Opinion: Top 5 teams in the men's hockey NCAA tournament

5. Denver Pioneers

Denver has one of the greatest college hockey programs of all time, with 20 Frozen Four appearances all-time and 10 national championship titles.

This year, their championship hopes rest on their depth as a program and their structure. Where they thrive is in their control of the game and when they’re able to strike in transition.

What could get the Pioneers back into the Frozen Four is if their consistent goaltending becomes championship-level elite.

For now, though, it seems they might be the first team out of the final four standing. However, to get to the Frozen Four, they would likely face Western Michigan, which seems to be the No. 1 seed most likely to fall this year.

4. Western Michigan Broncos

Last year’s national champions are back as a No. 1 seed, and they’ll look to keep their perfect record in the Frozen Four alive after making the finals for the first time in 2025.

What makes the Broncos such a dangerous team in these elimination games is their strong defense.

While they might not have the offensive firepower of some of the other teams in the tournament, their defense is incredibly difficult to score on, meaning any defensive lapse from an opponent could win Western Michigan the game.

As an incredibly physical and tough team, Western Michigan is not going to be a team that will fall easily, and if they do, it will likely be due to a lack of offensive contribution.

3. North Dakota Fighting Hawks

North Dakota is a team that will throw everything at their opponents offensively, which is an exhausting strategy to experience as an opposing defense.

The Fighting Hawks thrive in quick, high-scoring games where they can wear their opponents down with their transition offense, which relies heavily on their defenders.

They’re also one of the teams in this tournament that is most likely to be able to pull off a comeback. Don’t count out North Dakota if there’s time on the clock and players still skating in green and black.

2. Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State could win the national championship based on incredible goaltender play.

The Spartans play a safer style than most of the other teams in the tournament, which could be an advantage for them given the elimination format of the games.

Their offense might not look as powerful as Michigan or North Dakota, but they have multiple lines capable of production, which could be a difference maker for them.

If Michigan State ends up winning in this tournament, it will likely look more like they survived their way to the national championship rather than the dominance we could see from some of the other teams.

1. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan is the most talented team in the tournament, but talent alone can’t win a team a national championship.

Where the Wolverines distinguish themselves is in the depth of their lines. Other teams have several consistent lines that can score; Michigan has several dangerous lines that will relentlessly attack opposing defenses, making them a scary team to face.

The Wolverines are undeniably the team to beat in this tournament, but they also take far more risks than teams like Michigan State and Western Michigan, which could be their downfall.

Gwen Evans is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email gme5218@psu.edu.