The predicted bracket for the 2026 NCAA men’s hockey tournament has been revealed ahead of the selection show on ESPNU.
Albany Regional Matchups
In Albany, the predicted matchups are 1 Michigan vs. 16 Bentley and 7 Providence vs. 11 Cornell.
Sioux Falls Teams
Sioux Falls could see 2 North Dakota vs. 15 Merrimack and 8 Minnesota Duluth vs. 10 Quinnipiac.
Worcester and Loveland Potential Games
Worcester may host 3 Michigan State vs. 14 UConn and 6 Dartmouth vs. 9 Penn State. Loveland could see 4 Western Michigan vs. 13 Minnesota State and 5 Denver vs. 12 Wisconsin.
Seeding Integrity vs. Travel Costs
The NCAA Committee faces a decision regarding North Dakota’s first-round opponent. The decision hinges on whether to prioritise seeding integrity or minimise travel costs.
If the Committee values seeding, North Dakota would play Merrimack in the first round. Alternatively, to reduce travel, North Dakota could face Minnesota State.
Historically, the Committee has emphasised seeding. If Minnesota State finished No. 14 overall, the Committee might make the switch.
However, because the Mavericks are No. 13 and Merrimack finished at No. 19 in the NPI as the tournament’s No. 15 overall seed, a switch is unlikely.
The selection show will reveal the final bracket.