The University of Denver is heading back to the ‘Frozen Four’ for the first time in more than a decade. The Pioneers defeated Ferris State 6-3 on Sunday at the Xcel Energy Center to win the West Regional of the 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament and advance to the national semifinals where they’ll face the North Dakota Fighting Hawks on Thursday, April 7. This is the 14th time overall that DU has advanced to the Frozen Four, the sixth-most in NCAA history. The Pioneers made their last trip to the Frozen Four in 2005, eventually defeating North Dakota for the national championship.
Freshman defenseman Blake Hillman was named Most Outstanding Player for the West Regional after netting the game-winning goal on Sunday and finishing the weekend with four points (2G-2A). Sophomore goaltender Tanner Jaillet made 18 saves, improving to 3-1 in his career at the NCAA Tournament.
“It’s a special feeling to be heading to the Frozen Four, especially as a senior,” Denver captain Grant Arnold said via Denver Pioneers.com after Sunday’s win. “We’ve had some tough losses in this tournament during my career but that just makes this victory all the more sweet. It’s awesome to be able to take this step for DU and for everyone that’s ever worn a Pioneers jersey. We can’t wait to get to Tampa and continue our quest for an eighth national title for this great program.”
Danton Heinen gave the Pios an early 1-0 lead on Sunday, banging home a rebound produced by a Dylan Gambrell shot during a Denver power play to register the 20th goal of his sophomore campaign at the 5:34 mark of the opening period. After Bulldogs wing Gerald Mayhew converted on a breakaway to tie the game up at one, Gambrell put DU back on top in the 19th minute of play, taking a feed from Heinen deep in Bulldogs territory and ripping a wrist shot past FSU netminder Darren Smith to register his 17th goal of the season. Ferris State scored a power play goal in the final minute of the first period to re-tie the contest at 2.
Trevor Moore restored Denver’s one-goal advantage early in the second period, beating Smith on a wrist shot courtesy of a great pass by Hillman. The Bulldogs pulled even on another PPG at the 7:17 mark of the third period, but Denver’s offense soon erupted for three goals in a span of 2:05 as Hillman, Nolan Zajac and Quentin Shore all found the back of the net in quick succession to seal the victory for the Pioneers.
In addition to Hillman, Heinen, Gambrell and junior Will Butcher were also named to the West Regional’s All-Tournament Team after turning in stellar performances in Saint Paul. Denver finished the weekend with 13 goals scored, its highest total at an NCAA Regional since the format was adopted in 1992.
Featured Image Credit: Denver Men’s Hockey Facebook