8 Must-Watch NHL Prospects in the 2026 NCAA Frozen Four The 2026 NCAA Frozen Four is set to begin on April 9, featuring four teams: the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin, the University of North Dakota, and the University of Denver. The tournament kicks off with Wisconsin facing North Dakota at 5 p.m. and Michigan taking on Denver at 8:30 p.m. While Michigan is the favored team, the competition is fierce, with Denver holding three of the last four national championships, North Dakota boasting a potential NHL Draft lottery pick in Keaton Verhoeff, and Wisconsin making its first Frozen Four appearance since 2010. Before the tournament begins, attention turns to standout players from each team. Among the key prospects are forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders whose performances could shape the outcome of the championship. The University of Michigan’s Michael Hage, a forward for the Montreal Canadiens, is expected to return after a minor lower-body injury kept him out of the previous playoff game. Hage, who scored 51 points this season, will be a critical asset for the Wolverines as they aim to secure their first national title since 1998. His return is anticipated to bolster Michigan’s offensive efforts, and his NHL future with the Canadiens seems likely once the season concludes. Will Horcoff, another Michigan forward and prospect for the Pittsburgh Penguins, has exceeded expectations this season. As the son of former NHLer Shawn Horcoff, Horcoff’s progress has been notable, particularly in his playmaking ability. His development has impressed both the Penguins and Wolverines, positioning him as a potential future NHL contributor. From the University of Denver, Eric Pohlkamp, a defenseman for the San Jose Sharks, has been a standout performer.#university_of_north_dakota #university_of_michigan #university_of_wisconsin #montreal_canadiens #university_of_denver
University of Denver Hockey Team Advances to Frozen Four for Third Consecutive Year The University of Denver men’s hockey team has secured its third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Frozen Four, marking a historic run in the program’s history. The Pioneers defeated Western Michigan University, the defending national champion, 6-2 in the West Regional Final on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the Blue Arena in Loveland, Colorado. This victory propelled Denver to its 21st Frozen Four appearance and its fourth in the past five seasons. The win also avenged a 3-2 double-overtime loss to Western Michigan in the 2023 Frozen Four semifinals, extending Denver’s winning streak against the Broncos to 2-0 in the postseason. Denver’s path to the Frozen Four was defined by a dominant first-period performance, during which the team scored four goals to overwhelm the top-seeded Broncos. The Pioneers’ offensive surge was led by freshman forward Kyle Chyzowski, who recorded a career-high three points (two goals and one assist). Fellow freshman Brendan McMorrow and juniors Kieran Cebrian and Eric Pohlkamp each added a goal and an assist, while senior center Samu Salminen and junior left wing Sam Harris scored the team’s other goals. Freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks, who stopped 26 of 28 shots, extended his unbeaten streak to 15 games (14-0-1) and was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA West Regional. The Pioneers’ victory sets up a Frozen Four semifinal matchup against No. 1 overall seed Michigan on Thursday, April 11, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The winner of that game will advance to the national championship on Saturday, April 11, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between North Dakota and Wisconsin.#t_mobile_arena #xcel_energy_center #university_of_denver #western_michigan_university #blue_arena
