With a 5-1 victory against the Minnesota State Mavericks in Boston, the University of Denver hockey team hoisted the NCAA trophy for the ninth time.
Tying only the University of Michigan with championships, DU again sits comfortably atop the ranks of college hockey. Interestingly, the Pioneers knocked off Michigan in the semi-finals, thus denying the Wolverines of a tenth title, while putting themselves in the driver’s seat to tie their northern rival.
Down by a goal for nearly 40 minutes of the final game, the DU offense came to life with two quick goals, then a late insurance goal, followed by two empty-netters. The final score didn’t reflect the nail-biter that was the actual game. Work in goal by Hobey Baker Award winner Dryden McKay for Minnesota State proved to be a lot too overcome.
But the country’s top offensive team (again tied with Michigan) figured it out and brought the championship home to the Mile High City. In no small part was the work of David Carle, who at 32 became the youngest coach to win a national championship.
Pioneer Boone can savor his newest trophy until next year, when the Drive for 10 begins.
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