Big Ten Women's Hockey Tournament
The Big Ten Conference Women's Ice Hockey Tournament is an event that has been eagerly awaited by ice hockey enthusiasts since its inception. The tournament is played annually and features the best teams from the Big Ten Conference fighting it out on the ice to be named the champion. In this article, we will be looking at what makes this tournament so exciting, the history behind it and what to expect in the upcoming season.
History of the Big Ten Women's Hockey Tournament
The Big Ten Conference is one of the oldest conferences in college sports, with a rich history that stretches back over a century. However, the conference's women's ice hockey tournament is still relatively new. The tournament was first held in 2015 and has been held annually since then.
Initially, the tournament featured just the top four teams from the conference, but this was expanded to include all seven teams in 2019. The games are played over three days, with the winner being crowned conference champion and earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
What Makes the Big Ten Women's Hockey Tournament So Exciting?
There are many reasons why the Big Ten Conference Women's Ice Hockey Tournament is so exciting. For starters, the conference is one of the most competitive in the country when it comes to women's ice hockey. This means that all of the teams are capable of winning the tournament, and there is always the potential for upsets.
Another reason why the tournament is so exciting is that it provides an opportunity for the teams to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. This is a huge incentive for the teams, as it means that they do not have to rely on an at-large bid to make the tournament. Additionally, the tournament is a chance for teams to prove themselves on a national stage and showcase their talent to a wider audience.
What to Expect in the Upcoming Season
The upcoming season of the Big Ten Conference Women's Ice Hockey Tournament promises to be as exciting as ever. The conference is home to some of the best women's ice hockey teams in the country, including the University of Wisconsin, Ohio State University, and the University of Minnesota.
The Wisconsin Badgers are the current defending champions and will be looking to win their fourth conference championship in five years. However, they will face stiff competition from Minnesota and Ohio State, who finished second and third in the conference last season, respectively.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in March 2022, and will once again be held at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The arena has a seating capacity of 3,400, and is sure to be packed with enthusiastic fans cheering on their favorite teams.
Conclusion
The Big Ten Conference Women's Ice Hockey Tournament is a highly anticipated event that showcases some of the best women's ice hockey teams in the country. The tournament is exciting, competitive, and provides an opportunity for teams to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. With the upcoming season just a few months away, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be another thrilling tournament.