The University of Minnesota’s Gophers and the University of Denver, former rivals in the old Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), are set to reignite their rivalry in a men’s hockey game for the first time since 2013. The game is scheduled to take place at Denver’s Ball Arena during Thanksgiving weekend in 2025.
The Pioneers, fresh from their record 10th NCAA championship win at the Xcel Energy Center, will play host to this esteemed Hall of Fame Game. The specific date of the game will be announced after the release of the 2025-26 NHL schedule.
Doug Palazzari, the Executive Director of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, conveyed his enthusiasm about the upcoming event, stating, “Those of us at the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum are eagerly anticipating the face-off between two of college hockey’s leading programs in our Hall of Fame Game at Ball Arena in 2025. We extend our gratitude to both institutions for agreeing to participate in this prestigious event.”
The most recent encounter between the Gophers and Denver occurred on March 2, 2013, resulting in a 5-1 victory for the Gophers on home ice. Their last visit to Denver was on February 11, 2012, when Denver secured a 5-4 overtime victory, completing a two-game series sweep.
This event is highly anticipated by college hockey enthusiasts, as the matchup between these two prestigious programs is expected to be a thrilling spectacle. Make a note of this date, as it promises to be an exhilarating and memorable game between the Gophers and the Pioneers.