The highly anticipated 2025 Men`s Frozen Four is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the NCAA hockey season. This year`s tournament showcases a mix of seasoned contenders and fresh faces, promising exciting semifinal matchups and a captivating final.
The semifinals are scheduled for Thursday at 5 PM and 8:30 PM ET at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The winners will advance to the championship game on Saturday at 7:30 PM ET. Hockey fans can catch all the action live on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Journey to the Frozen Four: As the No. 3 seed in the Manchester Regional, Denver displayed dominance, defeating Providence 5-1 and then overcoming the top-seeded Boston College 3-1. In a rematch of the previous year`s national championship, Denver secured an early 2-0 lead against BC. Despite a late goal from Boston College, Denver`s goalie, Matt Davis, stood strong, making 35 saves, and Zeev Buium sealed the victory with an empty-netter.
Key Stats: Denver is aiming for its 11th national title, which would mark their fourth instance of back-to-back championships and their third title in the last four years. The Pioneers have achieved an impressive streak of at least 30 wins for four consecutive seasons. Standout players Jack Devine (13 goals, 44 assists) and Aidan Thompson (20 goals, 34 assists) are leading the nation in points, while Zeev Buium (13 goals, 35 assists) is the top-scoring defenseman.
Path to Victory:
Effective Back Pressure: Denver`s forwards are exceptional at tracking back through the neutral zone, applying significant pressure on opponents and disrupting their offensive transitions. This defensive strategy allows Denver`s defensemen to maintain tight gaps and force turnovers, making them incredibly difficult to defeat when executed effectively.
Exceptional Special Teams: Denver`s power play operates at a remarkable 30% success rate. In the high-stakes, single-elimination format of the Frozen Four, capitalizing on power plays can be crucial. Their dynamic puck movement and numerous offensive threats make their power play a significant advantage.
Player Spotlight: Zeev Buium. A future NHL prospect, Buium possesses the ability to control the game on both ends of the ice. His elite skating, puck handling, and vision enable him to take over games. Known for rising to the occasion, expect Buium to play substantial minutes in the Frozen Four. – Analysis by Colby Cohen
Western Michigan Broncos (32-7-1)
Journey to the Frozen Four: As the top seed in the Fargo Regional, Western Michigan faced tough competition. They edged out Minnesota State 2-1 in double overtime, thanks to Grant Slukynsky`s decisive goal, and then overcame UMass 2-1. After falling behind 1-0 against UMass, power-play goals from Liam Valente and Tim Washe during a five-minute major penalty turned the tide. The Broncos then successfully defended a five-minute major penalty of their own to secure the win.
Key Stats: The Broncos are enjoying a record-breaking season with 32 wins and are currently on an eight-game winning streak, the longest active streak in the nation. They are a well-rounded team, ranking second in the nation in goals per game (3.95, just behind Denver`s 4.00) and fourth in goals allowed per game (2.05). Goaltender Hampton Slukynsky has been outstanding in the tournament, allowing only two goals in 147:14 minutes, boasting a 0.82 goals-against average, the best among all tournament goalies.
Path to Victory:
Deep Forward Lines: Western Michigan benefits from strong depth throughout their forward lines. Their ability to effectively utilize all four lines will be crucial in wearing down opponents, starting with their semifinal matchup against Denver.
Exceptional Goaltending from Slukynsky: Freshman goalie Hampton Slukynsky was pivotal in the Fargo Regional, stopping 28 of 29 shots in both games. The Los Angeles Kings draft pick, with a 17-5-1 record, will need to maintain his top form for Western Michigan to contend for the championship trophy.
Player Spotlight: Liam Valente. The Swedish winger was instrumental in Fargo, contributing to three of his team`s four goals. Known for his powerful shot, Valente will need to find opportunities to unleash it against Denver and their goalie Matt Davis. – Analysis by Andrew Raycroft
Boston University Terriers (23-13-2)
Journey to the Frozen Four: As the No. 2 seed in the Toledo Regional, Boston University dominated Ohio State with six unanswered goals, securing an 8-3 victory. They then clinched their third consecutive Frozen Four appearance with Quinn Hutson`s overtime goal, defeating No. 4 seed Cornell 3-2. Freshman goalie Mikhail Yegorov delivered a standout performance with 37 saves in the game against Cornell.
Key Stats: Coach Jay Pandolfo boasts a perfect 10-0 record in NCAA regional games as both a coach and player, leading to seven Frozen Four appearances. Pandolfo is only the third Division I men`s hockey coach to reach the Frozen Four in each of his first three seasons. Despite their consistent success, the Terriers haven`t reached the national championship game since 2015. Brothers Quinn and Cole Hutson are BU`s leading scorers, with Cole Hutson topping the NCAA tournament points chart with two goals and four assists in Toledo.
Path to Victory:
Offensive Creativity on the Rush: BU is known for its dynamic offense and ability to generate scoring chances in transition. Their speed and quick transitions have been key to their success in the tournament.
Strong Defensive Play in Key Areas: While not traditionally known for defense, BU demonstrated improved defensive solidity against Cornell, limiting second and third scoring opportunities. Goalie Mikhail Yegorov`s reliability in stopping the initial shot means that strong defensive support can significantly boost BU`s chances.
Player Spotlight: Cole Hutson. Considered one of the most exciting players in NCAA hockey, Hutson`s poise and offensive instincts are reminiscent of his brother Lane Hutson. Known for performing exceptionally in high-pressure situations, his performance in the Frozen Four is highly anticipated. – Analysis by Colby Cohen
Penn State Nittany Lions (22-13-4)
Journey to the Frozen Four: After conceding an early goal to Maine in the Allentown Regional, Penn State responded strongly, scoring three first-period goals and winning 5-1. They then advanced to their first-ever Frozen Four by defeating No. 2 seed UConn 3-2 in overtime, with Matt DiMarsico scoring the decisive goal at 17:56 of overtime. Goalie Arsenii Sergeev was crucial in the OT thriller, making 42 saves.
Key Stats: Penn State has been on a hot streak since January 11, with only three losses in their last 20 games (14-3-3). They are the first regional No. 4 seed to reach the Frozen Four since 2019. Sophomore Aiden Fink leads the team in scoring with 23 goals and 30 assists, the most points among underclassmen nationally. Charlie Cerrato is close to breaking the school freshman assist record, entering the Frozen Four with 27 assists.
Path to Victory:
Maintain Momentum: Penn State`s remarkable turnaround, especially after a poor start to the Big Ten season, has been fueled by strong home support in the Allentown Regional. The challenge will be to carry this momentum and energy to St. Louis as they aim to overcome their third consecutive Hockey East opponent.
Utilize Team Speed: Penn State`s fast starts against Maine and UConn, characterized by speed through the neutral zone, created significant offensive pressure. Their ability to outpace Boston University will be a critical factor in their semifinal matchup.
Player Spotlight: Charlie Cerrato. The freshman center has been a key playmaker, with five assists in the regional games. His line, featuring wingers Matt DiMarsico and JJ Wiebusch, has been a major offensive force for Penn State, including scoring the overtime winner against UConn. – Analysis by Andrew Raycroft
