The NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament and Beanpot Final are the talk of the town this season, with intense matchups and rivalries heating up the ice. The 72nd Beanpot tournament features top teams like Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern, and Harvard, vying for the prestigious title at TD Garden. This year’s final game pits BC against BU, with both teams boasting impressive rankings in the country.
What makes this final even more intriguing is the unique dynamic of nine players from both teams being former teammates at the IIHF World Junior Championship, where they clinched the gold medal for Team USA. Despite their camaraderie off the ice, these players are now fierce competitors on the rink, putting friendships aside for the sake of victory.
The fierce competition between BC and BU is not just about the Beanpot title; it also sets the stage for the upcoming NCAA tournament. As conference races across the country intensify, teams are vying for a spot in the NCAA field, with conference tournament champions and at-large teams based on the PairWise rankings earning coveted slots.
Here’s a closer look at the top contenders and the teams that are on the bubble as the NCAA tournament selection nears:
Top Contenders:
Leading the pack are teams like Boston College, Michigan State, and Minnesota, who are considered front-runners for a spot in the Frozen Four in St. Louis. Boston College, with an impressive record of 21-4-1, is set to face off against BU in the Beanpot championship, promising an exciting showdown for hockey fans.
Michigan State and Minnesota are also forces to be reckoned with, showcasing strong performances throughout the season. These teams are gearing up for key matchups that will determine their path to the NCAA tournament, with hopes of securing a spot in the Frozen Four.
Safe Bets:
Teams like Maine, Western Michigan, and Providence are comfortably positioned to secure a spot in the NCAA field, either as conference champions or through at-large bids. With solid records and standout performances, these teams are poised for success as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Other teams, such as Ohio State, UConn, and Denver, are also in the running, with critical games ahead that could solidify their spots in the NCAA tournament. As the competition heats up, these teams are focused on making their mark and securing a spot in the Frozen Four.
Bubble Teams:
As the NCAA tournament selection looms, teams like UMass, Penn State, and New Hampshire find themselves on the bubble, with their fate hanging in the balance. These teams are on the cusp of making it to the big dance, but they must navigate tough matchups and secure key victories to improve their standings in the PairWise rankings.
With a slim margin for error, these bubble teams are gearing up for crucial games that could make or break their chances of securing an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. As the competition intensifies, every goal and victory counts in the race to the Frozen Four.
As the college hockey season reaches its peak, the stakes are higher than ever for teams vying for a spot in the NCAA tournament. With intense rivalries, fierce competition, and thrilling matchups on the horizon, hockey fans are in for an exciting finale to the season. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds on the ice and teams battle it out for a chance to etch their names in NCAA hockey history.
