Minnesota Duluth Takes on Top-Seeded Michigan in NCAA Hockey Tournament's Albany Regional Final

The winner will advance to the Frozen Four in Las Vegas

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the dynamic action and energy of the regional final between Minnesota Duluth and Michigan.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes matchup between Minnesota Duluth and Michigan in the NCAA hockey tournament's Albany Regional final.Albany Today

Minnesota Duluth, a three-time NCAA champion, will face off against overall No. 1 seed Michigan in the Albany Regional final of the NCAA men's hockey tournament on Sunday evening. The Bulldogs, who have a strong legacy in college hockey, are seeking their seventh Frozen Four appearance, while Michigan is looking to win its 10th NCAA title.

Why it matters

This matchup features two powerhouse programs in college hockey, with Minnesota Duluth representing a non-power conference school that has found sustained success, while Michigan is one of the traditional hockey powers. The winner will advance to the Frozen Four, the pinnacle of the NCAA men's hockey tournament.

The details

Minnesota Duluth, led by 25-year head coach Scott Sandelin, defeated Penn State 3-1 in the regional semifinal to advance. The Bulldogs are led by sophomore defenseman Ty Hanson and sophomore forward Max Plante, both of whom have deep family ties to the program. Michigan, coached by Brandon Naurato in his fourth year, defeated Bentley 5-1 in the other regional semifinal. The Wolverines boast one of the nation's top offenses and will look to end their Frozen Four drought dating back to 1998.

  • The regional final will take place on Sunday, March 28, 2026 at 5:30 PM EST.
  • Minnesota Duluth and Michigan last met in the NCAA tournament in 2011, when the Bulldogs won 3-2 in overtime for their first national championship.

The players

Scott Sandelin

The head coach of Minnesota Duluth, who has led the Bulldogs for the past 25 seasons and has a 486-414-104 career record, including 23-8 in 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Brandon Naurato

The fourth-year head coach of Michigan, who is looking to lead the Wolverines to their 10th NCAA title.

Ty Hanson

A sophomore defenseman for Minnesota Duluth who grew up in Hermantown, Minnesota, just seven miles from Duluth, and watched the Bulldogs' 2011 NCAA championship game as a child.

Max Plante

A sophomore forward for Minnesota Duluth who is from Hermantown, Minnesota, and whose father, Derek, played for the Bulldogs and is now an assistant coach in the NHL.

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What they’re saying

“I just remember one thing about that game. When UMD scored, I jumped right in my dad's arms.”

— Ty Hanson, Minnesota Duluth Sophomore Defenseman

“I've grown up just watching the Bulldogs. That was one of my earliest memories of the Bulldogs and just seeing them win that, and then '18, '19, just the success they had my whole childhood.”

— Max Plante, Minnesota Duluth Sophomore Forward

“I have an appreciation for coach Sandelin and three national championships. I don't want to make up the number, but I feel like a few years ago, they were going to the Frozen Four every single year.”

— Brandon Naurato, Michigan Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the Minnesota Duluth-Michigan matchup will advance to the Frozen Four, which will take place on April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas.

The takeaway

This regional final showcases the depth and parity in college hockey, with a traditional power in Michigan facing off against a non-power conference program in Minnesota Duluth that has built a consistent championship contender. The Bulldogs' legacy and the Wolverines' quest for a 10th title will make for a highly anticipated matchup with a trip to the Frozen Four on the line.