DU Pioneers' Johnny Hicks Shines in Frozen Four Semifinal Win

Freshman goaltender makes career-high 49 saves to lead Denver to national title game

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:08am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey goaltender making a save, with sharp planes of color representing the players and action on the ice.A cubist interpretation of Denver goaltender Johnny Hicks' heroic performance in the Frozen Four semifinal, capturing the intensity and drama of his 49-save effort to lead the Pioneers to victory.Las Vegas Today

In a thrilling Frozen Four semifinal matchup, University of Denver freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks made a career-high 49 saves to lead the Pioneers to a 4-3 double overtime victory over Michigan. Despite taking a hard hit early in the third period that briefly knocked the wind out of him, Hicks bounced back and continued his incredible undefeated streak, improving to 15-0-1 since taking over the starting role due to an injury to his teammate.

Why it matters

Hicks' heroic performance in the Frozen Four semifinal has cemented his status as a rising star in college hockey. The diminutive goaltender has defied the odds and expectations, leading Denver to the national championship game with his remarkable play and unflappable composure under pressure.

The details

Trailing 3-2 late in regulation, Denver tied the game with 2:46 remaining to force overtime. Hicks then made 25 saves after that goal, withstanding wave after wave of Michigan attacks to keep the Pioneers in the game. In the second overtime, Denver found a way to score the game-winner, advancing to the national title game thanks to Hicks' spectacular 49-save effort.

  • Early in the third period, Hicks was knocked to the ice after a collision with Michigan forward Malcolm Spence and Denver defenseman Eric Jamieson.
  • With 2:46 left in regulation, Clarke Caswell scored to tie the game at 3-3 and send it to overtime.
  • Denver won the game in double overtime to advance to the national championship game on Saturday.

The players

Johnny Hicks

A freshman goaltender for the University of Denver Pioneers who has taken over the starting role and led the team on an incredible undefeated run, including a 49-save performance in the Frozen Four semifinal.

Quentin Miller

The original starting goaltender for Denver who was injured early in the season, allowing Hicks to step in and take over the role.

Malcolm Spence

A Michigan Wolverines forward who was involved in the collision with Hicks in the third period.

Eric Jamieson

A Denver Pioneers defenseman who was also involved in the collision with Hicks in the third period.

David Carle

The head coach of the University of Denver Pioneers hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“It just kind of knocked the wind out of me. I took a second to breathe and got up fine. I was just taking a breather. I was surprised. He kind of came out of nowhere. It was an unlucky play. I'm glad everyone was OK.”

— Johnny Hicks, Goaltender, University of Denver Pioneers

“I don't think I even have to say it, but he's unbelievable. It's like a broken record. We talk about how good he is, and he keeps showing up performing. He battles harder than anyone, works harder than anyone behind the scenes. For him to do what he did (Thursday) night was just utterly special. He got ran over, almost looked like a linebacker taking a hit and he got right back up.”

— Boston Buckberger, Defenseman, University of Denver Pioneers

“To me, those two moments, you kind of see what he's all about mentally and as a competitor. I think again you saw it last night after the big collision between him and Spence and Jamieson around our net. He kind of took a moment to gather himself, dusted himself off, got back in there and really wasn't fazed by it.”

— David Carle, Head Coach, University of Denver Pioneers

What’s next

The Pioneers will face the Wisconsin Badgers in the national championship game on Saturday, April 12, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

Johnny Hicks' remarkable resilience and unflappable performance in the Frozen Four semifinal have cemented his status as a rising star in college hockey. Despite taking a hard hit, the diminutive goaltender bounced back to lead Denver to an epic double-overtime victory, showcasing the mental toughness and competitive drive that have fueled the Pioneers' improbable run to the national title game.