UPDATE: The race for NCAA tournament berths is heating up as the UMD Bulldogs gear up for the final stretch of the 2025-26 season. With just six weeks left in the NCAA Division I women’s hockey regular season and seven weeks for the NCHC, the stakes could not be higher.
Both UMD teams have just completed their nonconference schedules, and their performances will play a crucial role in their tournament hopes. Under the new NCAA Percentage Index (NPI), which has supplanted the Pairwise rankings, both teams are now under intense scrutiny as they fight for coveted at-large spots.
WOMEN’S HOCKEY: The UMD women’s team faces a challenging path ahead. Despite a solid nonconference performance of 4-2, including victories over AHA foes, losses to ECAC rivals Harvard and Quinnipiac have left them on the tournament bubble. Currently, the Bulldogs are positioned precariously between No. 8 and No. 10, making every upcoming game critical for securing their sixth consecutive NCAA tournament berth.
The Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) has excelled in nonconference play, boasting a staggering 40-6-2 record against other leagues. However, the Bulldogs must capitalize on their remaining games to fortify their standing, as conference tournament upsets could easily jeopardize their chances.
Here’s the projected bracket for the women’s tournament as of mid-January:
– **Madison, Wisconsin Regional**
– 1. Wisconsin*
– 8. Princeton* vs. 9. Minnesota Duluth
– **Columbus, Ohio Regional**
– 2. Ohio State
– 7. Northeastern* vs. 10. Cornell
– **Minneapolis, Minnesota Regional**
– 3. Minnesota
– 6. Quinnipiac vs. 11. Saint Anselm
– **University Park, Pennsylvania Regional**
– 5. UConn at 4. Penn State*
MEN’S HOCKEY: In contrast, the UMD men’s team is in a strong position, eyeing a top seed after missing the national tournament for the last three seasons. With an impressive 9-1 nonconference record, their only loss came against a potential NCAA tournament qualifier, Augustana. The NCHC continues to dominate, recording a collective 62-29-2 against other top leagues, including a 10-5 record against the Big 10.
Currently, the men’s tournament landscape is more complex. With various factors influencing bracket placement, predicting outcomes is challenging. Notably, No. 11 Denver must be placed in Loveland, Colorado, as the host team, while Augustana does not have such a designation.
The following is a snapshot of the projected men’s bracket:
– **Albany, New York Regional**
– 1. Michigan*
– 16. Bentley*
– 8. Penn State vs. 9. Cornell
– **Loveland, Colorado Regional**
– 2. North Dakota*
– 15. UConn*
– 7. Dartmouth vs. 11. Denver
– **Worcester, Massachusetts Regional**
– 3. Wisconsin vs. 14. St. Thomas*
– 6. Michigan State vs. 10. Quinnipiac*
– **Sioux Falls, South Dakota Regional**
– 4. Minnesota Duluth vs. 13. Providence
– 5. Western Michigan vs. 12. Augustana
The urgency is palpable as both programs prepare for the final stretch. With each game carrying immense weight, fans are encouraged to rally behind their teams as they strive for NCAA tournament glory. Stay tuned for updates as UMD navigates this pivotal season.
