Calgary’s Matt Davis did everything he humanly could to carry the University of Denver Pioneers to the finals but the defending NCAA champions’ season ended in a Frozen Four 3-2 heartbreak Thursday.
Owen Michaels of Western Michigan scored his second goal of the night 26 seconds into the second overtime period to lift the Broncos into the finals.
Western Michigan outshot Denver 47-22 and dominated the first overtime, but Davis, who led the club to the 2024 NCAA title, stopped them all until Michaels intercepted a clearing pass, steered into the middle and snapped a shot that beat Davis high on the glove side.
Earlier, Western Michigan dominated play and built a 2-0 lead on second-period goals from Brian Kramer, on a power play, and Michaels.
They continued to tilt the ice in the early portion of the third period, until Aidan Thompson scored to cut the lead to 2-1 6:49 into the third, and then, with 2:39 left, Jared Wright knocked it in on a goalmouth scramble to tie the score at 2-2.
Another look at the goal by Lorenz that sent us to the first double OT since 1996 🤯#GoPios pic.twitter.com/yns6EAHx8v
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) April 11, 2025
The Pioneers were led by goaltender Davis and captain Carter King, both of whom are from Calgary, along with forward Rieger Lorenz and defenceman Kent Anderson.
Backup goaltender Freddie Halyk is from Cochrane, and defenceman Cale Ashcroft is from St. Albert.
Davis, who is a senior, led the Pioneers to two NCAA championships.
Thank you Pioneer fans for a tremendous season. Your support means everything to us.
— Denver Hockey (@DU_Hockey) April 11, 2025
Can't wait for 2025-26! #GoPios pic.twitter.com/n147wKsDRj
