Wisconsin upsets North Dakota to reach Frozen Four title game

In a thrilling NCAA Frozen Four semifinal at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Wisconsin edged out North Dakota 2-1 on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Simon Tassy and Ryan Botterill struck just 27 seconds apart late in the first period to give the Badgers a commanding lead they never relinquished.[1][2] The third-seeded Badgers, now 24-12-2, advanced to the national championship game for the first time since 2010, marking their second straight upset over a No. 1 regional seed.

Daniel Hauser’s 21 saves anchored a stout defensive effort that stifled North Dakota’s high-powered offense, ranked third nationally at 3.8 goals per game. The Fighting Hawks, falling to 29-10-1, pulled goalie Jan Spunar late but could only muster one goal in a frantic finish.

First-period dominance propels Badgers ahead

Wisconsin set the tone early, outshooting North Dakota 18-4 in the opening frame and converting twice in rapid fashion. At 12:54, Simon Tassy buried his 14th goal of the season from the right circle on a power play, assisted by Vasily Zelenov, to open the scoring.[1] Just 27 seconds later, Ryan Botterill ripped a game-winner from similar range, with helpers from Ben Dexheimer and Joe Palodichuk, making it 2-0.

The Badgers’ forecheck overwhelmed North Dakota, dictating puck possession and generating constant pressure. Spunar faced 16 shots in the period alone, stopping all but two, but as broadcaster Chris Lerch noted post-period, “Spunar struggling a bit. A great shot by Tassy but savable, followed by Botterill 23 seconds later on a shot by Botterill that Spunar got a piece of but not enough.”[1]

Ed Trefzger added color: “Wisconsin has shown all through the playoffs that it can jump on momentum. Two quick goals 27 seconds apart has tilted the ice even more in the Badgers’ direction.” Tassy, a senior forward from Montreal, Quebec, has been clutch all season with multiple game-winners, including this pivotal tally.[3]

Botterill’s quick follow-up exemplified Wisconsin’s opportunistic play, turning a dominant period into a two-goal cushion. North Dakota managed just four shots, underscoring the Badgers’ control.

This outburst was no fluke; Wisconsin entered with offensive momentum from their regional win, generating strong scoring chances throughout the tournament.

Defensive resilience shines through penalties

The second period saw North Dakota flip the shot script, 12-7, but Wisconsin’s penalty kill unit stonewalled a 1:56 5-on-3 advantage, allowing zero goals and just one shot. Hauser was sharp, turning aside point-blank chances and traffic in front.[1]

Broadcaster JD highlighted the tension: “Cannot underestimate the boost to the Badgers in killing off that 1:57 of 5-on-3. Huge.” The Badgers blocked 19 shots total, limiting high-danger opportunities despite five penalties for 10 minutes.

Hauser’s standout glove save on a 6-on-5 late, while seated amid traffic, epitomized the grit. He finished with 21 saves on 22 shots, including 12 in the second period alone.

North Dakota’s power play went 0-for-5 overall, a stark contrast to their season form. Wisconsin’s discipline and blocks—19 to ND’s 10—kept the game in check.

Faceoffs were competitive (Wisconsin 46%, ND 54%), but the Badgers won the physical battles, maintaining structure.

Late Fighting Hawks rally tests Badgers’ nerve

Trailing 2-0 entering the third, North Dakota ramped up pressure with multiple power plays, including another 5-on-3 chance. Ollie Josephson broke away but was poked clean by Wisconsin’s Oliver Tulk, avoiding disaster.[1]

With 3:33 left, Spunar was pulled for a 6-on-5, and at 19:08, Ellis Rickwood deflected home ND’s lone goal from Dylan James and Ben Strinden, cutting it to 2-1 with 52 seconds remaining. JD called it: “North Dakota scores, with Spunar pulled, trail 2-1 with 52.7 seconds left. Hold on to your seats…”

Hauser and the defense held firm in the final scramble, securing the upset. Spunar made 35 saves before the pull, but Wisconsin’s 37 shots proved too much.

The Fighting Hawks outshot Wisconsin 10-1 in early third faceoffs but couldn’t convert, going 0-for-4 on additional power plays.

This marked ND’s first shutout threat in over a year, extending their title drought to a decade since their eighth championship.

Historical breakthrough adds weight to victory

Wisconsin snapped a 0-3 NCAA tournament skid against North Dakota, their first tourney win after going 1-11-2 in the prior 14 meetings overall. The all-time series favors UW 87-73-13, but recent history belonged to the Hawks.[4]

The Badgers seek their seventh title, last in 2006—20 years ago. North Dakota, a perennial power, hasn’t won since 2016.

Key stats from the game:

• Shots: Wisconsin 37 (18-7-12), North Dakota 22 (4-12-6)
• Power plays: Wisconsin 0/2, North Dakota 0/5
• Goaltending: Hauser (W) 21/22, Spunar (L) 35/37
• Blocks: Wisconsin 19, North Dakota 10

This win vaults Wisconsin into rare air, beating top seeds back-to-back. For full box score details, check USCHO’s live feed.[1]

Championship horizon: Michigan or Denver awaits

Wisconsin awaits the Michigan-Denver winner in Saturday’s title tilt at T-Mobile Arena. Both finalists boast storied programs; Michigan in their 29th Frozen Four, Denver defending recent form.[5]

The Badgers’ momentum—two quick goals, penalty kills, Hauser’s poise—positions them well. Coach Mike Hastings’ squad has defied odds all postseason.

A title would cap a redemption arc, ending a 20-year drought. As Trefzger said, playoffs reward momentum, and Wisconsin has it in spades.

Fans can follow the other semifinal updates via NCAA.com.[6]

Wisconsin’s blend of forecheck, defense, and timely scoring signals championship caliber. The Badgers stand one win from immortality—what a story it would be in Vegas.