Kyle Chyzowski’s deflection goal with 5:52 left in the third period lifted Denver to a 2-1 comeback win over Wisconsin in the Frozen Four national championship game Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.
The victory gave the Pioneers their third national title in five years and a record 11th overall. Denver (29-11-3) closed the season on a 13-game winning streak.
Wisconsin (24-13-2) dominated the first two periods, outshooting Denver 5-2 in the opening frame and taking a 1-0 lead on Vasily Zelenov’s short-side wrist shot at 13:36 of the first period. The Badgers, seeking their first national championship in 20 years, controlled play but could not extend their lead.
Goaltender Johnny Hicks kept Denver in the game with 29 saves and was named Frozen Four most outstanding player. The freshman has not lost since taking over as starter in January, a 17-game unbeaten streak.
“We certainly bent but didn’t break,” Denver coach David Carle said. “We found a way again. Johnny (Hicks) kept us within range, and we saved our best period for last.”
Denver tied the game at 7:31 of the third period when Wisconsin goaltender Daniel Hauser (13 saves) could not control a shot by defenseman Garrett Brown. Rieger Lorenz knocked in the rebound for his 17th goal of the season.
“Our first 40 (minutes) definitely wasn’t even close to good enough,” Lorenz said. “We needed a big spark there. Glad I could give the guys that little bump.”
The Pioneers took the lead when Chyzowski tipped a shot from defenseman Boston Buckberger for his 13th goal. Hauser had lost his stick moments earlier as Denver swarmed the Badgers’ zone.
Wisconsin nearly tied it with 4:30 left, but defenseman Ben Dexheimer’s shot hit the crossbar. The Badgers outshot Denver 30-15 overall but could not solve Hicks.
“I thought we had some opportunities, we just didn’t capitalize,” Wisconsin coach Mike Hastings said. “We needed, in my opinion, to get it to two (goals), and we just couldn’t do that.”
Denver finished with 31 blocked shots. The Pioneers were outshot 82-41 in their two Frozen Four games.
“Johnny Hicks is unbelievable,” Denver captain Kent Anderson said. “We couldn’t have done any of this without him.”
