Third-period rally helps Denver beat Wisconsin to win 2026 NCAA men’s hockey championship

A modern-day college hockey dynasty is here.

On Saturday night, the Denver Pioneers defeated the Wisconsin Badgers, 2-1, to win the 2026 NCAA Men’s D-I Hockey Championship.

The Pioneers have now won a record 11 national titles. Along with advancing to the Frozen Four in four of the past five seasons, Denver has won three of the past five NCAA championships. David Carle has built a powerhouse with a recipe of consistency that has made him one of the best coaches in college hockey today.

However, heading into the third period, it looked like DU’s attempt at putting its name among the best programs of all time was going to be swept away. The Badgers were executing their game plan to a T. Just like they did for just about the entire semifinal against North Dakota, Wisconsin smothered any potential Denver attack, as the Pioneers had just five shots on goal through 40 minutes. Yet thanks to the outstanding play of freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks, DU trailed by only one.

Just like they did in 2022, when the team was being outplayed by Minnesota State (also coached by current UW bench boss Mike Hastings) heading into the final period of play, the Pios came to life when it mattered most. On the team’s ninth shot on goal, Rieger Lorenz jammed home a rebound to tie the game. Then, with under six to play in regulation, Kyle Chyzowski tipped in a Boston Buckberger point shot to give Denver the lead.

It was Chyzowski’s third goal and fifth point of the national tournament.

Wisconsin tried to push late, but it wasn’t enough as Denver hung on for the win.

Pioneers head coach David Carle noted how well his team handled the Badgers’ pressure in the first half of the game.

“We weathered it well,” Carle said on the ESPN broadcast. “I mean, they threw a lot of stuff to the paint, a lot of stuff off the rush. You know, we were finally able to crack them a little bit, obviously, and possess some pucks, get a puck to the net ourselves, and capitalize. Obviously, we found a way to make two plays in the third.”

Denver ended up being doubled up in shots by Wisconsin, 30-15. The Pioneers posted the fewest shots on goal in a national championship game since the 1990 final, when Wisconsin held the Colgate Raiders to just 13 shots in a victorious effort.

The hero of the game was Hicks, who was named the tournament’s most outstanding player and was DU’s best player since taking over the starting role in the second half of the season.

“I don’t know what to say,” an emotional Hicks stated. “I’m just so happy that we could get it done with this group. We’ve gone through so much adversity this year, and I’m just so proud of everyone.”

Buckberger, Hicks, Lorenz and Chyzowski were all named to the all-tournament team.

Wisconsin struck first in the opening period, as freshman Vasily Zelenov scored his sixth goal of the season, and first of the tournament. He was named to the all-tournament team, along with captain Ben Dexheimer. Daniel Hauser made 13 saves in the loss.

The Pioneers are now 7-3 in NCAA Championship games. Wisconsin, which was playing in its first final in 16 years, is 6-4 in final games.

Here are the standouts from Saturday night’s final:

Johnny Hicks, G, Denver: What more can I say about this kid that I haven’t already mentioned? He went 16-0-1 this year. He didn’t lose a game. He finished the season on a 13-game win streak. He allowed just six goals in the four games during the tournament. The freshman was simply sensational. After DU tied the game, Hicks made a ridiculous save to keep the game tied. If he doesn’t make that stop, we might be having a different conversation.

Rieger Lorenz, LW, Denver (Minnesota Wild): The unsung heroes had really carried DU through the tournament, especially Chyzkowski. However, with a national title on the line, Lorenz came up clutch. Simply by going to the net, he scored the goal that helped turn the momentum in his team’s favor. While DU had so few shots, he ended up tied for the team lead with Winnipeg Jets prospect Garrett Brown with three shots on goal, with Lorenz’s 17th goal of the season placing him second behind San Jose Sharks draft pick and Hobey Baker finalist Eric Pohlkamp.

Gavin Morrisey, C, Wisconsin: Saturday night will be a tough pill to swallow for each of those Badgers, but Morrissey shouldn’t hang his head too much. Besides the fact that he finishes the season as Wisconsin’s leading scorer, the sophomore played a hard game against DU. He was excellent on the dot as he has been all season long, created so many chances himself, but just couldn’t provide the difference-making goal. Yet, his ability to be a two-way player can lead this Badger program for years to come.