Excitement is building in Denver as the University of Denver’s men’s ice hockey team prepares to raise its 2026 NCAA National Championship banner on Oct. 16, just hours before the first face‑off of the season against the Michigan Wolverines.
The ceremony will mark the culmination of a historic run that saw the Pioneers capture their eleventh national title, a milestone achieved after a dramatic 2‑1 victory over Wisconsin in Las Vegas on April 13 and a double‑overtime triumph over Michigan in the Frozen Four semifinals on April 9.
Denver’s previous encounters with Michigan have often been defining moments; the Pioneers had edged the Wolverines 3‑2 in overtime during the 2022 Frozen Four in Boston, and the upcoming matchup will be the first regular‑season meeting between the two programs since 1981.
A milestone night for Denver hockey
The banner‑raising night is part of a broader 2026‑27 championship‑defense campaign that will feature a series of special events, including a two‑game series against Boston College the following weekend for Homecoming, all sponsored by Huntington Bank, which serves as the presenting partner for the mini‑banner series.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the 7 p.m. MT tip‑off, with ticket packages and additional viewing options available to accommodate the anticipated crowd. The night promises not only a celebration of past glory but also a glimpse of the team’s ambitions as it looks to defend its crown.