Chicago Blackhawks defenseman prospect Blake Hillman and Denver defeated Penn State to win the Midwest Regional and advance to the 2017 Frozen Four. They’ll be joined by fellow Hawks prospect Dennis Gilbert and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in college hockey’s premier event.
Denver, the top overall seed, beat Michigan Tech and Penn State to earn its 16 Frozen Four in program history. The Pioneers’ last win at the Frozen Four was its 2005 national championship victory over NCHC conference rival North Dakota. Denver fell to North Dakota in last year’s national semifinal.
This year’s Frozen Four will be April 6 and April 8 at United Center in Chicago.