Christian Fitzgerald’s helmet with the newly added 2026 Frozen Four Decal. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Las Vegas, NV — On the penultimate day of the college hockey season, the Wisconsin Badgers put finishing touches on its preparation ahead of the 2026 Frozen Four national championship game. Wisconsin men’s hockey will try to win its first national title since 2006 when it takes on the Denver Pioneers on Saturday afternoon in Las Vegas.
In a press conference on Friday, UW head coach Mike Hastings mentioned that the final practice of the year “gives you an idea of perspective” after speaking to former Boston College Eagles head coach Jerry York.
York won four national titles at BC (plus one more at Bowling Green) and more games than any head coach in the history of college hockey. He is the only coach to win 1,000 games behind the bench.
Hastings said York reminded him over text to enjoy the practice.
“We always thought it was the best practice of the year,” the legendary coach added.
That reminder from the winningest head coach in the history of the sport helped Hastings craft his team’s “good 25-minute skate” before the final 60 minute battle.
How to watch Wisconsin Badgers hockey national championship vs Denver Pioneers: Time, TV channel, radio, streaming info
Where: T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada
When: Saturday, April 11th | 4:30 p.m. Central // 2:30 p.m. Pacific
Watch/TV/Streaming: ESPN (Play-by-play: John Buccigross; Analyst: Colby Cohen; Reporter: Quint Kessenich; Studio: Zubin Mehenti, Andrew Raycroft and Paul Caponigri; Rules Analyst: Dave Jackson)
Listen/Radio: 1310AM WIBA Madison | The Varsity Network (Play-by-play: Brian Posick; Analyst: Paul Capobianco)
Blake Montgomery enjoying the final practice of the year in Las Vegas. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Wisconsin goaltender Eli Pulver readys himself to stop a shot by Vasily Zelenov during shootout practice. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Wisconsin Mens Hockey Coach Mike Hastings gives feedback during the final practice prior to the 2026 Frozen Four national championship game. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Jack Phelan (rear) and Zach Schulz run defensive drills ahead of game against the Denver Pioneers. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Wisconsin Freshman Goaltender Daniel Hauser focuses in during shootout practice. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Quinn Finley takes in his last practice of his freshman season ahead of the NCAA National Championship Game. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Bruno Idžan and Blake Montgomery take a knee beside the 2026 Frozen Four Logo. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Wisconsin Head Coach Mike Hastings watches practice at T-Mobile Arena. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Sophomores Adam Pietila and Jack Phelan look on during final practice shootout of the season. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Wisconsin Hockey players celebrate a shootout win by captain Ben Dexheimer at the end of the final practice prior to saturdays national championship game. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Freshman goaltender Daniel Hauser’s goalie mask rests on the boards at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
An empty T-Mobile Arena sits quiet ahead of the national championship game between the Wisconsin Badgers and Denver Pioneers. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Wisconsin Badgers alternate captain Joe Palodichuk answers questions during a press conference ahead of the 2026 NCAA Tournament title game. Photo credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
Wisconsin Badgers Head Coach Mike Hastings enjoys the last press conference before the 2026 NCAA Championship game. Photo Credit: Aaron Frey, AMF Photography
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