OFF AND RUNNING
Buium’s OT game-winner sends DU to NCHC final
ST. PAUL, MINN.>> The Univeristy of Denver exorcised some Frozen Faceoff demons Friday night, taking down St. Cloud State,
5-4, in the semifinals on Zeev Buium’s overtime goal early in the extra session.
The tally was Buium’s second of the night, as the freshman defenseman finished with three points to send the Pioneers (279-3) to an NCHC championship showdown with Omaha at 6:30 p.m. MDT Saturday.
The Pios had lost in the semifinals of the Frozen Faceoff two years in a row entering Friday, but with Miko Matikka adding a pair of goals, including the game-tying tally with less than two minutes left in the second period, they now have a shot at the title. Mckade Webster also scored for DU, while Matt Davis had 21 saves in net.
TENNIS
Sabalenka, Gauff advance in rain-soaked Miami Open
MIAMI GARDENS, FLA.>> Playing four days after the death of a former hockey player she dated, Aryna Sabalenka beat Paula Badosa 6-4, 6-3 in the second round of the rain-soaked Miami Open.
Sabalenka has asked for privacy for herself and the family of Konstantin Koltsov, the 42-year-old Belarusian who died in Miami on Monday. Miamidade Police said it was an apparent suicide. U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff moved on to the third round, beating Nadia Podoroska 6-1, 6-2.
NHL
Wilson suspended 6 games
WASHINGTON>> The NHL has suspended Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson six games for his stick to the face of Toronto forward Noah Gregor.
The league’s department of player safety matched the longest suspension of any player this season after a Zoom hearing with Wilson on Friday. It’s the sixth time he has been suspended since 2017 and his first since being banned seven games for boarding in 2021.
WOMEN’S FROZEN FOUR Wisconsin beats Colgate, looks to defend national title against Ohio State
DURHAM, N.H.>> Kirsten Simms and Vivian Jungels scored the opening two goals and defending champion Wisconsin advanced to the women’s ice hockey championship game for the second straight season after a 3-1 victory over Colgate in the Frozen Four.
The win by Wisconsin (355-0) sets up a rematch of the 2023 title game on Sunday with top seed Ohio State. The Badgers are seeking to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Clarkson in 2018 — and notch the program’s eighth championship. Ohio State, also a top seed, beat No. 4 seed Clarkson 4-1 Friday to advance to the championship game for the third straight season.
MOTORSPORTS
Mclaren extends Brown’s contract through 2030
Mclaren Racing boss Zak Brown said Friday he’s signed an extension to remain in charge of the organization through 2030. Brown made the announcement on social media. He has been CEO since 2018 and the American oversees all of Mclaren’s racing programs from its Englandbased headquarters.
SOCCER
Prosecutors appeal decision to give Alves bail
BARCELONA, SPAIN>> Spain’s state prosecutors’ office in Barcelona has asked a court to reconsider its decision to grant Brazilian soccer star Dani Alves the opportunity to leave prison on bail while awaiting the appeal of his conviction for rape.