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University of Denver Wins NCAA Hockey Championship in Las Vegas Debut
The Pioneers defeat Wisconsin in a thrilling title game, capping off a historic Frozen Four weekend in Sin City.
Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:55pm
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The 2026 NCAA Frozen Four in Las Vegas delivered a thrilling championship game, with the University of Denver Pioneers emerging victorious in a high-energy, neon-soaked spectacle.Las Vegas TodayFor the first time ever, the NCAA Frozen Four hockey tournament was held in Las Vegas, bringing the sport's premier event to the bright lights of the Strip. The four-team tournament featured a dramatic semifinal round, with the University of Denver outlasting the University of Michigan in a double-overtime classic to advance to the championship game. There, the Pioneers defeated the University of Wisconsin-Madison to claim the national title, capping off a historic weekend that saw record attendance and high-level, end-to-end action on the ice.
Why it matters
Hosting the Frozen Four in Las Vegas marked a significant milestone for college hockey, expanding the sport's footprint to a new market and proving it can thrive in a non-traditional hockey environment. The tournament's success in Sin City could pave the way for future NCAA championship events to be held in unique locations, broadening the sport's appeal and exposure.
The details
In the semifinal round, Wisconsin defeated the University of North Dakota 2-1 in a tightly contested matchup, while Denver edged Michigan 4-3 in a double-overtime instant classic. The championship game between Denver and Wisconsin was a hard-fought battle, with the Pioneers ultimately prevailing to claim their first NCAA hockey title.
- The 2026 NCAA Frozen Four took place April 9-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- The semifinal games were played on April 9, with the championship game following on April 11.
The players
University of Denver
The University of Denver Pioneers won their first NCAA hockey championship, defeating Wisconsin in the title game.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
The Wisconsin Badgers reached the NCAA championship game, falling just short of the title against Denver.
Johnny Hicks
The Denver freshman goaltender recorded 49 saves in the Pioneers' double-overtime semifinal victory, one of the top performances in Frozen Four history.
What they’re saying
“Hosting the Frozen Four in Las Vegas was a huge success for college hockey. The atmosphere and energy in the building was incredible, and the level of play on the ice was as high as it's ever been.”
— Jim Johannson, USA Hockey Assistant Executive Director
“This was a dream come true for our team. To win the national championship in such a unique and exciting setting is something we'll remember forever.”
— Bobby Brink, Denver Pioneers Forward
What’s next
The University of Denver will look to defend their national championship next season, while the Frozen Four is expected to return to Las Vegas in the coming years, building on the success of this year's event.
The takeaway
The 2026 NCAA Frozen Four in Las Vegas was a landmark moment for college hockey, proving the sport can thrive in non-traditional markets and deliver a high-energy, spectacle-driven experience for fans. The tournament's success could open the door for future NCAA championship events to be held in unique locations, expanding the sport's reach and appeal.
