The 2023 Frozen Four will showcase historic rivals as the Denver Pioneers, Michigan Wolverines, North Dakota Fighting Hawks, and Wisconsin Badgers vie for the NCAA championship. This tournament marks the first time all starting goalies are freshmen, highlighting a significant shift in college hockey dynamics. Each of these four teams is a powerhouse with a combined 43 national titles, underscoring the competitive spirit of this year's event. The semifinals feature matchups between North Dakota and Wisconsin, followed by Michigan facing Denver, with both games taking place in Las Vegas.

By the Numbers
  • North Dakota is the seventh-best power play, while Wisconsin boasts the second-worst penalty kill at 70.9%.
  • Denver's Johnny Hicks has an impressive 14-0-1 record this season with a .958 save percentage.
  • The Frozen Four features 49 NHL Draft picks, just two fewer than last year's record.
Yes, But

Despite their strong historical performances, Michigan hasn't won a championship since 1998, raising questions about their current level of play. Additionally, Wisconsin's struggles with their penalty kill could pose a challenge against strong power play teams like North Dakota.

State of Play
  • Michigan looks to break a 25-year championship drought while riding the momentum from a strong season.
  • Denver is on an 11-game win streak, making them formidable contenders for the title.
What's Next

As the semifinals approach, expect thrilling matchups fueled by the stakes of advancing to the finals. The outcomes may hinge on key individual performances, particularly from goalies making their Frozen Four debuts. A historic season awaits whoever claims the championship, particularly if Michigan can achieve a rare double in NCAA titles across sports.

Bottom Line

The Frozen Four promises high-stakes action among college hockey's elite, with an emphasis on emerging talent and historical rivalries. Watch for standout goaltending and special teams play to be pivotal as teams seek to clinch the championship.