Chicago Blackhawks defenseman prospect Blake Hillman and Denver defeated Penn State to win the Midwest Regional and advance to the 2017 Frozen Four. They’ll face fellow Hawks prospect Dennis Gilbert and Notre Dame in college hockey’s premier event.
Denver, the top overall seed, beat Michigan Tech and Penn State to earn its 16th Frozen Four in program history. The Pioneers’ last win at the Frozen Four was its 2005 national championship victory over NCHC conference rival North Dakota. Denver fell to North Dakota in last year’s national semifinal.
This year’s Frozen Four will be April 6 and April 8 at United Center in Chicago. It’s the first time the Frozen Four will be at United Center.
Hillman, a 2016 sixth-rounder, scored a goal and six assists in 39 regular-season games during his sophomore season. He was scoreless in the Pioneers’ two regional games.
The final 3 games of the season are set! #FrozenFour pic.twitter.com/rtMofjC7fV
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) March 27, 2017