Ncaa Men's Hockey National Champions
College hockey is one of the most exciting and competitive sports in the United States. Every year, 60 teams from around the country compete in the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship to determine the national champion. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the NCAA Men's Hockey National Champions, highlighting some of the best teams to ever play college hockey.
The Early Years: 1948-1960
The NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship began in 1948. The inaugural championship was won by the Dartmouth Big Green, who defeated the Michigan Wolverines 4-3 in the final. Between 1948 and 1960, only four teams won the championship: Colorado College, Michigan, North Dakota, and Denver. Michigan was the most successful team during this period, winning six national championships.
Minnesota Dominance: 1970s
The 1970s was a decade dominated by the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Between 1974 and 1979, Minnesota won three national championships, and made five consecutive appearances in the championship game. The team was led by head coach Herb Brooks, who would later coach the United States Olympic Hockey team to the famous "Miracle on Ice" victory over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics.
The Michigan State Spartans: Late 1980s
The Michigan State Spartans were the most successful team in the late 1980s, winning two national championships in 1986 and 1987. The team was led by head coach Ron Mason, who would go on to become the winningest coach in college hockey history. The Spartans were known for their tough, physical style of play, and were one of the most dominant teams in college hockey during this period.
North Dakota Dynasties: 1990s and 2010s
The North Dakota Fighting Hawks have been one of the most successful teams in college hockey history, winning eight national championships. The team won its first championship in 1959, and then had to wait over three decades before winning another national championship in 1980. However, the team has been dominant in recent years, winning five championships since 1997. Head coach Dave Hakstol led the team to national championships in 2016 and 2020, solidifying the team's place as one of the best programs in college hockey.
Closing Thoughts
The NCAA Men's Hockey National Championship has a rich history, filled with some of the best teams and players in college hockey history. From the early success of Michigan to the Minnesota dynasty of the 1970s and North Dakota's recent dominance, college hockey fans have been treated to some incredible moments over the years. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, it will be exciting to see which teams will rise to the top and add their name to the list of NCAA Men's Hockey National Champions.
