The Pioneers eliminated the top Michigan on Thursday in their semifinal Frozen Four, 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 the ninth men’s hockey championship in program history, which would tie Michigan to the most in the NCAA Division I. “It was a very good hockey game. We are obviously excited to be at the positive end,” said Denver coach David Carle. “Our kids got stuck with it, they finished work and we’re still in Boston until Saturday.” Minnesota State defeated its opponent Minnesota, 5-1, in its semifinal game. This will be the Mavericks’ first appearance in a national title game. Minnesota State made its Frozen Four debut last year, losing in the semifinals to St. Cloud State. “The last Frozen Four did not end the way we wanted it to. We have since made a trip to try to get back here,” said Minnesota coach Mike Hastings. “So now we want to try to take advantage of the opportunity that these kids have won.” Minnesota State advanced thanks to a pair of second-half goals from senior defender Benton Maass and upper-left Reggie Lutz, who beat Gophers goalkeeper Justen Close. In the third period they scored three goals. Second-year striker Ondrej Powell saved a shot from senior defender Jack McNeely early in the final period. Second striker David Silye made it 4-1 with just over six minutes left in the game. Young center Brendan Fury scored an empty goal to close the victory. The Mavericks played strong defense in front of star goalkeeper Driden McKay, who made 16 saves. The Gophers’ only goal came in one of Minnesota State’s rare blunders in the game: With 11 minutes left in the first half, a 2-0-0 upset by the Mavericks as striker Matthew Knies scored to give lead in Minnesota. McKay, an elderly man, won the songs “Hobey Baker!” from the Mavericks fans in the crowd, as he is a finalist for the award honoring the top college hockey player, which will be presented Friday night in Boston. The other two finalists are striker Bobby Brink from Denver and Ben Meyers from Minnesota. Denver and Michigan opened the Frozen Four semifinals earlier in the night with a fierce battle between the two teams. Goal left Carter Savoie with 5:07 remaining in extra time won the game for the Pioneers. The Wolverines tried to go on the attack before securing the elf. Denver collected the turnover and the pass of the top scorer Brink from the right corner was converted by Savoy to the front of the net, sending the Pioneers to celebrate and the top Wolverines at home. “They turned the elf on the blue line there. I tried to pass it to Bob, he hit a stake and then he obviously ended up taking it back. That pass was unbelievable. I got the first shot and then I got the rebound,” Savoia said. “There are no words to describe it. The best feeling ever.” Senior center Brett Stapley and upper right wing Cameron Wright had the other goals for Denver, whose strong play in the neutral zone left Michigan’s dynamic attacking players off the pitch. It was a 1-1 game that entered the third period. The Pioneers were ahead with 14:24 remaining for the third period. The elf turned back to the defender Mike Benning in the right place, who made a shot on the wrist that was blocked by Wright and passed by goalkeeper Erik Portillo. But Michigan tied the game with 10:51 remaining in third. The game started with a big block by Mark Estapa in a shot by Denver defender Andy Tuomisto. Michael Pastujov from Michigan quickly fell into the wing. His cross in the middle of the ice was deflected, but second-year striker Thomas Bordeleau cleverly slowed his progress to win the tie for the draw that would eventually force extra time, where Denver would end the Wolverines’ turn. The defeat led Michigan to an off-season of uncertainty. The Wolverines have seven players selected in the first round of the NHL Draft, including four of the top five in the 2021 draft. Defenseman Owen Power, No. 1 overall last year, is expected to sign with the Buffalo Sabers after NCAA Tournament. Michigan coach Mel Pearson’s contract expires on April 30. Asked if he would be the Wolverines’ coach next season, Pearson said: “I’ll just talk about the game and our team tonight.”
