Calgary-born Kent Anderson scores in double OT to send Denver Pioneers to NCAA men’s hockey title game

The University of Denver Pioneers, which feature 5 Albertans on their roster, celebrate after getting a game-winner in double overtime from Calgarian Kent Anderson to advance to the NCAA Men's Hockey Final Saturday afternoon against Wisconsin.

With five Alberta players on its roster, the University of Denver Pioneers men’s hockey team are returning to the NCAA hockey final.

The underdog Pioneers got a goal in double overtime from their Calgarian team captain Kent Anderson to give them a 4-3 victory over the top-ranked Michigan Wolverines Thursday night.

The Pioneers will take on the Wisconsin Badgers Saturday afternoon in the championship game, hoping to win their third national title in five years.

Anderson is one of three Calgarians on the roster along with defenceman Eric Jamieson and forward Rieger Lorenz.

Two other Albertans, Cale Ashcroft of St. Albert and Reid Varkonyi of Sherwood Park are on the Pioneer roster.

Goaltender Johnny Hicks was the hero of the semi-final as Michigan outshot Denver 52-26.

Clark Caswell scored for Denver to erase a 3-2 Michigan lead and send the game into overtime.

Earlier, the Pioneers got goals from Kyle Chyzowski and Cale Ashcroft.

Josh Eernisse, Jayden Perron and T.J. Hughes scored for the Wolverines.

The last time the Pioneers won the men’s hockey championship, in 2024, the roster featured a half dozen Albertans, including five Calgarians.

Saturday’s championship game will start at 3:30 p.m. MST.