The stage is now set for the NCAA title game in Chicago.
Denver and Minnesota-Duluth were both victorious in their respective semifinal games on Thursday, advancing to the Frozen Four championship contest, which goes Saturday at the United Center.
San Jose Sharks prospect Dylan Gambrell, selected in the second round, 60th overall, in last year’s NHL Draft, had two goals for Denver, which dominated Notre Dame by a final score of 6-1.
“I don’t really know what to say. I’m just amazed at the effort that our team produced in a big-time moment against a really, really good college hockey team,” said Denver coach Jim Montgomery, per ESPN.
Minnesota-Duluth didn’t quite have it so easy in its semifinal.
Senior forward Alex Iafallo scored on a deflection with 26 seconds remaining in regulation, sending the Bulldogs to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Harvard.
“It’s kind of been our MO all year, another tight hockey game, another one-goal game,” said Bulldogs coach Scott Sandelin, per US College Hockey Online. “And just real exciting to be moving on.”
The finale now pits two of the top teams in the NCAA rankings -- Denver was No. 1, and Minnesota-Duluth was No. 3 -- against each other for the championship.