Frozen Four NCAA men's hockey tournament betting - ESPN

For anyone who grew up a «hockey school» devotee in the Northeast or Midwest, the Frozen Four is one of the biggest sporting events of the year. This year's edition is no different, as two blue bloods, Denver University and Boston University, face dominant newcomer Western Michigan and popular upset pick Penn State, respectively, in Thursday's national semifinals in St. Louis.

The futures market is hardly surprising, as reigning national champion Denver is the favorite at +185, followed by Hockey East powerhouse BU at +275 at ESPN BET. The Pioneers and Terriers have combined to win 15 national championships and their rosters currently feature 28 NHL draft picks between them. The Frozen Four is familiar territory for both schools, with Denver eliminating BU in last year's semifinal, and both will be vying to get back to the National Championship game (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2).

In contrast are two programs making their first Frozen Four appearances. Western Michigan steamrolled through the NCHC in both the regular season and conference tournament, racking up impressive statistics along the way. Penn State, initially seeded fourth in the Allentown regional, skated past two schools that were hot off blazing Hockey East tournament runs: runner-up UConn and champion Maine.

Note: Odds at time of publication. For the latest lines, visit ESPN BET.

In Thursday's opening Frozen Four matchup between Denver and Western Michigan (5 p.m. ET on ESPN2), Denver has emerged as a strong favorite, opening at -150 on the money line before settling in at -135. After beating Providence and No. 1 overall seed Boston College in Manchester, the Pioneers have attracted 70% of the bets and a whopping 93% of the handle for the semifinal. The