Men's Big 10 Hockey Tournament
The Big Ten Men's ice hockey Championship, commonly known as the Men's Big 10 Hockey Tournament, is an annual tournament that brings together the top six teams from the Big Ten Conference. The tournament is held every year at a neutral site, with the winner receiving an automatic berth in the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament.
Here's everything you need to know about the Men's Big 10 hockey tournament:
Tournament Format
The Men's Big Ten Hockey Tournament adopts a single-elimination format. The top two teams in the conference are awarded a bye in the first round, while the other four teams play in the quarterfinals. The winners of the quarterfinals move on to the semifinals, where they face the top two teams in the conference. The winners of the semifinals then face each other in the championship game to determine the conference champion.
History of the Tournament
The Men's Big 10 Hockey Tournament began in 2014, with the inaugural tournament held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Big Ten Conference had previously sponsored ice hockey, but the creation of the tournament marked the conference's first official championship event in the sport. The tournament has been held at a variety of venues, including Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, and the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Current Teams
The Men's Big 10 Hockey Tournament includes six teams from the Big Ten Conference:
- University of Michigan Wolverines
- Michigan State University Spartans
- The Ohio State University Buckeyes
- Penn State University Nittany Lions
- University of Minnesota Golden Gophers
- University of Wisconsin Badgers
Previous Champions
Here's a list of the previous champions of the Men's Big 10 Hockey Tournament:
- 2014: Wisconsin Badgers
- 2015: Minnesota Golden Gophers
- 2016: Michigan Wolverines
- 2017: Penn State Nittany Lions
- 2018: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- 2019: Ohio State Buckeyes
- 2021: TBD
How to Watch
The Men's Big 10 Hockey Tournament is broadcast on a variety of networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, and the Big Ten Network. Games can also be streamed online through the WatchESPN app or the Big Ten Network website. Check your local listings for specific game times and broadcast information.
Conclusion
The Men's Big 10 Hockey Tournament is an exciting event that showcases some of the best college ice hockey teams in the country. With a single-elimination format and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament on the line, every game is a must-win for the competing teams. Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or just looking for some exciting sports action, the Men's Big 10 Hockey Tournament is definitely worth checking out.
