Denver took down Minnesota State, 5-1, to win the 2022 DI men’s ice hockey national championship for its ninth title.
Despite being down 1-0 and heavily outshot heading into the third period, the Pioneers didn’t quit. Instead, they turned up the heat and went to work.
The scoring started less than five minutes into the final frame when Ryan Barrow stuffed a rebound through Minnesota State goalie Dryden McKay’s legs. That tied the game, 1-1. Just a few moments later, Mike Benning one-timed a rocket over McKay to give Denver the 2-1 lead. It was the eventual game-winner.
Massimo Rizzo one-timed another goal past McKay with under seven minutes to play to add some insurance. Denver added two empty-net goals in the final three minutes. The first came from Brett Stapley, while the second came from Cameron Wright.
