Denver Pioneers capture 11th NCAA hockey title

Freshman goalie Johnny Hicks makes 29 saves to lead Denver to championship victory

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:42am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a hockey game, with overlapping angular shapes in navy, red, and gold representing the players and puck's movements on the ice.Denver's hockey dynasty continues with their 11th national championship, as the Pioneers' young stars push the team to new heights.Las Vegas Today

The University of Denver Pioneers have won their 11th NCAA Division I men's ice hockey national championship, defeating their opponent in the Frozen Four final behind a standout performance from freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks, who made 29 saves in the game.

Why it matters

Denver's hockey program is one of the most successful in NCAA history, and this latest title extends their record for the most national championships won by any school. The Pioneers' ability to reload with top talent like Hicks and continue their championship pedigree is a testament to the strength of the program.

The details

Hicks, a 19-year-old rookie goaltender, turned in a dominant effort in net to lead Denver to the title. He stopped 29 of 30 shots faced, including several key saves in the third period to preserve the Pioneers' lead. This performance comes two years after Matthew Davis, another Denver freshman, led the team to the national championship in 2024.

  • The 2026 NCAA Frozen Four championship game took place on April 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The players

Johnny Hicks

A 19-year-old freshman goaltender for the University of Denver Pioneers hockey team.

Matthew Davis

A former University of Denver Pioneers hockey player who led the team to the national championship in 2024 as a freshman.

University of Denver Pioneers

The men's ice hockey team from the University of Denver, which has won a record 11 NCAA Division I national championships.

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The takeaway

Denver's hockey dynasty continues, as the Pioneers have now won 11 national titles, the most of any program in NCAA history. Their ability to develop elite young talent like Hicks and Davis shows the strength of the team's coaching and development system.