Ben Dexheimer

The Wisconsin player who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

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What they’re saying

“This marks the 12th ever Frozen Four appearance for the Badgers men's hockey program and its first Frozen Four appearance since 2010.”

— Web Staff, Reporter

What’s next

The Badgers will face the winner of the North Dakota-Quinnipiac matchup in the national semifinal on Thursday, April 9 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The winner of that game will advance to the national championship game on Saturday, April 11.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's dramatic comeback victory over Michigan State showcases the resilience and talent of the Badgers men's hockey team, who have now returned to the Frozen Four for the first time in over a decade. This run will energize the team's passionate fanbase and provide an opportunity for the program to compete for its first national championship since 2006.