Denver Wins 11th NCAA Hockey Title Behind Freshman Goalie

For the second time in three seasons, the Denver Pioneers are national champions, and they have a fearless freshman to thank for it.

Denver defeated Wisconsin 2-1 at the Frozen Four in Las Vegas on Saturday, capturing their record 11th NCAA hockey title. The victory came on the back of goaltender Johnny Hicks, who earned Most Outstanding Player honors after making 29 saves in the final and an incredible 49 saves in their semifinal win against Michigan.

The undrafted freshman finished the tournament with a .951 save percentage and hasn't lost a game since becoming the starter in late January. His record stands at 16-0-1, a remarkable achievement for a player who wasn't even the team's starting goalie at the beginning of the season.

"We've worked so hard every single day. We manifested this, and for it to come true now is just amazing," Hicks said after the game.

The championship looked uncertain early on. Wisconsin's Vasily Zelenov scored at 13:36 of the first period, and Denver managed just five shots in the first 40 minutes. But Hicks stood tall, making 24 consecutive saves to keep his team within striking distance.

"There's been a trend of us starting out slow," Hicks admitted. "They were very dominant, but we stuck with it as a group."

Denver's patience paid off in the third period. Minnesota Wild prospect Rieger Lorenz forced a turnover and tied the game 7:31 into the final period, redirecting a rebound past Wisconsin goalie Daniel Hauser. Six minutes later, Kyle Chyzowski deflected a shot from defenseman Boston Buckberger to give Denver the lead they wouldn't relinquish.

The Ripple Effect

This championship represents more than a trophy for the Pioneers program. It's their fourth title in 10 years under coach David Carle, establishing Denver as college hockey's modern dynasty. For Garrett Brown, who missed the 2024 championship while recovering from an ACL injury, this victory meant redemption and closure.

The win also showcases how teams can thrive when everyone buys into a collective mission. Denver defenseman Eric Pohlkamp, a Hobey Baker finalist who played through a foot injury during the tournament, praised his teammates' depth and sacrifice. "It's just guys stepped up at a huge time," Brown said.

For Hicks, the journey from backup to championship MVP in less than three months proves that opportunity and preparation create magic. His undefeated season will inspire young goalies everywhere who are waiting for their chance.

This Denver team showed that resilience, teamwork, and believing in each other can overcome any obstacle.