The University of Denver will begin defense of its 2017 national hockey championship Saturday at the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional in Allentown, Pa., against Penn State, the regional host and No. 3 seed. If the No. 2-seeded Pioneers (22-9-8) get past the Nittany Lions (18-14-5) they will face No. 1 Ohio State (24-9–5) or No. 4 Princeton (19-12-4) for the regional championship and third consecutive trip to the Frozen Four.
Air Force also made the 16-team national tournament. The Falcons (22-14-5), winners of the Atlantic Hockey playoff tournament, are the West Regional’s No. 4 seed and play No.