The final chapters in the 2025-2026 collegiate men’s ice hockey season were written in Las Vegas over the weekend. It all came down to a blue-blooded Frozen Four. The last teams standing—Wisconsin, North Dakota, Michigan, and Denver—lead the country in national titles. Back in 2024, Denver became TENver, the most decorated DI men’s hockey program in the country. This season, my Pioneers were making their 21st (and 3rd consecutive) Frozen Four appearance. The Artemis II mission might have gone around the Moon, but I was over the Moon to see the boys have a shot at the program’s 11th national title.
After days without college hockey, I was ready for a double-header.
In the early game of the Frozen Four semi-finals, North Dakota faced Wisconsin. Back in the regional round, North Dakota shut out both their opponents (Merrimack and Quinnipiac). Meanwhile, Wisconsin beat Dartmouth and stunned Michigan State in OT. Anything could happen in the first semi-final.
Midway through the first period against North Dakota, Wisconsin scored twice in less than 30 seconds. UND made a less than inspiring attempt at a comeback and Wisconsin won 2-1, sending the Badgers to the national championship.
In the late game, my Denver Pioneers faced Michigan. In the regional round, Michigan soundly beat Bentley and held on through Minnesota-Duluth’s third period rally. Meanwhile in Magness North, AKA Blue Arena in Loveland, my Denver Pioneers shut out Cornell and stunned Western Michigan in the regional final. The matchup between these two powerhouses of collegiate hockey, Michigan and Denver, was bound to be exciting.
About midway through the first period, Kyle Chyzowski, from Brendan McMorrow and Kieran Cebrian, put the Pioneers on top 1-0. Before the first intermission, however, Michigan scored twice in just shy of a minute, putting my Pioneers down 2-1. It didn’t take long for DU to even the score, and just over two minutes into the second period, the game was tied 2-2. The tie was broken again 11 minutes into third period when Michigan scored on a power play. I struggled to sit still, talked back at the TV, applauded Denver goaltender Johnny “Bricks” Hicks, urged the Pios to shoot. Then, with 3ish minutes left in the period, Clarke Caswell with help from Garrett Brown, Kristian Epperson, and company, tied the game 3-3. The goal forced overtime—then a second overtime.
Shortly after I joked what the over-under might be on the game going into a third overtime period, a miracle happened. O Captain! My Captain! Over 12 minutes into the second overtime, Kent Anderson (assists Kristian Epperson and Eric Jamieson) put the puck into the back of Michigan’s net, scoring the game winning goal. Our final score: 4-3 Pioneers in 2OT. It was a beautiful thing, but the Pioneers weren’t done yet.
If I spent Friday filled with joy, anticipation, and nerves, I could only imagine what Denver’s roster felt.
Championship Saturday finally came: Denver versus Wisconsin. After both teams failed to score on power play opportunities, Wisconsin broke the ice just over 13 minutes into the game. I braced myself for a repeat of their performance against North Dakota, but Johnny Hicks made save after save. The middle frame was tense and scoreless. Throughout the game, Hicks came in clutch, making smart plays and key saves but Denver continued trailing, and not just on the scoreboard. Our low shot count particularly bothered me. Things were looking bleak going into the second intermission, but something about this game seemed familiar.
Back in 2022, the Denver Pioneers beat Michigan 3-2 in OT in the Frozen Four semi-finals then went on to play Minnesota State in the championship. Just shy of 14 minutes into the first period, Minnesota State scored. There was a scoreless middle frame. Denver struggled to find gaps in Minnesota State’s defense. Something shifted, however, and just shy of 5 minutes into the third period, Pioneer Ryan Barrow with assists from Mike Benning and Jack Devine, finally got Denver on the board. The floodgates opened. The Pioneers scored 5 unanswered goals in the final frame, winning 5-1 and earning their 9th national title.
As I continued to watch the 2026 championship with sweaty palms, a phrase I’d heard (and said) many times over the years as a Pioneers fan came to mind: you can never count out Denver. Even with their backs against the wall, when it really counts, the Pioneers are persistence personified.
Over 7 minutes into the third period, Rieger Lorenz, with assists from Garrett Brown and Kristian Epperson, got in front of the net and tied the game. The boys had life! I squirmed, wrung my hands, urged the Pios to shoot. With less than 6 minutes left in the period, Boston Buckberger quarterbacked the game winning goal from the blue line. An empty netter would’ve been nice, but in the end, we didn’t need it. A few minutes later, the horn blared in T-Mobile Arena. The final score: 2-1 Denver. The Pioneers secured their 11th national title.
On Tuesday night, I was in Magness Arena to celebrate this achievement with many fellow fans. My feet are still sore from standing on concourse floors. I waited in line for hours to get a poster signed by this team that overcame so much adversity throughout the season. It’s hard to believe this group will never play another game together for Denver. Boys, you made me very proud to be a Pioneer. Thank you.
As for my writing life, I mentioned struggling to (among other things) write a short story last week. Imagine my surprise when I managed to write and submit a short story (that I liked!) in roughly three and a half days. I’m keeping my eyes open for more opportunities and preparing to query while giving my new novel a little space.
I’ll keep you posted on my writing life and pursuit of publication, and as always, LET’S GO PIOS!
See my Friday photo roundup and 11th National Championship party pictures on my Instagram.
