University of Denver Pioneers, featuring 6 Albertans, lose heartbreaking 3-2 double OT decision in Frozen Four

The defending NCAA champion University of Denver Pioneers, featuring 6 Albertans, lost in double overtime to Western Michigan in the Frozen Four Thursday (X@DU_Hockey)

Calgary’s Matt Davis did everything he humanly could to carry the University of Denver Pioneers to the finals but the defending NCAA champions’ season ended in a Frozen Four 3-2 heartbreak Thursday.

Owen Michaels of Western Michigan scored his second goal of the night 26 seconds into the second overtime period to lift the Broncos into the finals.

Western Michigan outshot Denver 47-22 and dominated the first overtime, but Davis, who led the club to the 2024 NCAA title, stopped them all until Michaels intercepted a clearing pass, steered into the middle and snapped a shot that beat Davis high on the glove side.

Earlier, Western Michigan dominated play and built a 2-0 lead on second-period goals from Brian Kramer, on a power play, and Michaels.

They continued to tilt the ice in the early portion of the third period, until Aidan Thompson scored to cut the lead to 2-1 6:49 into the third, and then, with 2:39 left, Jared Wright knocked it in on a goalmouth scramble to tie the score at 2-2.

The Pioneers were led by goaltender Davis and captain Carter King, both of whom are from Calgary, along with forward Rieger Lorenz and defenceman Kent Anderson.

Backup goaltender Freddie Halyk is from Cochrane, and defenceman Cale Ashcroft is from St. Albert.

Davis, who is a senior, led the Pioneers to two NCAA championships.