2026 Men's Frozen Four Kicks Off in Las Vegas

Four college hockey powerhouses compete for the national championship in Sin City

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:33pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a college hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players, the ice, and the arena.The 2026 Frozen Four tournament brings together four of college hockey's most storied programs in a battle for the national championship.Denver Today

The 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship, known as the Frozen Four, is underway in Las Vegas, Nevada. The four teams competing for the national title are the Denver Pioneers, North Dakota Fighting Hawks, Michigan Wolverines, and Wisconsin Badgers - all storied programs with a combined 33 national championships. This year's tournament features a mix of veteran experience and young talent, as each team looks to add another trophy to their illustrious histories.

Why it matters

The Frozen Four is one of the most prestigious events in college sports, showcasing the best talent in men's ice hockey. With four of the most successful programs in the country competing, this year's tournament promises high-stakes, fast-paced action that will captivate hockey fans nationwide.

The details

Denver, the defending national champion, enters the Frozen Four with a 27-11-3 record and a freshman goaltender, Johnny Hicks, who has yet to lose a game. North Dakota boasts a veteran-laden roster that has outscored opponents 8-0 in the tournament so far. Michigan is seeking its first national title since 1998, while Wisconsin is the surprise entrant, having nearly missed the tournament before pulling off two upset wins.

  • The 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship is taking place April 9-11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • Denver won the national title in 2017, 2022 and 2024.
  • North Dakota's last championship was in 2016.
  • Michigan's last national title came in 1998.
  • Wisconsin is searching for its 7th national championship.

The players

Denver Pioneers

The winningest program in college hockey history, with 10 national championships. They are the defending champions, led by freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks.

North Dakota Fighting Hawks

A hockey powerhouse with 8 national titles, North Dakota boasts a veteran-laden roster that has dominated opponents in the tournament so far.

Michigan Wolverines

With 9 national championships, Michigan is seeking its first title since 1998 when Marty Turco was in net.

Wisconsin Badgers

The surprise entrant in the Frozen Four, Wisconsin is looking to add a 7th national championship to its trophy case.

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What they’re saying

“We've been through a lot to get here, but we know we belong. Now it's time to go out and prove it.”

— Jack Ivankovic, Goaltender, Michigan Wolverines

“This team has the experience and talent to win it all. We're focused on playing our game and not getting caught up in the bright lights of Vegas.”

— Jan Špunar, Goaltender, North Dakota Fighting Hawks

What’s next

The Frozen Four semifinals will take place on April 10, with the national championship game scheduled for April 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

This year's Frozen Four features a star-studded lineup of college hockey's most successful programs, setting the stage for an epic battle to crown a new national champion in the hockey capital of the world.