NCAA Hockey Tournament Preview: Can a Hockey East Team Claim the Crown?

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With a wide grin stretching across his face, Steve Metcalf receives congratulations wherever he goes in St. Louis.

The Hockey East commissioner believes he might levitate all the way up to the summit of the Gateway Arch, which stands approximately 630 feet above the ground.

He finds it unbelievable that four of his teams have made it to the Frozen Four. With Hockey East teams securing victories across all four regionals, one of them is assured of hoisting the national championship trophy this year.

An improbable situation? Apologies, Commissioner Metcalf, but indeed. However, feasible? Absolutely. The Hockey East conference boasts six out of sixteen spots in the NCAA Tournament and can be found represented across all regions.

In 1999, three of the teams competing in the Frozen Four were from Hockey East, with Maine narrowly defeating UNH 3-2 in overtime to claim victory in the championship game.

The national tournament this year kicks off on Thursday with four matches, followed by another four games scheduled for Friday.

Fasten your seatbelt; the Herald will select winners for every game leading up to the national championship on April 12 at the Enterprise Center.

Fargo Regional

Thursday: Minnesota (25-10-4) versus UMass (20-13-5)

The two squads will need to shed some rust as they return to play. Minnesota last competed on March 9. UMass lost in the HE quarterfinals on March 15.

Pick: In Minnesota’s 3-1 victory,Jimmy Snuggerud (22-27-49),Matthew Wood (17-21-38),and the Golden Gophers gradually overpower the Minutemen.

Thursday: Western Michigan (30-7-1) versus Minnesota State (28-9-3)

A game featuring the country’s top scoring team (Western Michigan) going up against an ironclad defensive squad (Minnesota State).

Pick: Western Michigan has a record of 2-1. Ranked as the No. 4 overall seed, the Broncos stand out due to their exceptional pair of goaltenders: Cameron Rowe with a .924 save percentage and Hampton Slukynsky with a .918 save percentage.

Friday’s pick: Western Michigan, 5, Minnesota 1.

Toledo Regional

Thursday: Boston University (21-13-2) versus Ohio State (24-13-2)

Despite Ohio State’s impressive showing in their double-overtime defeat against Michigan State at the Big Ten championship, Boston University aims to move past their 5-2 setback to UConn during the Hockey East semi-finals.

Pick: Ohio State 4, BU 3: Despite the exceptional performance of the Hutson brothers for the Terriers, former Northeastern standout Gunnarwolfe Fontaine’s impressive stats (17-23-40) propel the Buckeyes forward.

Thursday: Michigan State (26-6-4) versus Cornell (18-10-6)

In theory, this appears to be an uneven matchup. Throughout the season, Michigan State has consistently ranked among the top teams nationally. Cornell secured the ECAC championship despite being seeded sixth.

Pick: Michigan State, with a record of 4-1, has found their rhythm as Isaac Howard (26-25-51) leads the way for the Spartans.

Friday’s pick: Michigan State 4, Ohio State 1.

Manchester Regional

Friday: Boston College (26-7-2) versus Bentley (23-14-2)

Bentley’s goalie, Connor Hasley, leads the country with 11 clean sheets. Should he achieve his 12th shutout against the Eagles, residents of Waltham might consider renaming their arena after him as a tribute. The top-ranked team in the competition, Boston College, will likely feel frustrated after losing to Northeastern in the Hockey East semifinals.

Pick: BC, 3-0. While Andy Jones deserves praise for guiding Bentley to their inaugural NCAA Tournament berth, Ryan Leonard and his teammates possess superior talent.

Friday: Providence (21-10-5) versus Denver (29-11-1)

A challenging game ahead for the Friars. Despite Providence's leading scorer having 23 points, Denver boasts eight players contributing at least 26 points each, spearheaded by Jack Devine with an impressive tally of 13 goals, 43 assists, and 56 total points.

Pick: Denver, with their record of 4-2, will see Nate Leaman having the Friars well-prepared. However, Denver boasts formidable offensive capabilities and extensive tournament know-how.

Saturday’s pick: BC 4, Denver 3 (OT)

Allentown Regional

Friday: UConn (22-11-4) versus Quinnipiac (24-11-2)

A fascinating matchup between two Connecticut teams. UConn secured victory in their regular-season encounter on January 24 with a score of 2-1, and the Huskies will likely depend significantly on high-scoring players Joey Muldowney, Jake Richard, and Hudson Schandor.

Pick: UConn, with a record of 2-1. The Huskies secure their victory in the rematch by preventing Quinnipiac from taking control of the special team plays. Despite having the country’s leading power-play unit, the Bobcats rank third in penalty killing.

Friday: Maine (24-7-6) versus Penn State (20-13-4)

Maine is celebrating after clinching its first Hockey East championship since 2004. Penn State boasts an explosive attack, scoring an average of 3.51 goals per game, which ranks them as the seventh-best offensive team nationally. However, the Black Bears have one of the stingiest defenses, conceding only 1.89 goals each game.

Pick: In Maine, the score stands at 2-1. The Black Bears have an intense match but manage to secure a close win.

Saturday’s pick: Maine 5, UConn 3.

Semifinals

BC faces off against Western Michigan. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating ice hockey match-up. With Alex Bump contributing significantly with his stats at 23-23-46, the Broncos lead the country averaging 4.05 goals each game. On the Eagles' side, their leading trio of Leonard-Gabe Perreault-James Hagens boasts an impressive tally of 54 goals and 129 points together.

Pick: Western Michigan, 5-4 (OT)

In the matchup between Maine and Michigan State, both squads stand out as some of the most well-rounded teams across the nation with minimal flaws. The Spartans boast the eighth-ranked offense and an even more impressive fourth-place defense nationally. However, the key differentiator could be Maine's talented second-year player, Albin Boija.

Pick: Maine, 3-2 (OT)

Championship

Last year's tournament saw Maine bow out in the opening round, while Western Michigan wasn't part of the 16-team lineup. Such is the nature of college hockey.

Western Michigan has yet to claim a national championship. Meanwhile, Maine has clinched two titles, with their most recent win dating back to 1999. This matchup between the Midwest and the East promises to be thrilling. Ultimately, the top team from the strongest conference revels in victory come celebration time in St. Louis.

Pick: Maine, 2-1.

©2025 MediaNews Group, Inc. Available at GudangMovies21. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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