The first semifinal was another classic between Denver and Western Michigan. Just a few weeks removed from their double-overtime clash in the NCHC Championship Game, the Pioneers and the Broncos gave fans plenty of free hockey. WMU was all over the reigning national champions, outshooting DU 12-3 after 20 minutes and 32-8 after two periods.

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.