As the date for the NCAA men’s hockey tournament approaches, the focus sharpens on the 16 teams that will compete for the championship. Selection Day is set for March 22, 2024. This year, the tournament will feature six automatic bids awarded to the winners of their respective conference tournaments, scheduled for March 20 and 21. Another ten teams will receive at-large spots based on the new National Power Index (NPI) formula. This formula considers factors such as strength of schedule and performance in overtime, replacing the previous PairWise rankings.
The NCAA tournament will culminate in the Frozen Four, taking place on April 9 and 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Fans can follow every game and the selection show on ESPN networks and the ESPN app.
Top Contenders for the Championship
Leading the pack this season are strong teams from the Big Ten and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). Notably, Michigan State and Michigan have consistently been ranked among the top teams throughout the season, while North Dakota and Western Michigan also hold strong positions in national standings.
Michigan State currently holds a record of 23-6-0 and is 14-5-0 in the Big Ten. The Spartans have recently surged, winning six of their last seven games, including a notable 5-2 victory over Michigan on February 7. Their remaining schedule includes key matchups against Notre Dame and Ohio State, with a critical series against Minnesota on March 5-6.
Meanwhile, Michigan boasts a record of 24-5-1, standing at 15-4-1 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines have performed strongly, taking five of six points from a series against Penn State and splitting their season series with Michigan State. Their upcoming games against Wisconsin and Minnesota will be pivotal for their seeding.
North Dakota holds a record of 23-7-0 and is 15-5-0 in the NCHC. The team has shown resilience, achieving an 8-4 record against ranked opponents this season. They will face St. Cloud State before a crucial series against Western Michigan.
The defending champions, Western Michigan, are also making their case with a record of 22-8-0 and 14-6-0 in the NCHC. They are on a roll, winning 12 of their last 14 games, which includes victories over Boston College and Wisconsin. Their final regular-season games against Colorado College and North Dakota will be critical.
Teams on the Bubble
Several teams find themselves on the bubble as the selection day draws near. These teams are striving to solidify their positions, as any slip could jeopardize their chances of making the tournament.
Penn State, with a record of 18-9-1, has had a strong season against most teams, except for Michigan and Michigan State, against whom they hold a 1-6-1 record. They will need to secure wins against Ohio State and Notre Dame in their upcoming games to bolster their tournament hopes.
Another contender, Quinnipiac, has an impressive record of 24-5-3 and remains strong in the ECAC. The Bobcats have outscored their opponents significantly in recent matches but face questions regarding their strength of schedule, which ranks 47th nationally. Their upcoming games against Cornell and Dartmouth will be crucial.
The teams ranked from 9 to 15 have varying degrees of security regarding their NCAA prospects. Denver stands at 19-11-3, showing resilience with a current unbeaten streak of seven games. Meanwhile, Cornell, Dartmouth, and UConn are all working to maintain their positions.
As of February 19, the cutline for the NPI rankings suggests that the 16th spot will likely be filled by the Atlantic Hockey champion. St. Thomas, currently with a record of 18-9-3, is on the right side of the bubble but must navigate its upcoming games carefully to ensure an NCAA berth.
In contrast, teams like Boston College and Wisconsin are looking to recover from tough stretches in their seasons. Both have the potential to secure spots but must perform well in their final games.
As the NCAA tournament selection approaches, every match will be critical. The tournament promises to deliver thrilling competition as teams vie for a place in the prestigious Frozen Four. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching how these final weeks unfold.
