University of Denver forward McQuade Webster, 6, skates during the first period of an NCAA hockey game against Cornell University on Thursday, March 23, 2023, in Manchester, New Hampshire. (AP Photo/Greg M. cooper)
DENVER (KDVR) — For the Webster family, sibling rivalry has evolved into a championship mentality.
The University of Denver hockey team and captain McQuade Webster begin their quest for a title this weekend when the NCAA men's hockey tournament drops the puck in Springfield, Massachusetts.
“Our group has performed unbelievably well so far,” said McQuaid, who was on DU's championship team in 2021-22. “We've been in playoff mode for the past eight weeks, and we're really confident in what this team can accomplish.”
Meanwhile, McQuade's younger sister, Makenna, won the gold medal this weekend when the Ohio State women's hockey team defeated the University of Wisconsin in the title game. She won her first title at the University of Wisconsin in 2021 and was named Frozen 4 Most Outstanding Player.
McKenna favors, 2-1.
“She's an advantage for me,” McQuade said of her sister, who also plays on the Ohio State field hockey team. “I'm so proud of her. She knows what it takes and what it means.”
Denver won the National Collegiate Hockey Conference championship last weekend, earning an automatic berth to the national tournament and will begin its quest for a title as the No. 1 seed in the region. McQuaid was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
“Everyone's in agreement right now,” McQuaid said on “Colorado Sports Night” before the Pioneers moved to Springfield. “We’re all playing for each other, so it’s fun to watch.”
The Pioneers begin the 2024 NCAA Tournament on Thursday against the University of Massachusetts at the NCAA Northeast Regional in Springfield. Game time is noon MT Thursday at MassMutual Center.
