NCAA DI Men's Hockey

Western Michigan Hockey Stuns Denver, 3-2, Winning Seconds Into Double-OT

Western Michigan Hockey Stuns Denver, 3-2, Winning Seconds Into Double-OT

Western Michigan defeats Denver 3-2 in double overtime, advancing to NCAA Frozen Four championship game with Owen Michaels' game-winner seconds into 2OT.

Apr 11, 2025 by R. R. Ellis
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Western Michigan defeated Denver 3-2 in double overtime, with Owen Michaels scoring the game-winning goal just 30 seconds into the second overtime period of the Frozen Four matchup.

Michaels' goal propelled the Broncos to their first NCAA Championship game in program history, they will play the winner of Penn State and Boston U. 

The game started with two periods of relentless attacking from Western Michigan, who looked like they would easily win after the second period. But Denver was able to scrap together two goals in the third period to send the game to OT. 

WMU's Alex Bump had several scoring opportunities in the game, as did Denver's Zeev Buium, who nearly scored in overtime and played a strong defensive game. 

While Western Michigan's Hampton Slukynsky made crucial saves, it was really Denver's Matt Davis that kept the Pios in the game. Davis made 44 saves over 80 minutes of playing time. 

Recap the live updates, scores, and highlights from Denver vs. Western Michigan

Watch Owen Michaels Game-Winning Goal

Owen Michaels Wins It For Western Michigan!

Final: Denver 2, Western Michigan 3

Only 30 seconds into double-overtime, Owen Michaels puts a goal in the net to end the game as Western Michigan heads to their first NCAA Championship game. 

Second Overtime Begin - 2OT, 20'

Denver 2, Western Michigan 2

Twenty more minutes on the clock. 

Analysis After OT From FloHockey's Chris Peters

The first overtime was a breathtaking display of incredible pace and scoring chances for both sides. The game really seemed to open up, and you'd think that would favor Denver based on how the rest of the game went.

 That said, many of the best looks came from Western Michigan. 

These two teams played a double-OT NCHC final with WMU coming out on top. 

Alex Bump (PHI) scored the winner in that one and had the puck an awful lot in the first overtime. They will certainly be looking for him. 

Meanwhile, Denver's Zeev Buium (MIN) has been on the ice a ton and has taken a beating, including a couple of hits to his legs. He's hung tough, though. 

There is so little separating these teams. They have excellent goalies and tremendous depth. This is going to be an incredible finish to an instant classic Frozen Four game.

Shots After First OT

  • Denver: 22
  • Western Michigan: 46

First OT Ends, Headed To Double OT

Denver 2, Western Michigan 2

More hockey incoming. 

Two Minutes Left

Denver 2, Western Michigan 2

We might be headed for a second overtime. 

Both teams are battling. 

Zeev Buium Is Everwhere - OT, 7'

Denver 2, Western Michigan 2

Zeev Buium has shown up in overtime, nearly putting the winning goal away before deflecting a puck at the other end that Alex Bump was trying his hardest to put in the net. 

Overtime Is Chaos - OT, 9'

Denver 2, Western Michigan 2

There have been a few close calls for each team, chances that certainly could've ended the game. 

It really is anyone's game at this point. 

Frozen Four overtime is chaos. 

Bump Misses Open Netter - OT, 11'

Denver 2, Western Michigan 2

Alex Bump misses an open-net opportunity, the second time WMU has done that this game. 

Alex Bump Looking Sharp - OT, 12'

Denver 2, Western Michigan 2

Alex Bump has had a few opportunities in overtime, taking two shots. 

Denver Looking Strong - OT, 17'

Denver 2, Western Michigan 2

The Pios have not slowed down in overtime. 

They've scored two unanswered goals since WMU last scored in the 2nd period. 

 With that said, if Western Michigan plays like they did earlier in the game, they can put this away.

Overtime Begins - OT, 20'

Denver 2, Western Michigan 2

The next goal wins.

Analysis From FloHockey's Chris Peters

Denver 2, Western Michigan 2

We are heading to overtime, and if you watched the first 40 minutes of the game you wouldn't think it was possible. 

Denver chipped away, scoring two gritty goals off of broken plays and rebounds that got them back in it. Meanwhile, Western Michigan has to wonder where the relentlessness went because they weren't as disruptive on the forecheck. 

It seems like they got away from what worked for them through two periods and it came back to bite them. Zeev Buium (MIN) has been a monster in the game for Denver, but goalie Matt Davis has made 34 saves and is the only reason this game didn't get massively out of hand when WMU was out-shooting DU 32-8 through two periods. 

We'll now go until someone scores. It could be a while.

End Of Third Period, Headed To Overtime

Denver Pioneers score two goals in the third period 

Watch Jared Wright Game-Tying Goal

Denver Ties It Up!

Denver 2, Western Michigan 2

The puck squeezes in as Denver is tied at 2 with only 2 minutes left in the third period. 

Jared Wright scores the goal, assisted by Eric Pohlkamp. 

This goal is being reviewed for goaltender interference.

After review, the goal stands.  

WMU Has Four Shots This Period - 3rd, 5'

Denver 1, Western Michigan 2

If you want to get an idea of how things have changed, Western Michigan, after recording 32 shots in the first two periods, has only four shots in the third period. 

Denver has the one goal on only 11 shots. 

Another Look At Aidan Thompson Goal

Nine Minutes Left

Denver 1, Western Michigan 2

We've got a game, folks. 

Let's see what happens. 

Watch Aidan Thompson Goal

Denver Scores! - 3rd, 13'

Denver 1, Western Michigan 2

Aidan Thompson makes it a one-goal lead for WMU. 

Denver killed off the power play and then immediately got an opportunity to score. 

Cale Ashcroft notches the assist. 

Western Michigan Power Play - 3rd, 15'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 2

Two minutes for high-sticking on Denver's Hagen Burrows. 

WMU looking to put the game away during this power play. 

Slukynsky Making His Money - 3rd, 16'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 2

Hampton Slukynsky has been tested more by Denver to start this third period than he has the entire game, and he's shown up. 

Matteo Constantini and Eric Pohlkamp both had solid shots, but the freshman goalie was able to make saves. 

Third Period Begins - 3rd, 20'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 2

Denver has some work to do if they want to get to another NCAA championship game. 

Analysis From FloHockey's Chris Peters

Western Michigan has been dominant in puck possession. Their forecheck is relentless, but they're relentless everywhere on the ice. Their ability to swarm pucks has left Denver's offense struggling. Western has a 32-8 shot advantage through two periods and Denver hasn't been able to push back. 

If not for Matt Davis, this game would be over. 

Western Michigan's game plan looks to be all about outnumbering pucks, forechecking hard and being relentless in all areas. This has been a clinic. The good news for Denver is that they're only two goals back and have shown an ability to come back before. This third period should be a great one.

Another Look At Owen Michaels Goal

Shots After Second Period

  • Denver: 8
  • Western Micghigan: 32

Denver managed only 5 shots in the second period. 

End Of Second Period

Denver 0, Western Michigan 2

Western Michigan is up 2-0 as we head into the second intermission. 

Watch Owen Michaels Goal

WMU Get Two Shorthanded Breakaway Chances

Denver 0, Western Michigan 2

Broncos continue to relentlessly attack, even during the penalty-kill. Washe and Bump nearly had a chance to score on breakaway opportunities. 

WMU successfully kill the penalty. 

Just a minute left in the second period. 

Denver Power Play - 2nd, 3'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 2

Two minutes for hooking on Iiro Hakkarainen. 

Pioneers get an opportunity to put in their first goal. 

WMU Doubles Up! Scores Again! - 2nd, 5'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 2

Owen Michaels puts a beautiful shot in the net, right past Matt Davis. 

Denver coach David Carle was upset about a possible penalty no-call right before the goal. 

Western Michigan Has 22 Shots - 2nd, 10'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 1

Denver goalie Matt Davis has barely had a moment since this game began. WMU has been attacking nonstop.

FloHockey's Chris Peters On Kramer Goal

Watch Brian Kramer Score

Western Michigan Scores On Power Play!

Denver 0, Western Michigan 1

Brian Kramer put the Broncos on the board.

Kramer scores off a pass from the faceoff. 

Tim Washe, who won the faceoff, gets the assist. 

WMU Power Play - 2nd, 14'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

Two minutes for holding on Samu Salminen

Western Michigan looked great in their first power play opportunity. 

Denver Power Play Ends - 2nd, 15'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

Western Michigan kills the penalty successfully. 

Denver Power Play - 2nd, 17'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

Two minutes for slashing on Alex Bump.

Alex Bump Shoots Within Seconds - 2nd, 19'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

Alex Bump gets a shot off against Denver within seconds of the second period beginning. The puck lazered into Matt Davis' helmet, unbuckling it in the process. 

Second Period Begins - 2nd, 20'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

Puck drops for the second period. 

Shots After First Period

  • Denver: 3
  • Western Micghigan: 12
  • Alex Bump: 3

First Period Ends

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

We're tied up at 0. 

One down, two to go. 

Alex Bump One-Timer Saved By Davis - 1st, 2'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

Matt Davis has kept his team in the game as Western Michigan's offense has been relentless. 

Denver has yet to get in a rhythm on offense. Hampton Sluykynsky has been tested only once. 

Watch Zach Nehring Hit The Crossbar 😳

WMU Power Play Ends - 1st, 5'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

Successful penalty kill by Denver. Goalie Matt Davis was huge as he was bombarded by shots from Western Michigan. 

Western Michigan Power Play - 1st, 8'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

Two minutes for boarding on Denver's Kieran Cebrian.

Puck Drop From Ref's Point Of View

WMU Pushing Early - 1st, 13'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

The Broncos have two shots seven minutes into the first period. 

The Pios have yet to get a shot off. 

Two Early Chances For WMU - 1st, 17'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

Denver goalie Matt Davis made a save, but the puck deflection led to an open-net opportunity that Western Michigan was unable to put away. The crowd audibly gasped. 

Zach Nehring was the player with the shot. The puck ended up hitting the crossbar. 

Frozen Four Begins - 1st, 20'

Denver 0, Western Michigan 0

Gametime. Let's go. 

Denver Vs. Western Michigan Hockey All-Time

All-Time Record

  • Total Games: 44
  • Denver Wins: 27
  • Western Michigan Wins: 15
  • Ties: 2

Largest Margin Of Victory

  • Denver won 10-4 (November 27, 1982)

Last 10 Matchups

  • 5 wins for Denver
  • 5 wins for Western Michigan

Denver Vs. Western Michigan This Season

  • Dec 6, 2024: Western Michigan 3, Denver 2
  • Dec 7, 2024: Denver 3, Western Michigan 2
  • Mar 22, 2025: Western Michigan 4, Denver 3

Denver Arrives

WMU Broncos Are In The House

How To Watch Denver Vs. Western Michigan Hockey

The Denver vs. Western Michigan game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 10.

NCAA Hockey Tournament Bracket 2025

Here's the NCAA Hockey Tournament regional schedule and results. 

Thursday, March 27

  • Boston University 8, Ohio State 3 - Toledo, Ohio Regional
  • Western Michigan 4, Minnesota State 1 (2OT) - Fargo, N.D. Regional
  • Cornell 4, Michigan State 3 (OT) - Toledo, Ohio Regional
  • UMass 5, Minnesota 4 - Fargo, N.D. Regional

Friday, March 28

  • Boston College 3, Bentley 1 - Manchester, N.H. Regional
  • UConn 4, Quinnipiac 1 - Allentown, Pa. Regional
  • Denver 5, Providence 1 - Manchester, N.H. Regional
  • Penn State 5, Maine 1 - Allentown, Pa. Regional

Saturday, March 29

  • Boston University 3, Cornell 2  - Toledo Regional Final 
  • Western Michigan 2, UMass 1 - Fargo Regional Final

Sunday, March 30

  • Penn State 3, UConn 2 - Allentown Regional Final,
  • Denver 3, Boston College 1 - Manchester Regional Final 

Frozen Four Schedule 2025

Thursday, April 10

  • 5:00 p.m. ET – Denver vs. Western Michigan - Semifinal 1 – St. Louis, Mo. (ESPN2, ESPN+)
  • 8:30 p.m. ET – Penn State vs. Boston University - Semifinal 2 – St. Louis, Mo. (ESPN2, ESPN+)

Frozen Four 2025 National Championship

Saturday, April 12

  • 7:30 p.m. ET – National Championship Game – Enterprise Center | St. Louis, Mo.

Denver Hockey Roster 2025

  • 1 - Freddie Halyk - So. - G - 6' 5'' - 220 Ibs
  • 2 - Tory Pitner - Fr. - D - 6' 1'' - 190 Ibs
  • 3 - Cale Ashcroft - So. - D - 5' 11'' - 190 Ibs 
  • 4 - Jack Devine - Sr. - F - 6' 0'' - 187 Ibs
  • 5 - Garrett Brown - So. - D - 6' 3'' - 190 Ibs
  • 6 - Alec Whipple - Fr. - D - 5' 11'' - 187 Ibs
  • 7 - Aidan Thompson - Jr. - F - 5' 11'' - 180 Ibs
  • 9 - Boston Buckberger - So. - D - 6' 0'' - 190 Ibs11
  • 11 - Samu Salminen - Jr. - F - 6' 2'' - 205 Ibs
  • 12 - Sam Harris - So. - F - 5' 11'' - 190 Ibs
  • 13 - Hagen Burrows - Fr. - F - 6' 2'' - 174 Ibs
  • 14 - Rieger Lorenz - Jr. - F - 6' 3'' - 210 Ibs
  • 15 - Carter King (C) - Sr. - F - 5' 11'' - 190 Ibs
  • 17 - Peter LaJoy - So. - F - 5' 8'' - 170 Ibs
  • 18 - Jared Wright - Jr. - F - 6' 1'' - 195 Ibs
  • 19 - Jake Fisher - Fr. - F - 6' 1'' - 195 Ibs
  • 21 - Kent Anderson - Jr. - D - 6' 3'' - 215 Ibs
  • 22 - Connor Caponi - Gr. - F - 5' 9'' - 185 Ibs
  • 23 - Eric Pohlkamp - So. - D - 5' 11'' - 215 Ibs
  • 24 - Kieran Cebrian - So. - F - 6' 2'' - 203 Ibs
  • 27 - James Reeder - Fr. - F - 5' 10'' - 170 Ibs
  • 28 - Zeev Buium - So. - D - 6' 0'' - 186 Ibs
  • 30 - Paxton Geisel - So. - G - 6' 1'' - 190 Ibs
  • 35 - Matt Davis - Sr. - G - 6' 1'' - 195 Ibs

Western Michigan Hockey Roster 2025

  • 1 - Kirk Laursen - Sr. - G - 6-4 - 175
  • 2 - Grady Gallatin - Fr. - D - 6-4 - 195
  • 3 - Cole Crusberg-Roseen - So. - D - 6-0 - 185
  • 4 - Robby Drazner - Gr. - D - 6-1 - 205
  • 6 - Jack Mesic - So. - D - 5-10 - 180
  • 8 - Zach Nehring - Fr. - F - 6-5 - 190
  • 9 - Zach Bade - Fr. - F - 6-2 - 185
  • 10 - Zack Sharp - Fr. - D - 6-2 - 180
  • 11 - Ethan Wolthers - Jr. - F - 5-9 - 175
  • 12 - Connor Brown - Fr. - F - 5-9 - 190
  • 13 - Grant Slukynsky - So. - F - 6-1 - 205
  • 14 - Brian Kramer - Gr. - D - 6-0 - 180
  • 16 - Tim Washe - Gr. - F - 6-3 - 215
  • 17 - Ty Henricks - Fr. - F - 6-5 - 195
  • 18 - Wyatt Schingoethe - Sr. - F - 6-0 - 200
  • 19 - Cam Knuble - Gr. - F - 6-2 - 190
  • 20 - Alex Bump - So. - F - 6-2 - 200
  • 21 - Ryan Kusler - Fr. - F - 6-0 - 180
  • 22 - Iiro Hakkarainen - Fr. - F - 6-0 - 180
  • 23 - Liam Valente - Jr. - F - 6-0 - 190
  • 24 - Garrett Szydlowski - So. - F - 6-0 - 190
  • 25 - Matteo Costantini - Sr. - F - 6-1 - 195
  • 26 - Ean Somoza - So. - F - 6-3 - 205
  • 27 - Joona Väisänen - Fr. - D - 6-1 - 185
  • 28 - Ryan Humphrey - Fr. - F - 6-1 - 185
  • 29 - Tristan Lemyre - Jr. - F - 5-10 - 170
  • 30 - Hampton Slukynsky - Fr. - G - 6-2 - 185
  • 31 - Cameron Rowe - Gr. - G - 6-3 - 215
  • 33 - Samuel Sjolund - Jr. - D - 6-3 - 190
  • 34 - Owen Michaels - So. - F - 6-2 - 185

Denver Hockey 2025 Schedule

  • Oct 5, 2024 - Alaska Anchorage 2, Denver 6
  • Oct 6, 2024 - Alaska Anchorage 1, Denver 4
  • Oct 18, 2024 - Denver 5, Northeastern 2
  • Oct 19, 2024 - Denver 5, Northeastern 2
  • Oct 25, 2024 - Denver 4, Wisconsin 2
  • Oct 26, 2024 - Denver 6, Wisconsin 1
  • Nov 1, 2024 - Denver 6, Yale 0
  • Nov 2, 2024 - Denver 5, Yale 1
  • Nov 8, 2024 - Denver 4, Lindenwood 1
  • Nov 9, 2024 - Denver 4, Lindenwood 1
  • Nov 15, 2024 - Denver 5, North Dakota 2
  • Nov 16, 2024 - Denver 3, North Dakota 2
  • Nov 22, 2024 - Denver 2, Arizona State 3
  • Nov 23, 2024 - Denver 2, Arizona State 5
  • Dec 6, 2024 - Denver 2, Western Michigan 3
  • Dec 7, 2024 - Denver 3, Western Michigan 2
  • Dec 13, 2024 - Denver 4, Colorado College 5
  • Dec 14, 2024 - Denver 2, Colorado College 1
  • Dec 28, 2024 - Denver 6, UNLV 6 (T)
  • Jan 3, 2025 - Denver 2, Maine 1
  • Jan 4, 2025 - Denver 1, Maine 2
  • Jan 10, 2025 - Denver 4, Miami 1
  • Jan 11, 2025 - Denver 6, Miami 2
  • Jan 24, 2025 - Denver 3, Minnesota Duluth 4
  • Jan 25, 2025 - Denver 2, Minnesota Duluth 1
  • Jan 31, 2025 - Denver 3, Omaha 3 (T)
  • Feb 1, 2025 - Denver 11, Omaha 2
  • Feb 7, 2025 - Denver 5, Arizona State 4
  • Feb 8, 2025 - Denver 5, Arizona State 6
  • Feb 14, 2025 - Denver 4, North Dakota 0
  • Feb 15, 2025 - Denver 1, North Dakota 3
  • Feb 21, 2025 - Denver 5, Miami 1
  • Feb 22, 2025 - Denver 5, Miami 2
  • Feb 28, 2025 - Denver 3, St. Cloud State 1
  • Mar 1, 2025 - Denver 1, St. Cloud State 2
  • Mar 7, 2025 - Denver 4, Colorado College 1
  • Mar 8, 2025 - Denver 4, Colorado College 3
  • Mar 14, 2025 - Denver 1, Colorado College 3
  • Mar 15, 2025 - Denver 6, Colorado College 3
  • Mar 16, 2025 - Denver 9, Colorado College 2
  • Mar 21, 2025 - Denver 4, Arizona State 2
  • Mar 22, 2025 - Denver 3, Western Michigan 4

Western Michigan Hockey 2025 Schedule

  • Oct. 11, 2024 - Western Michigan 4, Ferris State 1
  • Oct. 12, 2024 - Western Michigan 5, Ferris State 1
  • Oct. 17, 2024 - Western Michigan 6, Bowling Green 2
  • Oct. 26, 2024 - #2 Boston College 4, Western Michigan 2
  • Nov. 8, 2024 - Western Michigan 2, Nebraska at Omaha 1
  • Nov. 9, 2024 - Western Michigan 4, Nebraska at Omaha 2
  • Nov. 15, 2024 - Western Michigan 3, #8 Colorado College 2
  • Nov. 16, 2024 - Western Michigan 1, #8 Colorado College 1
  • Nov. 22, 2024 - Western Michigan 5, Minnesota Duluth 2
  • Nov. 23, 2024 - Western Michigan 4, Minnesota Duluth 1
  • Nov. 29, 2024 - Western Michigan 4, #6 Michigan 1
  • Nov. 30, 2024 - #6 Michigan 2, Western Michigan 1
  • Dec. 6, 2024 - Western Michigan 3, #2 Denver 2
  • Dec. 7, 2024 - #2 Denver 3, Western Michigan 2
  • Dec. 29, 2024 - Western Michigan 4, Michigan Tech 3
  • Dec. 30, 2024 - #1 Michigan State 3, Western Michigan 1
  • Jan. 3, 2025 - Western Michigan 4, Alaska Anchorage 1
  • Jan. 4, 2025 - Western Michigan 5, Alaska Anchorage 2
  • Jan. 17, 2025 - Western Michigan 3, #14  North Dakota 2
  • Jan. 18, 2025 - Western Michigan 5, #14 North Dakota 1
  • Jan. 24, 2025 - Western Michigan 8, Miami University (OH) 3
  • Jan. 25, 2025 - Western Michigan 2, Miami University (OH) 0
  • Jan. 31, 2025 - Western Michigan 4, RV Colorado College 1
  • Feb. 1, 2025 - Colorado College 3, Western Michigan 2
  • Feb. 7, 2025 - Western Michigan 4, St. Cloud State 0
  • Feb. 8, 2025 - Western Michigan 6, St. Cloud State 1
  • Feb. 14, 2025 - Western Michigan 5, #20 Nebraska at Omaha 4
  • Feb. 15, 2025 - Western Michigan 6, #20 Nebraska at Omaha 1
  • Feb. 21, 2025 - #12 Arizona State 5, Western Michigan 3
  • Feb. 22, 2025 - Western Michigan 4, #12 Arizona State 3
  • Feb. 28, 2025 - Western Michigan 6, #18 North Dakota 4
  • Mar. 1, 2025 - #18 North Dakota 4, Western Michigan 3
  • Mar. 7, 2025 - Western Michigan 8, Miami University (OH) 3
  • Mar. 8, 2025 - Western Michigan 5, Miami University (OH) 2
  • Mar. 14, 2025 - Western Michigan 6, St. Cloud State 2
  • Mar. 15, 2025 - Western Michigan 6, St. Cloud State 2
  • Mar. 21, 2025 - Western Michigan 4, #17 North Dakota 2
  • Mar. 22, 2025 - Western Michigan 4, #6 Denver 3

Western Michigan Hockey Score

Western Michigan plays Denver in the NCAA Frozen Four today, April 10. Follow along for live updates from the game. 

Denver Pioneers Hockey Score

Denver takes on Western Michigan in the NCAA Frozen Four today, April 10. Follow along for live updates from the game. 

Frozen Four Scores

Follow along for live updates, scores, and highlights from Denver vs. Western Michigan.

Where is the 2025 Men’s Frozen Four?

St. Louis will host the 2025 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four at Enterprise Center, the home of the NHL’s St. Louis Blues.

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