The NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Committee has announced the selection of 16 teams for the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship. The tournament will feature a single-elimination format at four regional sites, with winners advancing to the Men鈥檚 Frozen Four. Michigan is the overall No. 1 seed, followed by North Dakota, Michigan State, and Western Michigan. Matches start on March 26, culminating in the national championship on April 11 in Las Vegas.

By the Numbers
  • Michigan holds the top seed with a record of 29-7-1.
  • Four teams received automatic qualification from six conferences.
State of Play
  • Regional matchups include Michigan vs. Bentley and North Dakota vs. Merrimack.
  • The tournament will be broadcast across various ESPN platforms.
What's Next

The championship action kicks off on March 26, with teams vying for regional titles and advancement to the Frozen Four. Fans are eager to see how the seeded teams perform, especially following recent upsets in conference tournaments. The national champion will be crowned on April 11, showcasing the top teams in college hockey.

Bottom Line

The 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship promises intense competition and thrilling matchups, beginning with the regional rounds. Michigan enters as the favorite, but the single-elimination format leaves room for surprises, making this tournament one to watch closely.