2025 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four Preview
The highly anticipated 2025 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four is set to take place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. This year, two teams are vying for the championship title, including two newcomers making their Frozen Four debut. The semi-finals are scheduled for Thursday at 5 PM and 8:30 PM, with the championship match on Saturday at 7:30 PM. All matches will be available for streaming on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Matchups Overview
Denver vs. Western Michigan
In the first semi-final, defending national champion Denver will face Western Michigan, which is making its inaugural appearance in the Frozen Four. Both teams know each other well, having met three times this season. Western Michigan triumphed over Denver in a double overtime thriller during the NCHC Championship Game, after splitting the regular-season series.
Boston University vs. Penn State
The second semi-final features Boston University, competing in national semi-finals for the third consecutive year, against Penn State. This match marks the first meeting between the two teams in the Frozen Four, with Penn State also aiming for its first title.
Path to the Frozen Four
Denver Pioneers (31-11-1)
The Pioneers, seeded third in the Manchester region, advanced by defeating Providence 5-1 and overcoming Boston College 3-1 in a rematch of last year’s final. This victory marked Denver’s 11th national title, solidifying its prowess with a streak of four consecutive seasons of at least 30 wins.
Key Players: Jack Devine and Aidan Thompson rank first and second in national points, whereas defenseman Zeev Buium leads all defenders in scoring.
Western Michigan Broncos (32-7-1)
As the top seed from the Fargo region, the Broncos defeated Minnesota State and UMass with strong performances, propelling them to Frozen Four status. They boast an impressive average of 3.95 goals per game while their defense allows only 2.05.
Key Players: Goaltender Hampton Slukinski is a standout with an impressive goals against average, making him crucial for Western Michigan’s chances.
Boston University Terriers (23-13-2)
Seeded second in the Toledo region, the Terriers showcased their offensive firepower with a dominating victory over Ohio State followed by a gritty overtime win against Cornell. Their recent performances have bolstered their confidence as they seek their first championship title since 2015.
Key Players: Brothers Quinn and Cole Hutson are pivotal offensive threats, contributing significantly to the team’s chances.
Penn State Nittany Lions (22-13-4)
After overcoming a slow start to the season, Penn State defeated Maine and UConn to secure a place in the Frozen Four. The team’s recent form, marked by a strong finish to the season, has made them a dark horse in the tournament.
Key Players: Freshman Charlie Cerrato has turned heads with his play in the regional rounds, contributing key assists in both games.