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Wikipedia - NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament
The annual NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament is a college ice hockey tournament held in the United States by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to determine the top men's team in Division I. Like other Division I championships, it is the highest level of NCAA men's hockey competition. This tournament is somewhat unique among NCAA sports as many schools which otherwise compete in Division II or Division III compete in Division I for hockey.
Since 1999, the semi-finals and championship game of the tournament have been branded as the "Frozen Four"—a reference to the NCAA's long-time branding of its basketball semi-finals as the "Final Four".
History
The NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey Championship is a single elimination competition that has determined the collegiate national champion since the inaugural 1948 NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey Tournament. The tournament features 16 teams representing all six Division I conferences in the nation. The Championship Committee seeds the entire field from 1 to 16 within four regionals of 4 teams. The winners of the six Division I conference championships receive automatic bids to participate in the NCAA Championship. The tournament begins with initial games played at four regional sites culminating with the semi-finals and finals played at a single site.
In setting up the tournament, the Championship Committee seeks to ensure "competitive equity, financial success and likelihood of playoff-type atmosphere at each regional site." A team serving as the host of a regional is placed within that regional. The top four teams are assigned overall seeds and placed within the bracket such that the national semifinals will feature the No. 1 seed versus the No. 4 seed and the No. 2 seed versus the No. 3 seed should the top four teams win their respective regional finals. Number 1 seeds are also placed as close to their home site as possible, with the No. 1 seed receiving first preference. Conference matchups are avoided in the first round; should five or more teams from one conference make the tournament, this guideline may be disregarded in favor of preserving the bracket's integrity.
Broadmoor Ice Palace in Colorado Springs, Colorado hosted the tournament for the first ten years and has hosted eleven times overall, the most of any venue. The Denver Pioneers have won the most tournaments with ten, while Vic Heyliger has coached the most championship teams, winning six times with Michigan between 1948 and 1956.
The 2020 championship was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tournament format history
- 1948–1976
- 4 teams (1 game series)
- 1977–1980
- 5–6 teams (1 game series)
- 1981–1987
- 8 teams (2 game, total goals first round at higher seed)
- 1988
- 12 teams (2 game, total goals first two rounds at higher seed)
- 1989–1991
- 12 teams (best of 3 games first two rounds series at higher seed)
- 1992–2002
- 12 teams (divided into 2 regionals, East Regional and West Regional; 6 teams each)
- 2003–present
- 16 teams (divided into 4 regionals: Northeast, East, Midwest, and West Regionals: 4 teams each)
The NCAAH tournament brings together the top teams from various conferences, including the Big Ten, Hockey East, ECAC, NCHC, and more. These teams battle it out on the ice, displaying their skills, teamwork, and determination to claim the ultimate prize – the NCAAH championship.
The tournament features a thrilling format, with teams competing in a single-elimination bracket. Each game is filled with intense action, as players showcase their speed, agility, and physicality. The atmosphere in the arenas is electric, with passionate fans cheering on their favorite teams and creating an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators.
The NCAAH tournament not only provides thrilling entertainment but also serves as a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents to a wider audience. Many players who participate in this tournament go on to have successful careers in professional ice hockey, making it a crucial stepping stone in their journey.
The tournament is known for its rich history and iconic moments. From stunning upsets to nail-biting overtime victories, the NCAAH tournament has produced countless memorable games that have become part of ice hockey folklore.
In addition to the on-ice action, the NCAAH tournament also emphasizes the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play. It serves as a platform for student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically, promoting a well-rounded development for these young individuals.
Overall, the NCAAH tournament is a celebration of the passion, skill, and dedication that college ice hockey teams bring to the sport. It captivates audiences with its thrilling games, showcases the future stars of ice hockey, and leaves a lasting impact on the American ice hockey landscape.