ALBANY, N.Y. – The University of Michigan ice hockey team is returning to the Frozen Four, securing its place in the national semifinals with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over No. 6 Minnesota Duluth on Sunday at the MVP Arena. This marks the Wolverines’ remarkable 29th appearance in the Frozen Four – an NCAA record – and continues a dominant postseason run. The win, fueled by a strong start and the stellar goaltending of Jack Ivankovic, sets the stage for a showdown in Las Vegas against a familiar Big Ten opponent.
The Wolverines (31-7-1) wasted no time establishing control, scoring three goals in the first period. That early surge proved crucial as Minnesota Duluth mounted a determined comeback in the third, ultimately falling just short. Ivankovic, named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Albany Regional, was a key factor in preserving the lead, stopping 30 of 33 shots fired his way. This victory extends Michigan’s all-time NCAA Tournament record to 61-33, and their regional winning streak now stands at 10 games.
The game wasn’t without tense moments. After building a comfortable 3-0 lead, Michigan had to withstand a furious push from the Bulldogs in the final frame. Duluth scored three goals in the third period, including two on the power play, pulling within one goal with just over three minutes remaining. The Wolverines’ defense, and Ivankovic’s steady hand in net, ultimately held firm, preventing Duluth from completing the comeback. The team’s ability to navigate that pressure speaks to their experience and resilience in tournament play.
Early Offensive Burst Sets the Tone
Michigan’s offensive onslaught began just 3:05 into the game when Will Horcoff redirected a shot from Ben Robertson, giving the Wolverines a 1-0 lead. Cole McKinney initiated the play with a crucial turnover forced in the offensive zone. Less than six minutes later, at 9:51, Adam Valentini extended the lead with a blistering shot off a cross-ice pass from Nick Moldenhauer, with Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen adding a secondary assist. The Wolverines weren’t finished in the first period. Garrett Schifsky capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity at 12:35, intercepting a drop pass and scoring to make it 3-0. This combination of power-play, shorthanded, and penalty-killing success established a dominant tone early in the contest.
Ivankovic Stands Tall Between the Pipes
Even as the offense provided the early spark, Jack Ivankovic’s performance in net was arguably the difference-maker. The sophomore goaltender finished the game with 30 saves, earning him the Most Outstanding Player award for the regional. Ivankovic’s performance wasn’t just about the save total. it was about the timing of his stops, including several key denials during a second-period push from Minnesota Duluth. He finished the regional tournament with a total of 54 saves on 58 shots faced, solidifying his position as a cornerstone of the Wolverines’ success. His composure and ability to make crucial saves under pressure were instrumental in securing the victory.
Duluth’s Third-Period Push Falls Short
Minnesota Duluth (24-15-1) refused to proceed quietly. They broke through just 36 seconds into the third period, cutting Michigan’s lead to 3-1. Still, the Wolverines responded swiftly. At 3:07, Jayden Perron, who reached 40 points on the season with the goal, restored the three-goal advantage, capitalizing on a rebound after a strong drive to the net. Malcolm Spence and Robertson assisted on the play. Despite Duluth’s continued pressure, including two power-play goals, and a late challenge by Michigan for potential goaltender interference that was ultimately unsuccessful, the Wolverines managed to hold on for the win.
The Bulldogs pulled their goalie in the final two minutes, creating a six-on-five advantage, but Michigan’s defense, anchored by a crucial backcheck from T.J. Hughes, prevented Duluth from finding the equalizer. The Wolverines blocked 10 shots throughout the game, demonstrating a commitment to defensive play that proved vital in securing the victory.
Michigan will now travel to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the Frozen Four, where they will face Wisconsin. The national semifinals are scheduled for Thursday, April 9, with the championship game to follow on Saturday, April 11. The semifinals will be broadcast on ESPN2, and the championship game will air on ESPN. Wisconsin advanced to the Frozen Four after defeating Boston University in the Midwest Regional final. This sets up a compelling matchup between two Big Ten rivals vying for the national championship.
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The Wolverines’ journey to the Frozen Four is a testament to their skill, resilience, and teamwork. Their next challenge will be a significant one, but with a strong goaltender, a potent offense, and a history of success, Michigan is well-positioned to compete for the national title. Stay tuned for further updates as the Wolverines prepare for their next game in Las Vegas.
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