Michigan, North Dakota Earn Top NCAA Hockey Tournament Seeds

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The 2026 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament field has been announced, with Michigan and North Dakota earning the top overall seeds. Minnesota Duluth will face Penn State in the first round, while Minnesota State Mankato drew defending national champion Western Michigan.

Why it matters

The NCAA hockey tournament is one of the most prestigious events in college sports, with the 16-team field representing the best programs in the country. Having two Minnesota schools make the tournament field is a point of pride for the state's hockey community.

The details

Michigan won the Big Ten tournament title game, beating Ohio State 7-3 to secure the top overall seed. North Dakota also earned a top seed after a strong regular season. Minnesota Duluth lost the NCHC tournament championship game, falling 4-3 in double overtime at Denver, but still earned an at-large bid. Minnesota State Mankato will face defending champion Western Michigan in the first round.

• The 2026 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament will take place from March 27 to March 29.
• Minnesota Duluth will play Penn State at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 27 in Albany, New York.
• The winner between Minnesota Duluth and Penn State will play the winner between Michigan and Bentley on March 29.

What’s next

The 2026 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament will begin on March 27, with the championship game scheduled for March 29.