The 2025 NCAA men’s hockey tournament features 16 teams, culminating in the Frozen Four in St. Louis on April 10 and 12. Regional play starts March 28, with games airing on ESPN networks. Boston College is the top seed, competing in the Manchester regional alongside teams like Michigan State and Maine. Defending champion Denver is the No. 3 seed, while UConn and Bentley make their tournament debuts. Key matchups include Boston College versus Bentley and UConn against Quinnipiac. The tournament highlights teams’ journeys and stories, with several looking for redemption and others seeking their first national title.
The lineup for the 2025 NCAA men’s hockey tournament is finalized, featuring a 16-team bracket that points towards the Frozen Four in St. Louis.
Regional competitions kick off on Thursday, with the finals taking place on Saturday and Sunday, leading up to the Frozen Four in St. Louis on April 10 and 12. All matchups will be broadcast on the ESPN networks and available for streaming on ESPN+.
Automatic NCAA berths are awarded to the winners of the six conference tournaments, while the remaining spots are filled by the top 10 at-large teams, determined by the PairWise rankings.
Boston College, the top overall seed, will compete in the Manchester, New Hampshire regional, joined by Big Ten champion Michigan State (Toledo, Ohio), Hockey East champion Maine (Allentown, Pennsylvania), and NCHC champion Western Michigan (Fargo, North Dakota) as the other three top seeds.
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Defending national champion Denver enters the tournament as the No. 3 seed in Manchester. UConn (No. 2 in Allentown) and Bentley (No. 4 in Manchester) are making their first appearances in the NCAA tournament.
Below is the complete tournament schedule, which will be updated with results as games progress, as well as a detailed overview of each of the 16 teams.
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Key storylines | Team overviews
Schedule
0:46
Cole Eiserman scores a phenomenal goal for the Terriers
Eiserman nets an incredible goal from behind the goal line, increasing the Terriers’ lead against the Buckeyes.
All times are listed in Eastern Time
Toledo (Ohio) Regional
Semifinals, March 27
Boston University 8, Ohio State 3
Cornell 4, Michigan State 3
Final, March 29
Boston University vs. Cornell, 4 p.m., ESPNU
Fargo (N.D.) Regional
Semifinals, March 27
Western Michigan 2, Minnesota State 1 (2 OT)
UMass 5, Minnesota 4 (OT)
Final, March 29
Western Michigan vs. UMass, 6:30 p.m., ESPNU
Manchester (N.H.) Regional
Semifinals, March 28
Boston College vs. Bentley, 2 p.m., ESPNU
Providence vs. Denver, 5:30 p.m., ESPN+
Final, March 30
Semifinal victors, 4:30 or 7 p.m., ESPN2
Allentown (Penn.) Regional
Semifinals, March 28
UConn vs. Quinnipiac, 5 p.m., ESPNU
Maine vs. Penn State, 8:30 p.m., ESPN2
Final, March 30
Semifinal winners, 4:30 or 7 p.m., ESPN2
FROZEN FOUR
at Enterprise Center, St. Louis
National semifinals, April 10
Manchester winner vs. Fargo winner, Time TBD, ESPN2
Toledo winner vs. Allentown winner, Time TBD, ESPN2
National championship game, April 12
Semifinal winners, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
Tournament storylines
‘Till the rafters ring’: Maine’s revival sparks fan optimism
Once a dominant force, the Black Bears have overcome adversity to become a Frozen Four candidate 25 years after their last national championship. Read more
8:17
The Maine awakening
Following an 18-year absence from the Frozen Four, Maine hockey is revitalized, with sights set on returning to St. Louis, as reported by John Buccigross.
‘Have fun out there’: A meaningful message keeps Trey Augustine focused
The Spartans’ goaltender, aiming for his team’s first national title since 2007, recalls his late grandfather’s encouragement each time he hits the ice. Read more
6:13
The legacy and lineage of Trey Augustine
Jen Lada delves into the inspiring journey of Spartans’ goalie Trey Augustine, highlighting his bond with his inspiration.
Top-seeded Boston College plays in memory of Gaudreaus and Voce
This past summer saw the loss of three former Eagles — Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Gaudreau, and Tony Voce. The 2023 team, which has maintained a No. 1 ranking for most of the season, aims for a national championship to honor their memory. Read more
Roundtable: Teams and players to keep an eye on and Frozen Four predictions
Are Boston College and Michigan State poised for a title matchup? Which lower seed could pose a significant challenge? Who will reach St. Louis? Andrew Raycroft and Sean Ritchlin provide insights. Read more
Teams Overview
(Statistics as of entering the NCAA tournament)
Toledo Regional
No. 1 Michigan State
Record: 26-6-4
PairWise rating: No. 2
Path to this point: Claimed Big Ten championship
Last 10 games: 6-3-1
Historical context: This marks Michigan State’s 29th NCAA appearance, with 11 Frozen Four visits and three national championships, the last being in 2007. They were defeated by Michigan in the regional finals last year, marking their first tournament appearance since 2012.
No. 2 Boston University
Record: 21-13-2
PairWise rating: 7
Path to this point: Received at-large bid
Last 10 games: 6-3-1 (defeated in Hockey East semi by UConn)
Historical context: This is BU’s 40th NCAA appearance, with three accountings in the last four years. The Terriers have reached the Frozen Four 24 times and lifted the national trophy five times, the last in 2009. Last season, they fell to Denver in the semifinals after back-to-back semifinal losses.
No. 3 Ohio State
Record: 24-13-2
PairWise rating: 10
Path to this point: Secured at-large bid
Last 10 games: 5-5 (lost Big Ten final to Michigan State)
Historical context: This is Ohio State’s 12th NCAA appearance and its second in three years. The Buckeyes have made the Frozen Four twice, most recently in 2018, but have yet to win a national championship.
No. 4 Cornell
Record: 18-10-6
PairWise rating: 17
Path to this point: Became ECAC champions
Last 10 games: 8-2
Historical context: This constitutes Cornell’s 27th NCAA appearance, with a streak of three consecutive years. The Big Red have reached the Frozen Four eight times, claiming the national title twice, most recently in 1970. Last season, they were eliminated by Denver in the regional finals.
Fargo Regional
No. 1 Western Michigan
Record: 30-7-1
PairWise rating: 4
Path to this point: Clinched NCHC championship
Last 10 games: 8-2
Historical context: This marks Western Michigan’s 10th NCAA appearance, including appearances in the past four years. Last season, they lost to Michigan State in the first round, making their overall NCAA record 1-10.
No. 2 Minnesota
Record: 25-10-4
PairWise rating: 5
Path to this point: Earned at-large bid
Last 10 games: 5-4-1 (defeated in Big Ten quarterfinal by Notre Dame)
Historical context: This signifies Minnesota’s 42nd NCAA appearance, with 23 Frozen Four visits and five national championships, the last in 2003. The Golden Gophers lost to Boston University in the regional finals last season.
No. 3 UMass
Record: 20-13-5
PairWise rating: 11
Path to this point: Received at-large bid
Last 10 games: 5-2-3 (overcome by Boston University in Hockey East quarterfinals after overtime)
Historical context: This is UMass’ seventh NCAA appearance, featuring in five of the past six tournaments. The Minutemen have been to the Frozen Four twice, attaining one national title in 2021. They lost to Denver in double overtime in the first round of last year’s tournament.
No. 4 Minnesota State
Record: 27-8-3
PairWise rating: 14
Path to this point: Secured CCHA championship
Last 10 games: 9-0-1
Historical context: This is Minnesota State’s 12th NCAA appearance, with six entries in the last seven tournaments. The Mavericks have participated in the Frozen Four twice and are still seeking their first national title. They did not qualify for the tournament last year, having previously lost to St. Cloud State in the first round in 2023.
Manchester Regional
No. 1 Boston College
Record: 26-7-2
PairWise rating: 1
Path to this point: Received at-large bid
Last 10 games: 6-3-1 (defeated in Hockey East quarterfinals by Northeastern)
Historical context: This is BC’s 39th NCAA appearance. The Eagles have reached the Frozen Four 26 times and claimed five national titles, the most recent in 2012. They lost to Denver 2-0 in last year’s championship game, failing to qualify for the tournament for the two years prior.
No. 2 Providence
Record: 21-10-5
PairWise rating: 8
Path to this point: Earned at-large bid
Last 10 games: 5-4-1 (defeated in Hockey East quarterfinals by UConn)
Historical context: This is Providence’s 16th NCAA appearance, marking their first since 2019. The Friars have reached the Frozen Four five times and won their title in 2015.
No. 3 Denver
Record: 29-11-1
PairWise rating: 9
Path to this point: Secured at-large bid
Last 10 games: 7-3 (lost NCHC final to Western Michigan in double OT)
Historical context: This represents Denver’s 34th NCAA appearance, including 15 of the last 16 tournaments. The Pioneers have reached the Frozen Four 18 times and hold a record 10 national titles. They triumphed over BC in last season’s championship game, marking their second title in three years.
No. 4 Bentley
Record: 23-14-2
PairWise rating: 22
Path to this point: Crowned Atlantic champion
Last 10 games: 8-2
Historical context: This marks Bentley’s inaugural NCAA appearance in their 26th season of Division I play and their second year under coach Andy Jones. The Falcons have achieved a school record in victories and are enjoying their first winning season since 2020.
Allentown Regional
No. 1 Maine
Record: 24-7-6
PairWise rating: 3
Path to this point: Emerging as Hockey East champion
Last 10 games: 6-2-2
Historical context: This marks Maine’s 21st NCAA appearance. The Black Bears have reached the Frozen Four 11 times and attained two national titles, the latest in 1999. Last season, they lost to Cornell in the first round, marking their first tournament entry since 2012.
No. 2 UConn
Record: 22-11-4
PairWise rating: 6
Path to this point: Acquired at-large bid
Last 10 games: 8-1-1 (lost in Hockey East final to Maine)
Historical context: This represents UConn’s first NCAA appearance in their 27 seasons of Division I play. The Huskies achieved a record number of victories as a Division I team in Mike Cavanaugh’s 11th season as head coach.
No. 3 Quinnipiac
Record: 24-11-2
PairWise ranking: 12
Path to this point: Received at-large bid
Last 10 games: 7-3 (lost to Cornell in overtime in the ECAC semifinals)
Historical context: This marks Quinnipiac’s 11th NCAA appearance, with entries in each of the last six tournaments. The Bobcats have reached the Frozen Four thrice and secured one national title in 2023. Last season, they were defeated in overtime by Boston College in the regional finals.
No. 4 Penn State
Record: 20-13-4
PairWise rating: 13
Path to this point: Secured at-large bid
Last 10 games: 7-2-1 (lost to Ohio State in Big Ten semifinals after overtime)
Historical context: This is Penn State’s fifth NCAA appearance. In 2023, they were defeated by Michigan in the regional finals after overtime. The Nittany Lions have yet to reach the Frozen Four.