Denver Pioneers and Minnesota State Mavericks advance to Frozen Four final

BOSTON — Denver and Minnesota State will play for the men's ice hockey national title on Saturday night with a chance to make history for their respective programs.

The Pioneers eliminated top-seeded Michigan on Thursday in their Frozen Four semifinal game, 3-2 in overtime, to advance to the school's first championship game since 2018.

The Pioneers, who won the title four years ago, are seeking their ninth men's hockey championship in program history, which would tie Michigan for the most in NCAA Division I history.

«It was a really good hockey game. We're obviously excited to be on the positive end,» said Denver coach David Carle. «Our guys stuck with it, got the job done and we're still in Boston through Saturday.»

Minnesota State defeated rival Minnesota, 5-1, in their semifinal game. This will be the Mavericks' first appearance in the national title game. Minnesota State made its first Frozen Four last year, losing in the semifinals to St. Cloud State.

«The last Frozen Four didn't end the way we wanted it to. We've been on a journey ever since to try and get back here,» said Minnesota State coach Mike Hastings. «So now we want to try and take advantage of the opportunity that these guys have earned.»

Minnesota State advanced thanks to a pair of second-period wraparound goals by senior defenseman Benton Maass and senior left wing Reggie Lutz, who beat Gophers goalie Justen Close. They scored three goals in the third period. Sophomore forward Ondrej Pavel deflected a point shot by senior defenseman Jack McNeely early in the final period. Sophomore forward David Silye made it 4-1 with just over six minutes left in the game. Junior center Brendan Furry scored an empty net goal to cap the win.

The Mavericks played strong