The Broncos will meanwhile celebrate the most successful season in program history. Western Michigan led the nation with 33 wins and won the NCHC regular-season title before making it to the program's first championship game appearance thanks to a double-overtime national semifinal win over Denver.

Owen Michaels scored two third-period goals to seal Western Michigan’s first Frozen Four championship in a 6-2 victory over Boston University on Saturday night.

History lesson: This is Minnesota's 42nd NCAA appearance, including the past five years. The Gophers have been to the Frozen Four 23 times and have won five national titles, the last in 2003. Minnesota lost to Boston University in the regional finals last season.