Blackhawks defenseman prospect Ian Mitchell and the University of Denver fell 4-3 to Massachusetts on Thursday in the second semifinal of the Frozen Four at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
Marc Del Gaizo scored the game-winning goal at 15:18 of overtime for UMass, who advance to the NCAA national championship game for the first time and will play reigning NCAA champion Minnesota Duluth at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Bulldogs defeated Providence, 4-1, in the first semifinal.
MARC DEL GAIZO CALLED GAME!!!!#FrozenFour #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/48fcdQeuem
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 12, 2019
Mitchell, who was drafted in the second round in 2017 by the Blackhawks, did not record a point against UMass. He did, however, exit the game briefly with 3:48 remaining in the second period after a hit to head from UMass’ Mitchell Chaffee in open ice. Ian Mitchell was back on the ice for the Pioneers’ power play after the break as Chaffee was given the third game misconduct in the game.
Mitchell, a right-handed defenseman, had six goals and 21 assists in 38 games during his sophomore season.
In March, Mitchell told The Athletic that he wants “to play for the Blackhawks as soon as I can” and that it’s “definitely a possibility” that he signs with Chicago soon.
Saturday, April 13
Championship: Minnesota Duluth vs. UMass, 7 p.m. ESPN2