Road to Vegas: The 2026 NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament Heats Up
The quest for college hockey’s ultimate prize is entering its critical phase. Sixteen teams are battling for a chance to reach the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Tournament’s Frozen Four, culminating in the championship at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on April 11th. The road begins with regional semifinals from March 26-28.
Regional Showdowns: A Look at the Brackets
Four regional sites will host the initial battles: Worcester (Massachusetts), Sioux Falls (South Dakota), Albany (Novel York), and Loveland (Colorado). Each regional features four teams vying for a spot in the Frozen Four.
Worcester Regional
- Semifinals (March 26): Michigan State vs. UConn (1:30 p.m.), Dartmouth vs. Wisconsin (5 p.m.)
- Final (March 28): Semifinal winners, time TBD
Sioux Falls Regional
- Semifinals (March 26): Providence vs. Quinnipiac (5 p.m.), North Dakota vs. Merrimack (8:30 p.m.)
- Final (March 28): Semifinal winners, time TBD
Albany Regional
- Semifinals (March 27): Michigan vs. Bentley (5:30 p.m.), Minnesota Duluth vs. Penn State (9 p.m.)
- Final (March 29): Semifinal winners, time TBD
Loveland Regional
- Semifinals (March 27): Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State (2:30 p.m.), Denver vs. Cornell (6 p.m.)
- Final (March 29): Semifinal winners, time TBD
Las Vegas Beckons: The Frozen Four Schedule
The winners of each regional will advance to Las Vegas for the Frozen Four, held at T-Mobile Arena. The national semifinals are scheduled for April 9th, with the championship game taking place on April 11th. Specific game times for the Frozen Four are 5 p.m. And 8:30 p.m. On April 9th.
Top Talent on Display
The tournament showcases some of the brightest young stars in college hockey, including potential NHL prospects. Players to watch include Gavin McKenna (Penn State), Keaton Verehoeff (North Dakota), and Porter Martone (Michigan State).
Where to Watch
All games of the NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Tournament will be streamed on FloHockey and the FloSports app. The Frozen Four semifinals will air on ESPN2, and the championship final will be broadcast on ESPN.
The Teams Competing for the Championship
The sixteen teams vying for the title are: Michigan, North Dakota, Michigan State, Western Michigan, Denver, Minnesota Duluth, Providence, Dartmouth, Penn State, Quinnipiac, Cornell, Wisconsin, Minnesota State, UConn, Merrimack, and Bentley.
Las Vegas: A First-Time Host
This marks the first time Las Vegas will host the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four. The event will be held at T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights. Las Vegas Events, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the University of North Dakota are collaborating to host the tournament.
FAQ
- When is the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four? April 9th and 11th, 2026.
- Where is the Frozen Four being held? T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- How many teams are in the tournament? 16 teams.
- Where can I watch the games? On FloHockey, FloSports app, ESPN2, and ESPN.
Did you know? The 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship bracket was announced on March 22, 2026.
Stay tuned to FloHockey for comprehensive coverage of the NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament, including scores, schedules, and exclusive content.
