Denver defeats Minnesota State to win 2nd men's hockey title in 5 years

Cameron Wright and Mike Benning both notched a goal and an assist as Denver beat Minnesota State-Mankato 5-1 to claim the 2021-22 NCAA men's hockey championship.

Minnesota State forward Sam Morton opened the scoring just over six minutes into the first period, and the Mavericks outshot the Pioneers 8-3 in the opening frame. However, Denver stormed back with five goals in the third period, including a pair of empty-netters.

The Pioneers captured their second men's hockey title in the last five years and ninth all time.

Benning was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Frozen Four. The 20-year-old defenseman collected two assists in Denver's 3-2 victory over Michigan in the semifinals. Benning also cracked the All-Tournament team along with teammates Magnus Chrona, Carter Savoie, and Ryan Barrow.

Barrow, Brett Stapley, and Massimo Rizzo scored the other goals for Denver in Saturday's triumph.

Chrona made 27 saves, while Hobey Baker Award winner Dryden McKay stopped 15 of the 18 shots he faced.