Michigan Gets Revenge with 4-1 Win Over Denver in Frozen Four Rematch

The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines made a statement Friday night, defeating the No. 1 Denver Pioneers 4-1 in a rematch of last year’s Frozen Four. Playing in Denver, Michigan delivered a disciplined performance that avenged its heartbreaking double-overtime loss to the eventual national champions that ended their season.

Denver celebrated its 11th national championship by raising its championship banner before the game. But there was no perfect homecoming for the champs. 

Michigan opened the scoring in the first period when senior forward Jayden Perron found the back of the net. The nation’s leading goal scorer potted on a rebound to give the Wolverines a 1-0 start.

Denver had early chances, but Jack Ivankovic stuffed them, and it stayed that way. 

The Wolverines extended their advantage midway through the second when Malcolm Spence scored a spectacular goal, showing what made him such a good junior hockey player.

After moving around the zone with pace, Spence made a give-and-go play with defenseman Henry Mews, who made the back door pass to the cutting Spence.

Michigan added another goal in the third period when Cole McKinney scored his fifth goal of the season, pushing the lead to 3-0. The Wolverines continued to hold on to Denver’s offensive pressure, with Ivankovic stringing together several important saves to preserve the shutout.

Denver finally broke through late in the third period, scoring with its goaltender pulled for an extra attacker, plus Michigan had a body in the penalty box. The goal ended Michigan’s shutout bid, but it was still an elite defensive performance from the team and Ivankovic. Spence sealed the win with an empty-net goal, securing his second of the night and completing Michigan’s 4-1 revenge game.

Ivankovic finished with 27 saves, reaching the 1,000-save milestone of his collegiate career. His outstanding performance came as Denver outshot Michigan 25-9 over the final two periods.

The victory snapped Denver’s 19-game winning streak, marking its first loss since January. More importantly, Michigan demonstrated that it could overcome last season’s disappointment and compete with the nation’s best.

With the two teams set to meet Saturday night again, the rivalry promises another compelling chapter.