Wisconsin Men's Hockey Clinches NCAA Tournament Bid

Badgers to learn postseason fate during Sunday's selection show

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:51am

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The Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team has clinched an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament, marking their 28th tournament appearance in program history and second in three seasons under head coach Mike Hastings. The 16-team bracket will be revealed during the NCAA Tournament selection show on Sunday, March 22nd at 2:00 p.m. Central.

Why it matters

Wisconsin is one of college hockey's most storied programs, having won six NCAA championships and making 12 Frozen Four appearances. The Badgers' return to the national tournament this season comes after a brief absence, underscoring the program's continued strength and relevance in the sport.

The details

Wisconsin (21-12-2, 14-10-0 Big Ten) clinched its tournament spot on Saturday evening as a result of other teams' results around the country. The Badgers did not control their own destiny after falling short in the Big Ten Tournament, but an overtime victory by Dartmouth in the ECAC final secured UW's at-large bid. Wisconsin will now learn its NCAA Tournament destination and opponent during Sunday's selection show.

  • The NCAA Tournament selection show will air on Sunday, March 22nd at 2:00 p.m. Central.
  • Regional semifinal games will be held on Thursday, March 26th, with regional finals to follow on Saturday.
  • The Frozen Four national semifinals are scheduled for Thursday, April 9th, ahead of the national championship game on Saturday, April 11th.

The players

Mike Hastings

Head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team, in his third season leading the program.

Wisconsin Badgers

The men's hockey team at the University of Wisconsin, one of college hockey's most successful programs with six NCAA championships and 12 Frozen Four appearances.

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What they’re saying

“It's a GREAT DAY for hockey!!!”

— Wisconsin Hockey

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's return to the NCAA Tournament underscores the program's continued strength and relevance in college hockey, as one of the sport's most storied and successful teams seeks to add to its impressive championship pedigree.