Michigan Hockey Advances in NCAA Tournament, Eyes Championship Run
ALBANY, N.Y. – The University of Michigan ice hockey team (29-7-1), the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament, defeated Bentley University (23-11-5) on Friday, March 27, at MVP Arena in Albany, New York. The game, broadcast live on ESPNU, saw the Wolverines begin their pursuit of a national championship.
Early Goals Set the Tone
Michigan quickly established control, taking a 2-0 lead in the second period. T.J. Hughes scored for the Wolverines at 9:49 into the first period, followed by a buzzer-beater from Ben Robertson just before the end of the period – his first career goal as a Wolverine.
Power Play Opportunities and Defensive Strength
Bentley had an opportunity to close the gap with a power play, but Michigan’s penalty kill held strong. The Wolverines also earned a power play of their own, though were unable to capitalize. Michigan’s defense, bolstered by freshman goalie Jack Ivankovic, limited Bentley’s scoring chances.
Road to the Regional Final
The Wolverines will now advance to the regional final on Sunday, March 29, where they will face either Minnesota Duluth or Penn State. Michigan won the Big Ten Championship last weekend, defeating Ohio State 7-3, securing their fourth Big Ten title (2016, 2022, 2023, 2026).
A Historic Tournament Run
This NCAA Tournament bid marks the 42nd in Michigan’s program history, tying Minnesota for the most appearances. The Wolverines boast a 59-33 all-time record in NCAA Tournament games. Bentley, making its second NCAA Tournament appearance, earned the Atlantic Hockey automatic bid after winning its second straight conference title.
Key Players to Watch
T.J. Hughes and Michael Hage led the Wolverines in the Big Ten Tournament with six points each. Ivankovic’s performance in net is expected to be a crucial factor as Michigan progresses through the tournament.
Bentley’s Upset Potential
Despite the loss, Bentley demonstrated resilience. The Falcons swept Mercyhurst and Holy Cross in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds of the Atlantic Hockey tournament, also claiming the regular-season championship. Historically, No. 16 seeds have upset No. 1 overall seeds in the NCAA Hockey Tournament three times (2015, 2018, 2019).
Looking Ahead to the Frozen Four
The Frozen Four is scheduled for April 9 in Las Vegas, with the championship game on April 11. Michigan aims to develop into the first top overall seed to win the title since 2017.
FAQ
Q: Where is the NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament final?
A: Las Vegas.
Q: What seed is Michigan in the tournament?
A: No. 1 overall.
Q: How did Bentley qualify for the tournament?
A: Bentley won the Atlantic Hockey automatic bid.
Q: When is the next game for Michigan?
A: Sunday, March 29, in the regional final.
Did you know? Michigan is tied with Minnesota for the most NCAA Tournament appearances in men’s hockey history.
Stay tuned for further updates as Michigan continues its quest for the national championship.
