Wisconsin and Denver to Face Off in NCAA Hockey Championship

The Badgers and Pioneers will compete for the men's national title in Las Vegas.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:22am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a college hockey championship game, with the players and ice rink broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the team colors of Wisconsin and Denver.The upcoming NCAA hockey championship showdown between Wisconsin and Denver will showcase the sport's top talent and storied programs in a battle for the national title.Las Vegas Today

The Wisconsin Badgers and Denver Pioneers will play for the NCAA men's hockey national championship on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Wisconsin earned their first trip to the title game since 2010 with a 2-1 win over North Dakota in the first national semifinal, while Denver rallied past Michigan in double overtime 4-3 to advance.

Why it matters

This matchup features two of college hockey's most storied programs. Wisconsin is seeking its seventh national title, while Denver is aiming for its 11th championship. The game will showcase the top talent in the sport and determine the 2026 NCAA hockey champion.

The details

Wisconsin and Denver both won their national semifinal games on Friday night to set up the championship showdown. The Badgers edged North Dakota 2-1, while the Pioneers came back to defeat Michigan 4-3 in double overtime. This will be Wisconsin's first appearance in the title game since 2010, while Denver is looking to add to its record of 10 previous national championships.

  • The national championship game will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Wisconsin last won the NCAA hockey title in 2006.
  • Denver is seeking its 11th national championship.

The players

Wisconsin Badgers

A college hockey program with a long and successful history, including six previous national titles.

Denver Pioneers

One of the most dominant college hockey programs, having won 10 national championships, the most of any school.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to have the opportunity to compete for a national championship. It's been a long road, but the team is ready for the challenge.”

— Tony Granato, Head Coach, Wisconsin Badgers

“This is what we've been working towards all season long. We know Wisconsin will be a tough opponent, but we're confident in our ability to win another title for Denver.”

— David Carle, Head Coach, Denver Pioneers

What’s next

The national championship game between Wisconsin and Denver will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 8:00 PM local time in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of college hockey's most successful programs promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle for the 2026 NCAA men's hockey national title.