DENVER (AP) — Hockey runs deep in the Webster family. The same goes for winning on the ice.
Current NCAA National Title Score: McKenna 2, McQuaid 1.
McQuade webster can This weekend, he scored the tying goal with his sister at the Frozen Four in St. Paul, Minnesota. McQuaid, Denver's senior captain, is trying to follow Makenna's lead. Helped Ohio State win the women's title That was only about two weeks ago.
This approach to hockey is definitely a family business. It was McQuade who inspired McKenna to switch from figure skating. It was Makenna who once gave McQuade a black eye with a high stick during a friendly match in the basement. And it was my mom and dad who traveled with me all the time for games and practices.
The Webster family will also be well-represented at Xcel Energy Center, and approximately 30 family members and friends will be in attendance for Mr. McQuade's final go-around.The Pioneers (30-9-3) will play Boston College (28-9-2) Thursday's semifinal matchthe winner advances to Saturday's title game.
“It would be unbelievable,” his father, Dave Webster, said of McQuaid's chances of winning a second title at the University of Denver (McKenna played at the University of Wisconsin before transferring to Ohio State). won the first title). “It's pure joy to see the kids and the whole team celebrating knowing all the hard work they've put in. It's profound.”
As young children, St. Louis, McQuade, and Makenna always had a house where other children wanted to hang out. Their yard had an outdoor court that included pickleball, in addition to a grass field for soccer and his hockey (Makenna's other sport).
There is an artificial hockey rink in the basement. They wore it out because dad was constantly sharpening the skates (synthetic surfaces dull quickly).
McQuaid caught the hockey bug from a cousin who played club hockey in college. Meanwhile, Makenna gets a fever after seeing McQuade and quits her figure skating spin for Slap Shot.
“She was almost done with her makeup and glamor and wanted to punch some boys,” McQuaid joked. “She moved on to hockey and she never looked back.”
Being an elite athlete — Makenna is nearly two years younger and played on the men's team, but not with McQuade — their parents, Dave. and sunnydivide travel operations.
“They've been there every step of the way, very supportive and kept us moving forward,” McQuaid said. “It was great to see them every game.”
And they certainly try to make everything. Take the women's NCAA Championship weekend, for example.
Dave and Sonny attended Makenna's semifinal victory over Clarkson University on March 22nd in Durham, New Hampshire. The next day, they watched McQuaid and the Pioneers defeat Omaha in St. Paul. NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship Game (McQuaid was named the tournament's most outstanding player). Then the next day he returned to New Hampshire and With Makenna The Buckeyes defeated McKenna's former team, Wisconsin, to lift the national trophy.
“We spent a lot of time outside with the kids,” Dave said. “This is an experience I can't replace.”
In the ninth grade, McQuaid attended Shattuck St. Paul's School. Mary's is a school in Faribault, Minnesota known for its hockey development program (past participant) Including Sidney Crosby ). Makena went there too. The family bought a house in the area.
Both flourished.
McQuaid suitable for The Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League have caught the eye of Tampa Bay. The Lightning selected him in the seventh round of the 2019 draft.
A funny story about that draft: He was actually sleeping at a friend's house when his name was announced. He woke up to the sound of a ringing phone.
McQuaid joined the Pioneers for the 2020-21 season and helped them after one season. Towards the 9th national championship.
He's savoring every moment this season. The recent graduate said he's ready to hang up his cane and move on to the business world.
But it's not complete yet.
McQuaid and the Pioneers have a chance to become the first men's college hockey program to win 10 national titles. Michigan State is also in the running for that honor.The Wolverines (23-14-3) will face Boston University (33-5-1) on their home field. semi-final match.
Makenna takes the stand. She will be wearing his No. 6 Denver jersey to wish her luck.
Makenna's path to hockey Her first time in Wisconsin, where she helped the Badgers win the 2021 title and was named Frozen 4 Most Outstanding Player. She transferred to Ohio State University in the summer of 2022 so she could also play field hockey. The Badgers defeated Makenna and the Buckeyes 1-0 in last season's title game. This season, McKenna and Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 1-0.
“When we won at the end, it felt like all the work we had done all year paid off,” McKenna said.
Now, McQuaid has a chance to once again reach the top of the college hockey world. When asked what it would mean for McQuade to face McKenna for the national title, Dave just laughed.
“That means Makenna needs to get a third win next year to keep winning,” he said.
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