NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship Bracket Set

Michigan earns No. 1 overall seed as 16-team field is revealed

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:22pm

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The NCAA men's hockey tournament bracket was revealed in its entirety on March 22, setting up four regional divisions that include rising stars and potential bracket-busters all vying for a spot in the coveted Frozen Four in Las Vegas in April. Michigan earned the No. 1 overall seed, with Penn State's Gavin McKenna and the Nittany Lions also earning a spot in the tournament.

Why it matters

The NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship is one of the most prestigious college hockey tournaments, with the Frozen Four being the culmination of the event. The reveal of the full 16-team bracket sets the stage for an exciting tournament, with top programs and rising stars all competing for the national title.

The details

The bracket features several top teams, including No. 1 seed Michigan, No. 2 North Dakota, No. 3 Michigan State, and No. 4 Western Michigan. Penn State and star prospect Gavin McKenna will take on Minnesota Duluth in the Albany Regional. The winners of the Albany and Loveland Regionals will face off in one Frozen Four semifinal, while the Sioux Falls and Worcester Regional winners will meet in the other.

  • The NCAA men's hockey tournament bracket was revealed in its entirety on March 22, 2026.
  • The 2026 NCAA hockey tournament gets underway on Thursday, March 26.
  • First-round action continues through Saturday, March 28.
  • The Frozen Four is in Las Vegas on April 9 and 11.

The players

Michigan

The No. 1 overall seed in the tournament, the Michigan Wolverines won the Big Ten Conference Tournament on March 21 to earn an automatic berth.

Gavin McKenna

The expected incoming No. 1 overall NHL pick, McKenna will lead the Penn State Nittany Lions into the tournament.

Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs

The Bulldogs will take on Penn State and Gavin McKenna in the Albany Regional.

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What they’re saying

“Heading to MVP Arena”

— NCAA Ice Hockey

What’s next

The winners of the Albany Regional and Loveland Regional will face off in the Frozen Four, whereas the Sioux Falls Regional and Worcester Regional winners will match up on the other side of the bracket.

The takeaway

The reveal of the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship bracket sets the stage for an exciting tournament, with top programs and rising stars all competing for the national title. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the action as the road to the Frozen Four in Las Vegas gets underway.