Wisconsin Badgers Men's Hockey Team Returns to Frozen Four After 16-Year Drought

The Badgers face off against top teams in the NCAA hockey championship tournament this weekend.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:30am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a college hockey game, with players' bodies and equipment fragmented into overlapping planes of bright red and white.The Wisconsin Badgers' return to the prestigious Frozen Four tournament after a long drought promises an exciting display of the team's skill and determination.Madison Today

The Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team is returning to the NCAA Frozen Four tournament for the first time in 16 years. The Badgers will compete against other top college hockey programs in the national semifinal games on April 9, hoping to advance to the championship final.

Why it matters

The Frozen Four is one of the most prestigious events in college hockey, and the Badgers' return to the tournament after a long drought is a significant milestone for the program and the state of Wisconsin, which has a rich hockey tradition.

The details

The Badgers will face off against other top teams in the Frozen Four tournament, which features the four best college hockey programs in the country. Wisconsin's last appearance in the Frozen Four was in 2010, when they lost in the semifinal game. The team is looking to make a deep run this year and potentially win their first national championship since 1990.

  • The 2026 NCAA Frozen Four tournament will take place on April 9.
  • Wisconsin's last Frozen Four appearance was in 2010.

The players

Wisconsin Badgers Men's Hockey Team

The Wisconsin Badgers are the men's ice hockey team representing the University of Wisconsin–Madison. They are one of the most successful college hockey programs in the country, with 6 national championships.

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What’s next

The Badgers will face off against the other Frozen Four semifinalists on April 9, with the championship game scheduled for April 11.

The takeaway

The Badgers' return to the Frozen Four after a 16-year drought is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, and a source of pride for the state of Wisconsin and its passionate hockey fans.