Denver secured their third national championship in five years after a 2-1 victory over Wisconsin. The win marks the Pioneers’ 11th national title overall. The victory denied the Badgers their seventh championship.
Hicks’ Heroics Propel Denver to Victory
Johnny Hicks’ stellar performance was pivotal for Denver. Hicks made 29 saves, following a personal-high 49 against Michigan two days prior. He has been undefeated in regulation since becoming the starter, with a 16-0-1 record.
Hicks entered the game leading the nation with a 1.20 goals-against average and .957 save percentage. He was named Most Outstanding Player, adding to the honours he received in Denver’s conference and regional tournaments.
“I’m so happy that we could get it done with this group,” said Hicks. “We’ve gone through so much adversity, and I’m just so proud of this group.”
Chyzowski’s Late Goal Secures the Win
Kyle Chyzowski scored the decisive goal with 5:52 left in the game, tipping in a shot from the point. Rieger Lorenz scored the other goal for Denver. Vasily Zelenov scored Wisconsin’s goal.
Denver captain Kent Anderson praised Hicks’ contribution. “Johnny Hicks is unbelievable,” Anderson said. “He’s undefeated. We couldn’t have done any of this without him. Tonight, our group stuck with it, they believed in each other. Hickey was there for us every step of the way. He kept us in it. Just waited for us to score. Eventually, we did.”
National Collegiate Hockey Conference’s Dominance
David Carle, Denver’s coach, highlighted the strength of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. The conference has claimed eight of the past 10 national champions. “I think we’re the proof of concept that it’s still possible,” Carle said.
Carle added, “You don’t have to be big in hockey to be good. You have to invest and you have to care and have the right people to do great things. In college athletics, I think a place like Denver should really be celebrated.”
This victory stood out as a rare loss for a Big Ten Conference team in a championship game this academic year. The Big Ten already holds titles in football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball.
- Denver’s 11th national title
- Johnny Hicks named Most Outstanding Player
- Kyle Chyzowski scored the winning goal
Denver has thrived in the uncomfortable, refusing to panic even when the opponent is dominating play.