Wisconsin Badgers Hockey Advances to Frozen Four

Badgers to face No. 2 North Dakota in NCAA semifinal after upset wins over Dartmouth and Michigan State.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:09pm

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The Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team has advanced to the Frozen Four for the first time in 16 years after defeating No. 8 Dartmouth and No. 3 Michigan State in the NCAA tournament. The Badgers, ranked No. 12 in the nation, will now face off against No. 2 North Dakota in the semifinal round, with the other semifinal matchup still to be determined.

Why it matters

Wisconsin's unexpected run to the Frozen Four is a major accomplishment for the program, which has struggled to reach the national semifinals in recent years. The Badgers' success has generated excitement among fans and could help boost the team's recruiting efforts going forward.

The details

Wisconsin overcame two higher-ranked opponents to punch its ticket to the Frozen Four. The Badgers first defeated No. 8 Dartmouth 4-3 in overtime before taking down No. 3 Michigan State 4-3 in another close contest. Wisconsin, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the tournament, will now face off against No. 2 North Dakota in the semifinal round, with the winner advancing to the national championship game on April 11.

  • Wisconsin defeated Dartmouth on March 25, 2026.
  • Wisconsin defeated Michigan State on March 28, 2026.
  • The Frozen Four semifinals will take place on April 10, 2026.
  • The national championship game is scheduled for April 11, 2026.

The players

Wisconsin Badgers

The men's ice hockey team from the University of Wisconsin, competing in the NCAA tournament.

North Dakota Fighting Hawks

The men's ice hockey team from the University of North Dakota, ranked No. 2 in the nation and Wisconsin's opponent in the Frozen Four semifinal.

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What they’re saying

“We're just excited to be here and have the opportunity to compete for a national championship. The guys have worked hard all season and deserve this chance.”

— Tony Granato, Head Coach, Wisconsin Badgers

What’s next

The winners of the two Frozen Four semifinal matchups will meet in the national championship game on Saturday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's unexpected run to the Frozen Four is a testament to the team's resilience and determination. While they may be the lowest-ranked team remaining, the Badgers have proven they can compete with the best in the country and have a real chance to win their first national championship since 2006.