Hicks’ 29 saves stood out
Denver goalie Johnny Hicks recorded 29 saves in the 2-1 Frozen Four final, a figure cited repeatedly in postgame accounts. (The Denver Post and USA Today highlighted his performance as central to the win.) (denverpost.com) (usatoday.com).
Denver freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks made 29 saves as the Denver Pioneers beat Wisconsin 2-1 to win the NCAA Frozen Four title on April 11, 2026. (denverpost.com) The championship game took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Kyle Chyzowski tipped in the go-ahead goal with 5:52 remaining to lift Denver. (denverpioneers.com) Hicks stopped 29 shots in the final after a 49-save performance two days earlier against Michigan, giving him 78 saves across the Frozen Four weekend. (nbcnews.com) Denver rallied with two third-period goals to erase a 1-0 deficit and claim its 11th national championship, the program’s third title in five years. (ncaa.com) The Pioneers were outshot during the game but leaned on Hicks’ netminding; he made nine saves in the first period and 11 in the second to keep Denver within striking distance. (nchchockey.com) Hicks, a freshman, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after backstopping Denver through the semifinals and final. (nchchockey.com) Wisconsin’s lone goal came from Vasily Zelenov in the first period, and Badger goaltender Daniel Hauser finished with 13 saves in the loss. (9news.com) “I’m so happy that we could get it done with this group,” Hicks said after the game, fighting back tears as Denver celebrated its record 11th national crown. (nbcnews.com)
