The Denver Pioneers' hockey team has once again proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with, claiming their third NCAA championship in five years. This victory not only solidifies their status as the pre-eminent hockey program in the nation with their record-extending 11th national title, but also cements head coach David Carle as a college hockey great at just 36 years old. However, the road to this triumph was far from smooth, and the Pioneers had to dig deep to emerge victorious.
One of the key challenges they faced was the relentless forecheck of the Wisconsin Badgers, who dominated possession for much of the game. Wisconsin's forwards applied constant back pressure, and their relentless pursuit of the puck forced Denver's skaters to rush their passes. This suffocating pressure was particularly evident in the first period, where the Badgers held a commanding 10-2 shot advantage, setting a record for the fewest shots allowed in a period of the national championship game.
Despite this, the Pioneers hung in there, thanks in no small part to their unbeatable freshman goalie, Johnny Hicks. Hicks was a brick wall early in the contest, holding the Badgers to one goal in the opening frame despite Wisconsin playing nearly the entire period in the offensive zone. His ability to work through traffic and see through the chaos is exceptional, and he was able to make crucial saves early in the third period to keep the game within reach.
However, the Pioneers found their rhythm late in the third period, and it was at this point that they began to dominate. They started passing the puck with more confidence and created sustained time in the Wisconsin zone. This shift in momentum was crucial, and it was at this point that the Pioneers began to look like the team that had dominated the season.
One of the key moments in the game came when Rieger Lorenz, on Denver's ninth shot of the game nearly 48 minutes in, jumped on a rebound to draw even. This was just the Pioneers' second grade-A chance of the game, but it was enough to shift the momentum in their favor. Lorenz, who had been nearly the hero in Thursday's Frozen Four semifinal against Michigan, was able to tie the game with a clutch goal, sending the Pioneers on their way to victory.
The Pioneers' victory is a testament to their resilience and determination, and it is a credit to the program's commitment to excellence. However, it also raises questions about the future of key players like Eric Pohlkamp, a Hobey Baker finalist defenseman who will have to decide whether to sign with the San Jose Sharks and go pro. Pohlkamp has elevated his game the past two seasons at Denver, and his ability to impact the game at both ends is impressive.
In conclusion, the Denver Pioneers' victory is a remarkable achievement, and it is a credit to the program's commitment to excellence. However, it also raises questions about the future of key players and the program's ability to maintain its dominance in the years to come. The Pioneers have set a high standard for themselves, and it will be interesting to see how they fare in the future.
