The Road to St. Louis: NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament Set to Begin
The chill of winter may be fading, but the intensity of college hockey is about to reach its peak. The 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship is upon us, promising weeks of thrilling competition culminating in the Frozen Four in St. Louis. The field of 16 teams vying for the national championship will be unveiled this Sunday, setting the stage for a tournament filled with upsets, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable moments.
Selection Sunday, a day circled on the calendars of hockey fans across the nation, will bring clarity to the playoff picture. The selection show, broadcast on ESPNU, will reveal the teams earning bids and their respective regional placements. For those seeking streaming options, Fubo, a service carrying the ESPN family of networks, offers a free trial, providing access to the bracket reveal and potentially subsequent tournament games.
The show is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 23rd. Prepare to witness the dreams of many programs realized, while others face the disappointment of missing out on the chance to compete for the ultimate prize in college hockey.
The tournament officially kicks off on Thursday, March 27th, with first-round games across four predetermined regional sites. Each site will host four teams in a single-elimination format, meaning every game carries immense weight. One loss sends a team home, while a victory propels them closer to the coveted Frozen Four.
The Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, will serve as the battleground for the national championship, hosting the Frozen Four on Saturday, April 12th. The winners of each of the four regional tournaments will converge on St. Louis on Thursday, April 10th, to compete in the national semifinals, setting the stage for the championship game.
Entering the tournament, the Denver Pioneers are the defending NCAA champions, carrying the weight of expectations and the target on their backs. However, the path to repeating as champions is fraught with challenges, as a host of talented teams are eager to dethrone them.
Despite their championship pedigree and recent success, Denver isn’t projected to enter the tournament as a top seed. According to USCHO, the Pioneers are anticipated to be a No. 3 seed in the Manchester Region. This projection highlights the depth and competitiveness of college hockey, where even the defending champions must prove their worth.
The Pioneers (29-11-1, 15-8-1 in NCHC play) have had a strong season, but the landscape of college hockey is constantly evolving. Repeating as national champions is one of the most difficult feats to achieve in college sports, and Denver will need to overcome a tough regional bracket to have a chance at achieving this goal.
Boston College (26-7-2, 18-4-1 in Hockey East Play) is projected to be the No. 1 seed in the Manchester Region, posing a significant threat to Denver’s hopes. The Eagles have enjoyed a stellar season, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive solidity. Their performance in Hockey East has established them as a force to be reckoned with, and they enter the tournament as a legitimate contender for the national title.
Beyond the Manchester Region, other teams are poised to make a deep tournament run. Michigan State (26-6-4, 15-5-4 in Big Ten play) is projected as a No. 1 seed in the Toledo Region, highlighting their dominance in the Big Ten conference. The Spartans boast a balanced team with scoring depth and a strong defensive core, making them a dangerous opponent for any team they face.
Maine (24-7-6, 13-5-6 Hockey East) and Western Michigan (30-7-1, 19-4-1 NCHC) are predicted to be the top seeds in the Allentown Region and the Fargo Region, respectively. These teams have proven their mettle throughout the season, showcasing the geographical diversity and widespread talent across college hockey.
Maine’s strong performance in Hockey East, coupled with their experienced roster, makes them a team to watch out for. Western Michigan’s impressive record in the NCHC underscores their ability to compete against some of the nation’s top programs.
The Frozen Four promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the pinnacle of college hockey talent and competition. The road to St. Louis will be filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. From the selection show to the championship game, fans can expect a tournament that captures the spirit of college hockey.
As the teams prepare for the challenges ahead, fans eagerly anticipate the start of the tournament. The quest for the national championship is about to begin, and the Frozen Four in St. Louis awaits the four teams that can navigate the treacherous path to college hockey glory. The broadcast of the selection show is on ESPNU and streaming is available through Fubo and other providers. The first round begins on March 27, 2025.
