Ice Hockey

No. 1 vs. No. 2 and Non-Conference Tests

No. 2 Michigan battles No. 1 Denver in a Frozen Four rematch, plus Minnesota, Notre Dame and Penn State face top-10 teams

This weekend’s Big Ten Hockey slate is highlighted by the series of the year so far: No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 1 Denver. But the Wolverines aren’t the only Big Ten team facing a challenge. No. 20 Minnesota, Penn State and Notre Dame are all squaring off with top-10 opponents as well.  

Top-Ranked Teams, Top Shelf Drama? 

The must-watch series of the early college hockey season takes place in Colorado when No. 2 Michigan takes on defending national champion and top-ranked Denver (Friday at 9 p.m. ET, Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on NCHC.tv). Not only is it the country’s top-ranked teams facing off, but it’s also a rematch of last year’s epic Frozen Four Semifinal won by Denver in double overtime. In fact, these two programs also went to overtime in the 2022 Frozen Four Semifinal – another heartbreaker won by Denver. Safe to say, these two teams tend to keep fans on the edge of their seats when they meet. 

Recent history aside, this will also be a battle of a high-powered offense against one of college hockey’s best defensive squads. The Wolverines scored the most goals in the country last year (181), and they already lead again this year with 28. Meanwhile, the Pioneers’ run of three national titles in five years has been fueled by a commitment to stifling defense, shot blocking, and outstanding goaltending. Sophomore goalie Johnny Hicks put together one of the best seasons in college hockey history last year, posting a 1.19 goals against average (second-best ever) and an NCAA record .957 save percentage. Hicks topped off his incredible freshman campaign by earning the Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player award with 78 saves in two games. 

Will Michigan’s dynamic offense rule the weekend? Or will Denver frustrate the Wolverines again? 

Top-10 Challenges 

The litmus test weekend for Big Ten Hockey extends to three other matchups against ranked teams: 

  • No. 20 Minnesota vs. No. 9 Minnesota Duluth: The Golden Gophers were swept by then-No. 19 Michigan Tech two weeks ago, but they’ll look to bounce back against their in-state rival in Duluth. The Bulldogs swept last year’s series, but it’s a new season for Minnesota under new head coach Brett Larson.
  • Notre Dame vs. No. 6 Western Michigan: The Fighting Irish started their season with two victories against Niagara last weekend and will now take on the 2025 national champions. Both squads allowed just one goal in their opening weekend sweeps.
  • Penn State vs. No. 8 Quinnipiac: The Nittany Lions return to Hockey Valley for their home opener after dropping both games of the Ice Breaker Tournament. Quinnipiac, a perennial NCAA Tournament team and 2023 national champion, is coming off a split with Maine.
See the full schedule.