Ncaa Men's Hockey Tournament Bracket
The NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament is an annual competition that determines the national champion of men's college ice hockey in the United States. The tournament features 16 teams from across the country, competing in a single-elimination format over three weekends in March and April. The NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament is one of the most exciting events in college sports, and fans around the country eagerly await the release of the tournament bracket each year.
Understanding the Tournament Format
The NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament begins with 16 teams being selected to participate. These teams are chosen based on their performance throughout the season, with the champions of each of the six conferences receiving an automatic bid. The remaining 10 teams are chosen based on their overall performance and strength of schedule.
The 16 teams are then seeded based on their performance throughout the season, with the top four teams receiving a bye in the first round. The remaining 12 teams are placed in four regional brackets and play a single-elimination tournament to determine the champion of each region. The winners of each regional bracket then advance to the Frozen Four, which is held at a predetermined location each year. The Frozen Four features two semifinal games and a championship game to determine the national champion of men's college ice hockey.
Key Dates to Know
The NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament is held over three weekends in March and April. Here are the key dates to know for the 2022 tournament:
- Selection Sunday: March 20, 2022
- Regional Rounds: March 25-27, 2022
- Frozen Four: April 7-9, 2022
Selection Sunday is when the 16 teams are announced and the tournament bracket is revealed. The regional rounds are held over the following weekend, with four regional brackets being played at different locations around the country. The winners of each regional bracket then advance to the Frozen Four, which is held a few weeks later at a predetermined location.
How to Watch the Tournament
The NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament is broadcast on television and streamed online. All games are broadcast on either ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, or the NHL Network. The regional rounds are broadcast on regional sports networks, while the Frozen Four is broadcast on ESPN.
In addition to traditional television broadcasts, the NCAA also offers a March Madness Live app, which allows fans to stream all games online. The app is available on a variety of platforms, including iOS, Android, and Roku.
Top Teams to Watch
Each year, there are a number of top teams to watch in the NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament. Here are a few teams to keep an eye on in the 2022 tournament:
- Minnesota State Mavericks
- St. Cloud State Huskies
- North Dakota Fighting Hawks
- Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Michigan Wolverines
These teams are all ranked in the top 10 in the country according to the most recent NCAA ice hockey rankings. However, anything can happen in the tournament, and there are always a few surprises along the way.
Conclusion
The NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament is one of the most exciting events in college sports, featuring 16 of the top teams in the country competing for the national championship. The tournament lasts for three weekends in March and April, with the bracket being revealed on Selection Sunday. Fans can watch the tournament on television or online, with all games being broadcast on ESPN or streamed through the March Madness Live app. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into college hockey, the NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament is a can't-miss event.
