NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament 2025: Preview and Predictions

The bracket for the NCAA men`s hockey tournament is set, featuring a strong presence from Hockey East and the Big Ten conferences, promising an exciting competition this year.

This year`s tournament includes ten teams from the nation`s two premier conferences: six from Hockey East and four from the Big Ten. Familiar powerhouses like conference champions Western Michigan, Minnesota State, and Cornell are competing, alongside newcomers UConn and Bentley, making their first appearances.

Boston College and Michigan State, the top seeds, have consistently led throughout the season. However, the tournament field is rich with strong contenders. Denver, Quinnipiac, and UMass, all No. 3 seeds, bring recent national championships, demonstrating their proven ability to win.

The tournament also boasts impressive talent, including players like Ryan Leonard from Boston College, Isaac Howard of Michigan State, Jimmy Snuggerud from Minnesota, and Zeev Buium of Denver.

Regional games start on Thursday, with regional finals on Saturday and Sunday.

We consulted with ESPN college hockey experts Andrew Raycroft and Sean Ritchlin to get their insights on key tournament storylines, including teams and players to watch, and their Frozen Four predictions for St. Louis on April 10th and 12th.

Will Boston College and Michigan State meet in the final? Which team could spoil their anticipated matchup?

Raycroft: While Boston College and Michigan State have been outstanding, it`s unlikely they will both reach the final. Teams like defending champion Denver, highly ranked in PairWise, pose a significant threat in the regionals. Denver`s leadership, including Matt Davis, Zeev Buium, Jack Devine, and coach David Carle, makes them a strong contender to repeat.

Ritchlin: Michigan State`s momentum feels genuine, particularly with their strong defense and reliable goaltending. They are not just winning but dominating games. Boston College`s top lines are formidable when in sync, but they must prove their resilience in tighter, more physical games. Relying solely on speed and skill isn`t enough in the NCAAs. Their Hockey East quarterfinal loss to Northeastern might serve as a necessary lesson.

Western Michigan is a well-rounded team, highlighted by their recent significant victory over Denver in overtime for the NCHC championship. The Broncos are structured for tournament success—deep, balanced, and consistently performing well throughout the year.

Which lower-seeded team is the most dangerous opponent?

Raycroft: UMass concluded the competitive Hockey East regular season with an impressive 11-3-2 record, with losses only to top-six PairWise teams. The Minutemen have defeated every other Hockey East team in the tournament at least once this season.

Ritchlin: Penn State is a team everyone wants to avoid right now. Since January, the Nittany Lions have transformed. Their intense forecheck and aggressive puck pursuit embody Guy Gadowsky`s coaching style—relentless, physical, and opportunistic. Penn State`s forwards can quickly wear down opponents with their speed and physicality. While Maine is disciplined, Penn State’s speed and net-front presence could disrupt the Black Bears. Moreover, playing in Allentown gives Penn State a significant home-ice advantage, which can be crucial in tournament play.

Who is the most critical player for their team`s success?

Raycroft: Boston College`s goalie, Jacob Fowler. As a Mike Richter Award favorite, with a 1.63 goals-against average and a .940 save percentage, he needs to maintain his exceptional performance for the No. 1 seed to win the championship.

Ritchlin: Michigan State`s goalie, Trey Augustine. He has demonstrated his ability to handle pressure, notably at the World Juniors. Augustine remains composed under pressure, is quick laterally, and limits second chances. His consistency gives the Spartans confidence to attack offensively, knowing they have a solid last line of defense.

What are your thoughts on the Hobey Baker Award contenders?

Raycroft: Boston College forward Ryan Leonard or Penn State forward Aiden Fink. Boston College`s losses in the Beanpot and Hockey East tournament might negatively impact Leonard’s chances, as his standout moments were earlier in the season. In contrast, Fink`s strong performances have been more recent, coinciding with Penn State`s surge as one of the hottest teams. Both players present compelling cases for the award.

Ritchlin: Leonard may not lead in scoring, but he is the most complete player in college hockey. He contributes in all game situations, plays physically, and has excelled internationally. Michigan State forward Isaac Howard has been consistently clutch, scoring crucial goals in key moments. While not the flashiest, his impact is undeniable when it matters most. Jack Devine leads the nation in points and drives Denver’s offense, but his scoring has been inconsistent, which might concern voters. Nevertheless, his skill and vision are top-tier.

Frozen Four Predictions: Who will advance?

Raycroft

• Boston College: I believe they`ve learned from their Hockey East quarterfinal upset and will perform strongly in Manchester.
• Michigan State: Despite a challenging regional in Toledo, Trey Augustine and Isaac Howard will lead them to victory.
• Western Michigan: The nation`s highest-scoring team will continue their offensive success in Fargo.
• UConn: Despite losing to Maine in the Hockey East final, they will avenge this loss in the regionals.

Ritchlin

• Boston College: Their explosive offense, especially when their top line is performing, makes them almost unstoppable. Improving defensively will make them championship favorites.
• Michigan State: Arguably the most balanced team in the tournament, with excellent goaltending and strong structure, they are peaking at the right time and look like a championship-caliber team.
• Western Michigan: Fresh off a hard-fought NCHC title, they are deep, physical, and confident. Their veteran team knows how to win under pressure, making them dangerous in this format.
• Penn State: Their relentless forecheck and determined play, combined with strong home crowd support in Allentown, make them a serious threat.