2025 NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament: Teams to Watch, Frozen Four Predictions, and Championship Contenders

The 2025 NCAA Men's Hockey Tournament bracket is set, and this year’s field is stacked with talent from Hockey East, the Big Ten, and beyond. With 10 of the 16 teams hailing from these powerhouse conferences, the stage is set for an intense battle for the championship.

Teams to Watch

• Boston College (BC): The top seed has been dominant all season, led by standout players like Ryan Leonard. However, their loss to Northeastern in the Hockey East quarterfinals might serve as a wake-up call.
• Michigan State: Known for their elite defensive structure and confident goaltending, the Spartans are a formidable force, especially with Trey Augustine in net.
• Denver: The reigning champions, Denver, are aiming for a repeat. With key players like Zeev Buium and coach David Carle, they’re a strong contender.
• Western Michigan: Fresh off an overtime thriller win in the NCHC championship, the Broncos are deep and balanced, making them a dangerous opponent.

Players to Watch

• Ryan Leonard (Boston College): A complete player who brings physicality and international experience.
• Trey Augustine (Michigan State): A proven goalie with experience on the international stage, capable of handling high-pressure situations.
• Zeev Buium (Denver): A key player for the reigning champs, Buium’s leadership and skill are crucial for Denver’s success.

Frozen Four Predictions

Experts predict that Boston College, Michigan State, Western Michigan, and Penn State will make it to the Frozen Four. Each team brings a unique set of strengths, from BC’s offensive firepower to Penn State’s relentless forechecking.

Tournament Schedule

Regional play begins on Thursday, with the regional finals on Saturday and Sunday. All games will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks and streamed on ESPN+.

Key Storylines

• Can Denver repeat as champions? After winning their 10th national title in 2024, the Pioneers are looking to make history again.
• Will BC and Michigan State face off in the final? Both teams have been at the top of their game all season, but the field is deep with contenders.
• Who will rise from the lower seeds? Teams like UMass and Penn State are peaking at the right time and could cause some upsets.

Watch every NCAA tournament game on ESPN+ and catch all the action as the road to the Frozen Four unfolds.