Wisconsin Faces Tough Test Against Dominant North Dakota in Frozen Four

Badgers coach Mike Hastings warns of the 'potent' Fighting Hawks ahead of win-or-go-home matchup.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team has advanced to the Frozen Four, where they will face off against the No. 2 seed North Dakota Fighting Hawks. North Dakota has been dominant in the tournament so far, not allowing a single goal. Wisconsin head coach Mike Hastings joined the NHL Network to preview the matchup, warning that North Dakota is a 'potent' opponent that is 'good, hard, and heavy' and has a stifling defense and goaltending.

Why it matters

This Frozen Four semifinal is a high-stakes win-or-go-home game that will determine which team advances to the National Championship. Both Wisconsin and North Dakota are battle-tested programs, making this a highly anticipated matchup between two of the best teams in college hockey.

The details

Wisconsin reached the Frozen Four after a dramatic comeback victory in the Regional Final against Michigan State, scoring two goals in 30 seconds to force overtime and then netting the game-winner in 24 seconds. Now they must face a North Dakota team that has yet to allow a single goal in the tournament. Hastings praised North Dakota's defensive commitment, high-end talent, and veteran-laden roster, warning that they present a 'potent' challenge for the Badgers.

  • The Frozen Four semifinal between Wisconsin and North Dakota will take place on April 9th at 4 CT in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • The winner of this game will advance to the National Championship of men's college hockey.

The players

Mike Hastings

The head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team, who joined the NHL Network to preview the Frozen Four matchup against North Dakota.

North Dakota Fighting Hawks

The No. 2 seed in the Frozen Four, who have not allowed a single goal in the tournament so far and are considered one of the best teams in college hockey.

Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin men's hockey team that has advanced to the Frozen Four semifinal, where they will face off against North Dakota in a win-or-go-home game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If I were going to mix a cocktail and send it to you guys, that one is pretty potent.”

— Mike Hastings, Head Coach, Wisconsin Badgers

What’s next

The winner of the Wisconsin-North Dakota Frozen Four semifinal will advance to the National Championship game on April 11th.

The takeaway

This Frozen Four matchup between Wisconsin and North Dakota is a highly anticipated clash between two of the top programs in college hockey. With North Dakota's dominant defensive performance and Wisconsin's dramatic comeback ability, the game promises to be an intense battle that will determine which team advances to compete for the national title.