Denver Pioneers forward Cole Guttman (19) holds up the NCAA National Championship Trophy in front of his teammates after defeating the Minnesota State Mavericks in 2022 Frozen Four college ice hockey national championship game at TD Garden. Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Pioneers crowned Frozen Four champions in 5-1 win

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Zach Laing | Last updated 4/9/22

The Denver Pioneers are your NCAA Division 1 men’s ice hockey champions.

A tight game through two periods, the Pioneers roared back with five unanswered tallies in the third period to take down the Minnesota St. Mavericks 5-1.

The final moments went a little like this…#MFrozenFour x @DU_Hockey pic.twitter.com/1aDlNFM65i
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 10, 2022

Minnesota started off the game strong with forward Sam Morton scoring on the powerplay. But in the third period, Denver flipped the game on its head.

Forward Ryan Barrow scored at the 15:14 mark, followed by defenseman Mike Benning at the 12:27 mark. Forward Massimo Rizzo scored with four minutes to go while forwards Brett Stapley and Cameron Wright added empty-net tallies to stretch the lead.

The Pioneers are now tied with Michigan, who they beat in the semi-finals, with the most NCAA Division 1 titles with nine.

RAISE THAT TROPHY #MFrozenFour x @DU_Hockey pic.twitter.com/UnaRSZKos8
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 10, 2022

Benning, who had a goal, an assist and a +3 rating in the championship game, was named the Frozen Four’s most outstanding player.

The all-tournament team was also named after the game highlighted by four Pioneers: netminder Magnus Chrona, rearguard Mike Benning, and forward Carter Savoie and Ryan Barrow.

Also named were Minnesota St. defenseman Jack McNeely and forward Sam Morton.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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