Denver University Wins Its Ninth NCAA Men’s Hockey Championship

Denver University scored five times in the third period to beat Minnesota State 5-1 in the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four championship game in Boston on April 9th. It was the Pioneer’s ninth NCAA hockey title, tying Michigan for the most ever. Coincidently, the Pioneers beat the Wolverines in a semifinal game to advance to the championship. Michigan had been the preseason pick by many win the championship, with a roster loaded with 13 NHL draft picks, including seven first rounders. Minnesota State beat Minnesota in the other semi final as the Mavericks advanced to their first ever championship game.

The Mavericks scored on a power play goal in the first period to take the lead. Minnesota State’s defense, featuring Hobey Baker Award (college hockey’s Heisman Trophy) winner Dryden McKay in goal limited Denver to just 18 shots and no goals through the first two periods. At 4:46 of the third period, Denver finally broke through and tied it at 1-1 with a goal by Ryan Barrow. Mike Benning followed with a goal at 7:33, and Massimo Rizzo added one more at 13:34. The Pioneers scored two more empty netters to complete the 5-1 victory. Denver goalie Magnus Chrona had 27 saves.