Sports

Denver Pioneers set to travel to Las Vegas for their third consecutive Frozen Four appearance

By Jesse Sarles

March 30, 2026 / 10:27 AM MDT / CBS Colorado

Fans of Denver Pioneers men's ice hockey head to Northern Colorado for regionals

The Denver Pioneers are heading to the Frozen Four for the third straight year and the fourth time in the last five. The men's ice hockey team took care of business against Western Michigan in the regional final, which was held in Loveland on Sunday.

"We have a high standard for success in Denver, and just to go there three times in a row feels really good and we're excited," defenseman Kent Anderson said after a 6-2 victory over the Cowboys.

Denver Pioneers players stand with teammates during ice hockey practice at Magness Arena on March 19, 2026. AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images

The Pios will play Michigan, the number one overall seed, on Thursday, April 9 in Las Vegas.

"I just think we're battle-tested and prepared to play at the level that you need to have success at this time of year," DU coach David Carle said.

The Pioneers and Wolverines last met in the Frozen Four in 2022. DU won that game in overtime.

DU is chasing an 11th NCAA championship.

Jesse Sarles

Jesse Sarles manages the web content and website operations for CBS Colorado. He writes articles about Colorado news and sports in and around the Denver area.