North Dakota and Wisconsin Clash in Frozen Four 2026 Final

Four legendary college hockey programs battle for the national championship in Las Vegas.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:38am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the colors of the competing teams' uniforms, capturing the intensity and energy of the 2026 Frozen Four hockey tournament.The 2026 Frozen Four tournament brings together four of college hockey's most storied programs in a clash of legends, traditions, and the pursuit of immortality.Grand Forks Today

The 2026 DI Men's Hockey Frozen Four in Las Vegas features a showdown between four of college hockey's most storied programs: Denver, North Dakota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. With a combined 33 national titles, these teams have etched their names into the sport's history. North Dakota and Denver enter as favorites, while Michigan and Wisconsin look to end long championship droughts.

Why it matters

The Frozen Four is the pinnacle of college hockey, where tradition, talent, and the pursuit of immortality collide. This year's tournament showcases the enduring legacy of these powerhouse programs and the intense rivalries that have defined the sport for decades.

The details

Denver leads the pack with 10 national titles, followed by Michigan and North Dakota with 9 and 8 championships respectively. Wisconsin has 6 titles. Despite their historical success, Michigan and Wisconsin have been on championship droughts, with Michigan's last title in 1998 and Wisconsin's in 2010. North Dakota's veteran-laden roster has dominated its tournament games so far, while Denver has quietly amassed an impressive record under coach David Carle.

  • The 2026 DI Men's Hockey Frozen Four takes place in Las Vegas on April 11-13, 2026.
  • North Dakota last won the national championship in 2016.

The players

Denver

A perennial powerhouse in college hockey, Denver has won 10 national championships, the most of any team in the Frozen Four.

North Dakota

The Fighting Hawks have 8 national titles and are led by veteran players and standout goaltender Jan Špunar.

Michigan

The Wolverines have 9 national championships but are seeking to end a 28-year drought, last winning in 1998.

Wisconsin

The Badgers have 6 national titles and are the tournament's surprise contender, narrowly avoiding being 'bid stealers' to make the Frozen Four.

Jack Ivankovic

The Michigan goaltender has sparked hope for the Wolverines, reminiscent of the legendary Marty Turco.

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What’s next

The championship game between the winning semifinal teams will take place on April 13, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

The 2026 Frozen Four showcases the enduring legacy of college hockey's blue bloods, with four legendary programs battling for the national title. The tournament promises to be a thrilling clash of traditions, as these storied teams seek to add to their championship pedigrees and cement their place in the sport's history.