Denver University Hockey Advances To Frozen Four After Overtime Thriller

Denver University Hockey Advances To Frozen Four After Overtime Thriller...

The University of Denver Pioneers secured a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory against Boston College in the NCAA hockey tournament Thursday night, clinching a spot in the Frozen Four. The win, fueled by a sudden-death goal from sophomore forward Jack Devine, has sparked celebrations across Colorado and put DU one step closer to a potential 10th national championship.

The game, played at the Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Missouri, drew national attention as a clash between two top-ranked programs. Denver’s victory marks their first Frozen Four appearance since 2022, reigniting excitement among college hockey fans. The matchup trended on social media as viewers praised the high-intensity play and goaltending heroics from DU’s Matt Davis.

Boston College, the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, entered the game with a 15-game winning streak but was outlasted by Denver’s resilient defense. The Eagles’ star freshman, Gabe Perreault, scored both of their goals but couldn’t prevent DU’s late-game surge. Overtime lasted just 2:18 before Devine’s wrist shot sealed the win, sending Denver players into a frenzied pile-up on the ice.

The Frozen Four berth is particularly meaningful for Denver after last year’s heartbreaking first-round exit. Head coach David Carle told reporters, "This team has fought through adversity all season, and tonight showed their character." The Pioneers will face Michigan in the national semifinals on April 11 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

College hockey analysts note DU’s balanced scoring—eight different players registered points Thursday—could make them a tough out in the final rounds. The game’s trending status reflects growing interest in NCAA hockey ahead of the Frozen Four, which will air on ESPN2. Denver last won the national title in 2022 and is now the highest-seeded team remaining in the tournament.

Local businesses near DU’s campus reported increased foot traffic as fans gathered to watch the game. The university announced a public send-off event for the team before they travel to Minnesota. With a potential championship run underway, Denver’s hockey program is again capturing national attention—and rallying Colorado sports fans during a quiet period for the Nuggets and Avalanche.