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Regional Semifinals Begin: Tournament Action Kicks Off

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, March 24th 2026 at 23:58 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

Regional Powerhouses Clash in First Round Battles

The tournament is structured around four regional locations, each hosting four teams battling for a coveted spot in the Frozen Four. The regional matchups are designed to create compelling contests from the outset.

• Spokane Regional: Top-seeded Michigan enters as the favorite, but faces challenges from a solid Quinnipiac team, a dangerous St. Cloud State squad, and the underdog Findlay. Michigan's offensive firepower will be key, but they must be wary of Quinnipiac's defensive prowess.
• Duluth Regional: North Dakota, another No. 1 seed, aims to dominate in their home-state regional. However, Western Michigan, Providence, and Dartmouth all pose significant threats. Providence, in particular, has a history of upsetting higher-ranked opponents in the tournament.
• Bridgeport Regional: Boston College, the third No. 1 seed, is heavily favored in the Bridgeport Regional. They'll have to overcome Cornell, Massachusetts, and Rensselaer. The matchup between Cornell and Massachusetts is shaping up to be a particularly tight contest, featuring two programs with strong academic and athletic traditions.
• Saginaw Regional: Michigan State rounds out the No. 1 seeds, hosting a regional that includes Minnesota, Denver, and Ferris State. This regional is arguably the most competitive, with all four teams capable of reaching the Frozen Four. The battle between Minnesota and Denver is a classic rivalry that promises fireworks.

Today's Action: Setting the Stage

Today, March 25th, marks the start of the regional semifinals. Four games are scheduled in each regional, with the winners advancing to regional finals on Friday, March 26th. The matchups include:

• Findlay vs. Michigan (4:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
• St. Cloud State vs. Quinnipiac (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
• Dartmouth vs. North Dakota (4:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
• Providence vs. Western Michigan (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
• Rensselaer vs. Boston College (4:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
• Massachusetts vs. Cornell (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
• Ferris State vs. Michigan State (4:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
• Denver vs. Minnesota (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

These games are available on ESPN+, offering fans comprehensive coverage of the opening rounds. Fans can expect fast-paced action, hard-hitting checks, and spectacular goaltending.

The Road to the Frozen Four & Championship

Following the regional finals on March 27th, the four regional winners will converge in Tampa, Florida for the Frozen Four on Saturday, March 29th. The two semifinal games will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, providing a primetime showcase for the best college hockey has to offer. The winners of the Frozen Four semifinals will then battle for the national championship on Monday, March 29th, also on ESPN.

Broadcast Information: How to Follow the Tournament

For the majority of the tournament, ESPN+ is the go-to destination for live coverage. This streaming service offers access to all regional games, allowing fans to follow their favorite teams throughout the tournament. However, the high-stakes action of the Frozen Four and the National Championship will be broadcast on ESPN, ensuring a wide audience for the crowning of the 2026 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Champion. This broadcasting setup provides a balance between accessibility and premium coverage for the most important games.

Early Contenders and Dark Horses

While the No. 1 seeds are the clear favorites, several teams could make a deep tournament run. North Dakota and Boston College boast consistently strong programs and experienced players. Michigan and Michigan State have the offensive firepower to overwhelm opponents. However, teams like Providence and Denver are always dangerous in tournament play, possessing the grit and determination to upset the established powers. The tournament is known for its unpredictable nature, and a surprise champion is always a possibility.