Denver Beats Michigan in Epic Double-OT Marathon - Advances to National Championship vs Wisconsin

Denver captured an unforgettable victory over Michigan in the Frozen Four semifinals on Thursday night, winning 4-3 in double overtime after a marathon 92 minutes and 35 seconds of hockey. Defenseman Kent Anderson became the unlikely hero, scoring his second goal of the season to send the Pioneers to the national championship game.

The Epic Overtime Battle

The game was a back-and-forth thriller from start to finish. Kyle Chyzowski gave Denver an early 1-0 lead, but Michigan answered with goals from Josh Eernisse and T.J. Hughes to take a 2-1 advantage. Cale Ashcroft tied the game at 2-2 before Jayden Perron put Michigan ahead 3-2 with a power-play goal late in the third period.

With under three minutes remaining in regulation, Clarke Caswell deflected the puck past Michigan goalie Jack Ivankovic to tie the game and force overtime. In double overtime, Anderson broke through, catching a pass from Kristian Epperson in the slot and firing a wrister under Ivankovic's glove at 12:35 of the second overtime period.

Freshman Goalie Steals the Show

Denver freshman Johnny Hicks was outstanding throughout the marathon contest, making career-high saves in the extra periods. Despite Michigan outshooting Denver 13-2 at one point in the second overtime, Hicks stood firm in the crease, proving why he has been undefeated since taking over the starting role in January.

Denver Advances to Championship

The victory marks Denver's third consecutive Frozen Four appearance and fourth in five seasons. The Pioneers, seeking their 11th national championship, will face Wisconsin on Saturday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. ET for the NCAA title. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

Wisconsin advanced to the final earlier in the evening with a 2-1 victory over North Dakota, setting up a championship matchup between two former WCHA conference rivals.