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NCAA DI Men's Hockey

NCAA Tournament Hockey 2026 News: Western Michigan Beats MSU

NCAA Tournament Hockey 2026 News: Western Michigan Beats MSU

Defending champion Western Michigan opened NCAA Tournament play against Minnesota State and advanced to the second round.

Mar 27, 2026 by Joe Harrington
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MUST SEE: Liam Greentree Scores Filthy Goal For Windsor1:12

Western Michigan defeated Minnesota State, 3-1, in a tightly contested NCAA Tournament game in the Loveland Regional on March 27. The reigning 2025 NCAA champions leaned on timely scoring and steady goaltending to advance, capitalizing on opportunities in the second period.

The opening period was scoreless, though Minnesota State generated consistent pressure early. The Mavericks fired multiple shots from Liam Lemyre, Ean Somoza and Luigi Benincasa, but Hampton Slukynsky turned them aside to keep the game even.

Western Michigan broke through in the second period, scoring twice to seize control. Zach Bookman opened the scoring midway through the frame, and Zaccharya Wisdom added another later in the period, both coming off sustained offensive zone pressure.

Minnesota State responded early in the third period, with Alex Zetterberg cutting the deficit to one. The Mavericks pushed late, but Western Michigan’s defense held firm to secure the 3-1 victory after Owen Michaels scored in the final 30 seconds on an empty-net goal.  

Relive the game below. 

The Defending Champions Western Michigan Moves On In Loveland

WMU is heading to the Elite Eight after a 2-1 win over Minnesota. 

Hampton Slukynsky controlling Period

Slukynsky has 13 blocked shots this game. He has kept WMU out of the net since the early third period goal.

Less Than 3 To play

Can MSU tie it? WMU is aggressively trying to score. 

WMU Doesn't Score On Power Play

Less than 5 left, it's 2-1 WMU. 

Western Michigan Hockey Gets Power Play Opportunity

WMU will have a chance to build their lead with 7:22 left in the third period. 

Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State Play by Play at the Media Timeout

Just before break, Hampton Slukynsky had a huge save! It's still 2-1, Broncos. 

Minnesota State controlled possession through the middle stretch, generating multiple shots and winning key faceoffs, while Western Michigan was limited to a handful of blocked and saved attempts.

  • 09:56 — Media timeout
  • 10:01 — Shot by MSU Lemyre, Tristan MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 10:33 — Faceoff Benincasa, Luigi vs Michaels, Owen won by MSU.
  • 10:48 — Shot by MSU Cichosz, Campbell MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 10:53 — Faceoff Smith, Jack vs Michaels, Owen won by MSU.
  • 10:57 — Shot by WMU Sharp, Zack BLOCKED by Bergmanis, Ralfs.
  • 11:01 — Shot by WMU MacKenzie, Tyler MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 11:26 — Faceoff Stender, Jakob vs MacKenzie, Tyler won by MSU.
  • 11:49 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Stender, Jakob won by WMU.
  • 12:04 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Stender, Jakob won by WMU.
  • 12:08 — Shot by MSU Lemyre, Tristan BLOCKED by Bookman, Zach.

Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State Play by Play at the Media Timeout

  • 13:00 — End power play for MSU
  • 13:16 — Faceoff Somoza, Ean vs Hakkarainen, Iiro won by MSU.
  • 13:46 — Shot by MSU Benincasa, Luigi MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 13:50 — Shot by MSU LeBel, Mason MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 14:29 — Shot by MSU Murr, Evan MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 14:50 — Shot by MSU Lemyre, Tristan MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 15:00 — Faceoff Smith, Jack vs Michaels, Owen won by MSU.
  • 15:00 — Start power play for MSU
  • 15:00 — Penalty on Sjolund, Samuel WMU 2 minutes for Interference.
  • 16:22 — Shot by MSU Lemyre, Tristan WIDE.
  • 16:51 — Shot by MSU Cichosz, Campbell MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 17:12 — Shot by WMU Sjolund, Samuel WIDE.
  • 17:35 — Shot by WMU Slukynsky, Grant BLOCKED by Bergmanis, Ralfs.
  • 17:40 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Stender, Jakob won by WMU.
  • 18:12 — Faceoff Stender, Jakob vs Michaels, Owen won by MSU.
  • 18:22 — Shot by WMU Henricks, Ty MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 19:01 — Faceoff Benincasa, Luigi vs Spicer, Cole won by MSU.
  • 19:13 — Faceoff Henricks, Ty vs Benincasa, Luigi won by WMU.
  • 19:13 — Goal by MSU Zetterberg, Alex (assists: Ean Somoza).
  • 19:15 — Shot by MSU Lemyre, Tristan BLOCKED by Woogk, Colby.
  • 19:16 — End power play for MSU
  • 20:00 — Faceoff Smith, Jack vs Hakkarainen, Iiro won by MSU.
  • 20:00 — Hampton Slukynsky at goalie for WMU.
  • 20:00 — Alex Tracy at goalie for MSU.

Another Power Play Opportunity For Minnesota State

Here we go, another Power Play for MSU. 

MAVERICKS SCORE JUST AS POWER PLAY ENDS

WMU 2, MSU 1 | 19:13 3rd

Alex Zetterberg scores!

Third Period About To Start, WMU 2, MSU 0

Can the Mavericks rally in the final 20 minutes? Follow live. 

HIGHLIGHTS: Zach Bookman Makes It 2-0

Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State Stats

  • Shots: MSU 13, WMU 20
  • Faceoffs Won: MSU 20, WMU 21
  • Power Play Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Power Play Opportunities: MSU 2, WMU 1
  • Power Play Percentage: MSU 0%, WMU 0%
  • Short-Handed Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Shots by Period: MSU 5, 8 — WMU 4, 16
  • Penalty Shot Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Penalty Shots Attempted: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Blocked Shots: MSU 9, WMU 6
  • Infractions: MSU 1, WMU 0
  • Penalty Minutes: MSU 2, WMU 4
  • Minor Penalties: MSU 1, WMU 2
  • Major Penalties: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Misconducts (10 Minutes): MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Game Misconducts: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Gross Misconducts: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Match Penalties: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Shootout Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Empty Net Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Unassisted Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0

Second Period Ends: Western Michigan Hockey up 2-0 on Minnesota State

Here's what happened the final minutes: 

  • 00:06 — Shot by MSU Murr, Evan BLOCKED by Hakkarainen, Iiro.
  • 01:16 — Start power play for MSU
  • 01:16 — Faceoff Hakkarainen, Iiro vs Benincasa, Luigi won by WMU.
  • 01:16 — Penalty on Whitelaw, William WMU 2 minutes for Goaltender Interference.
  • 01:16 — Shot by WMU Whitelaw, William MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 01:22 — Shot by MSU Murr, Evan WIDE.
  • 01:41 — Faceoff Smith, Jack vs Michaels, Owen won by MSU.
  • 02:21 — Faceoff Stender, Jakob vs MacKenzie, Tyler won by MSU.
  • 02:21 — Shot by WMU MacKenzie, Tyler MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 04:03 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Benincasa, Luigi won by WMU.
  • 04:04 — Shot by MSU Zetterberg, Alex BLOCKED by Sharp, Zack.
  • 04:28 — Shot by MSU Somoza, Ean BLOCKED by Michaels, Owen.
  • 04:48 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Somoza, Ean won by WMU.

Minnesota State With Another Power Play Opportunity 

Another chance with 1:16 in the second period. 

Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State Play by Play at the Media Timeout

  • 04:48 — Shot by WMU Whitelaw, William MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 05:45 — Shot by WMU Wallberg, Theo MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 05:46 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Benincasa, Luigi won by WMU.
  • 05:51 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Stender, Jakob won by WMU.
  • 06:31 — Faceoff Williams, Fin vs MacKenzie, Tyler won by MSU.
  • 06:31 — Shot by MSU Ronn, Jordan MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 07:01 — Faceoff Williams, Fin vs Slukynsky, Grant won by MSU.
  • 07:01 — Shot by WMU Hakkarainen, Iiro BLOCKED by Wheeler, Mason.
  • 07:01 — Shot by WMU Hakkarainen, Iiro MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 07:10 — Shot by MSU Morich, Reid MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 07:29 — End power play for MSU
  • 07:55 — Shot by MSU Benincasa, Luigi MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 08:42 — Shot by WMU Slukynsky, Grant MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 08:46 — Shot by WMU Wisdom, Zaccharya MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 09:06 — Shot by MSU Somoza, Ean MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 09:29 — Start power play for MSU
  • 09:29 — Penalty on Hakkarainen, Iiro WMU 2 minutes for Hooking.
  • 09:29 — Faceoff Smith, Jack vs Michaels, Owen won by MSU.
  • 09:29 — Shot by MSU Murr, Evan MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 09:31 — Shot by MSU Watkins, Liam MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 09:40 — Faceoff Benincasa, Luigi vs Spicer, Cole won by MSU.

Minnesota State Hockey Can't Take Advantage Of Power Play

Western Michigan stays strong, MSU can't score. 

Minnesota State Hockey Gets Power Play Opportunity

Can the Mavericks get on the scoreboard?

Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State Play by Play at the Media Timeout

  • 09:40 — Shot by MSU Watkins, Liam MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 09:48 — Shot by MSU Wheeler, Mason MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 10:02 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Benincasa, Luigi won by WMU.
  • 10:23 — Faceoff Stender, Jakob vs Slukynsky, Grant won by MSU.
  • 10:23 — Media timeout
  • 10:24 — Shot by WMU Sharp, Zack MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 10:30 — Shot by WMU Whitelaw, William WIDE.
  • 10:44 — Shot by WMU Henricks, Ty BLOCKED by Strand, Bryce.
  • 11:17 — Shot by WMU Szydlowski, Garrett WIDE.
  • 11:22 — Shot by WMU Szydlowski, Garrett WIDE.
  • 11:38 — Faceoff MacKenzie, Tyler vs Williams, Fin won by WMU.
  • 11:38 — Goal by WMU Bookman, Zach (unassisted).
  • 11:55 — Shot by WMU Sharp, Zack MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 12:21 — Faceoff Smith, Jack vs Spicer, Cole won by MSU.
  • 12:36 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Smith, Jack won by WMU.
  • 14:59 — Shot by MSU Murr, Evan WIDE.
  • 15:14 — Shot by WMU Hakkarainen, Iiro BLOCKED by Wheeler, Mason.
  • 15:22 — Shot by WMU Nehring, Zach MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 15:22 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Smith, Jack won by WMU.
  • 15:41 — Shot by MSU Lemyre, Tristan BLOCKED by Nehring, Zach.
  • 15:48 — Shot by WMU Slukynsky, Grant MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 16:12 — Shot by WMU Henricks, Ty WIDE.
  • 16:39 — Faceoff Michaels, Owen vs Benincasa, Luigi won by WMU.
  • 16:39 — Shot by MSU Scholl, Sawyer WIDE.
  • 17:48 — Faceoff MacKenzie, Tyler vs Williams, Fin won by WMU.
  • 17:48 — Goal by WMU Wisdom, Zaccharya (assists: Samuel Sjolund).
  • 17:52 — Shot by WMU Sjolund, Samuel WIDE.
  • 17:58 — Shot by WMU Spicer, Cole MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 18:10 — Shot by WMU Wisdom, Zaccharya MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.

WESTERN MICHIGAN SCORES AGAIN

WMU 2, MSU 0 | 11:38, 2nd

Zach Bookman scores with Samuel Sjolund on the assist. 

HIGHLIGHTS: Zacch Wisdom's Smooth Goal 

WESTERN MICHIGAN HOCKEY TAKES THE LEAD

WMU 1, MSU 0 | 17:48, 2nd

Zacch Wisdom scores with Cole Spicer on the assist. Wisdom is a Seattle Kraken draft pick. 

Second Period About To Start for WMU, MSU

Can someone breakthrough in the second period? Let's find out. 

End of First Period: MSU 0, Western Michigan 0

It's a tight one in Loveland! Tristan Lemyre and Liam Watkins all had chances to score just before the end of the period. 

  • Shots: MSU 4, WMU 4
  • Faceoffs Won: MSU 11, WMU 8
  • Power Play Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Power Play Opportunities: MSU 0, WMU 1
  • Power Play Percentage: MSU 0%, WMU 0%
  • Short-Handed Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Shots by Period: MSU 4, WMU 4
  • Penalty Shot Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Penalty Shots Attempted: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Blocked Shots: MSU 5, WMU 2
  • Infractions: MSU 1, WMU 0
  • Penalty Minutes: MSU 2, WMU 0
  • Minor Penalties: MSU 1, WMU 0
  • Major Penalties: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Misconducts (10 Minutes): MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Game Misconducts: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Gross Misconducts: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Match Penalties: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Shootout Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Empty Net Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Unassisted Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0

Minnesota State Defense Stays Strong

WMU had shots, but couldn't score against a stout MSU defense. 

  • 03:12 — End power play for WMU
  • 03:27 — Faceoff Williams, Fin vs Michaels, Owen won by MSU.
  • 03:30 — Shot by WMU Sjolund, Samuel BLOCKED by Wheeler, Mason.
  • 04:06 — Shot by WMU Valente, Liam WIDE.
  • 04:30 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Lemyre, Tristan won by WMU.
  • 04:30 — Shot by WMU Bookman, Zach MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 05:12 — Faceoff Williams, Fin vs Michaels, Owen won by MSU.
  • 05:12 — Penalty on Ronn, Jordan MSU 2 minutes for Tripping.
  • 05:12 — Start power play for WMU.

Western Michigan Hockey Has Power Play Opportunity

Minnesota State called for tripping. Can WMU score?

Minnesota State vs. Western Michigan Stat update

  • Shots: MSU 2, WMU 2
  • Faceoffs Won: MSU 9, WMU 5
  • Power Play Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Power Play Opportunities: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Power Play Percentage: MSU 0%, WMU 0%
  • Short-Handed Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Shots by Period: MSU 2, WMU 2
  • Penalty Shot Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Penalty Shots Attempted: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Blocked Shots: MSU 3, WMU 2
  • Infractions: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Penalty Minutes: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Minor Penalties: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Major Penalties: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Misconducts (10 Minutes): MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Game Misconducts: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Gross Misconducts: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Match Penalties: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Shootout Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Empty Net Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0
  • Unassisted Goals: MSU 0, WMU 0

Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State Update At Media Timeout

  • 08:36 — Media timeout
  • 08:38 — Shot by MSU Scholl, Sawyer BLOCKED by Spicer, Cole.
  • 09:11 — Shot by MSU Somoza, Ean MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 10:34 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Williams, Fin won by WMU.
  • 10:36 — Shot by MSU Lemyre, Tristan MISSED, save Slukynsky, Hampton.
  • 11:45 — Faceoff MacKenzie, Tyler vs Stender, Jakob won by WMU.
  • 11:45 — Shot by WMU Cowan, Bobby WIDE.
  • 12:45 — Faceoff Spicer, Cole vs Smith, Jack won by WMU.
  • 12:45 — Shot by MSU Murr, Evan BLOCKED by Hakkarainen, Iiro.
  • 12:49 — Shot by MSU Morich, Reid WIDE.
  • 13:33 — Faceoff Stender, Jakob vs Slukynsky, Grant won by MSU.

Minnesota State Hockey Gets First Shot

Tristan Lemyre, who played for Western Michigan, gets a shot on goal but Hampton Slukynsky gets the save. 

Still 0-0 with less than 10 minutes to go in first period. 

Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State Update At Media Timeout

  • 13:33 — Shot by WMU Slukynsky, Grant MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 13:51 — Shot by WMU Henricks, Ty WIDE.
  • 14:03 — Shot by WMU Whitelaw, William BLOCKED by Bergmanis, Ralfs.
  • 14:14 — Shot by WMU Henricks, Ty WIDE.
  • 15:17 — Shot by WMU Sharp, Zack WIDE.
  • 15:22 — Shot by WMU Sharp, Zack MISSED, save Tracy, Alex.
  • 15:27 — Shot by WMU Calbeck, Alex BLOCKED by Strand, Bryce.
  • 15:55 — Shot by WMU Valente, Liam BLOCKED by Smith, Jack.
  • 16:27 — Faceoff Benincasa, Luigi vs Slukynsky, Grant won by MSU.
  • 16:35 — Faceoff Slukynsky, Grant vs Benincasa, Luigi won by WMU.
  • 16:40 — Shot by WMU Slukynsky, Grant WIDE.
  • 18:10 — Faceoff Williams, Fin vs MacKenzie, Tyler won by MSU.
  • 19:28 — Faceoff Benincasa, Luigi vs Slukynsky, Grant won by MSU.
  • 19:56 — Faceoff Stender, Jakob vs Michaels, Owen won by MSU.
  • 20:00 — Hampton Slukynsky at goalie for WMU.
  • 20:00 — Faceoff Stender, Jakob vs Michaels, Owen won by MSU.
  • 20:00 — Alex Tracy at goalie for MSU.

Minnesota State Wins Opening Faceoff

MSU takes the first faceoff Alex Tracy is in at goalie for MSU and Hampton Slukynsky for WMU. 

IT'S TIME: Western Michigan Hockey vs. Minnesota State 

NCAA Hockey Tournament Today 

Here's the action on March 27. 

Minnesota State vs. Western Michigan Hockey First Period Moments Away 

The Loveland Regional is about to begin!

More On Seattle Kraken Draft Pick And Western Michigan Star Zacch Wisdom

Minnesota State Hockey Lineup vs. Western Michigan 

Western Michigan Hockey Lineup vs. Minnesota State

Minnesota State Hockey Roster

  • 4: Jacob Conrad, D, So.
  • 5: Mason Wheeler, D, Sr.
  • 7: Bryce Strand, D, Fr.
  • 8: Campbell Cichosz, D, Sr.
  • 9: Luigi Benincasa, F, Jr.
  • 10: Evan Murr, D, Jr.
  • 11: Jordan Ronn, F, Fr.
  • 12: Alex Zetterberg, F, So.
  • 13: Tristan Lemyre, F, Sr.
  • 14: Mason LeBel, F, Fr.
  • 16: Jacob Bonkowski, F, So.
  • 17: Ean Somoza, F, Jr.
  • 18: Jakob Stender, F, Jr.
  • 20: Jack Smith, F, Sr.
  • 21: Fin Williams, F, Jr.
  • 22: Liam Hupka, D, Fr.
  • 23: Sawyer Scholl, F, Jr.
  • 24: Charlie Lurie, F, Jr.
  • 25: Felikss Gavars, F, Sr.
  • 26: Rylan Bonkowski, D, Fr.
  • 27: Liam Watkins, F, So.
  • 28: Easton Hewson, D, Fr.
  • 31: Matthew Syverson, G, Jr.
  • 33: Alex Tracy, G, Sr.
  • 35: Max Beckford, G, Fr.
  • 39: Ralfs Bergmanis, D, Sr.
  • 44: Reid Morich, F, Fr.

Western Michigan Hockey Roster

  • 9: Zach Bade, F, So.
  • 37: Zach Bookman, D, Sr.
  • 15: Alex Calbeck, D, Fr.
  • 19: Bobby Cowan, F, Fr.
  • 3: Cole Crusberg-Roseen, D, Jr.
  • 2: Grady Gallatin, D, So.
  • 22: Iiro Hakkarainen, F, So.
  • 17: Ty Henricks, F, So.
  • 12: Sam Huck, F, Fr.
  • 28: Ryan Humphrey, F, So.
  • 21: Ryan Kusler, F, So.
  • 1: Kirk Laursen, G, Gr.
  • 11: Tyler MacKenzie, F, Fr.
  • 34: Owen Michaels, F, Jr.
  • 35: Gavin Moffatt, G, Fr.
  • 8: Zach Nehring, F, So.
  • 10: Zack Sharp, D, So.
  • 33: Samuel Sjolund, D, Sr.
  • 13: Grant Slukynsky, F, Jr.
  • 30: Hampton Slukynsky, G, So.
  • 26: Jamison Sluys, F, Fr.
  • 25: Cole Spicer, F, Jr.
  • 24: Garrett Szydlowski, F, Jr.
  • 27: Joona Väisänen, D, So.
  • 23: Liam Valente, F, Sr.
  • 6: Theo Wallberg, D, Jr.
  • 18: William Whitelaw, F, Jr.
  • 4: Zaccharya Wisdom, F, Jr.
  • 14: Colby Woogk, D, Fr.

11th Time In The Tournament For Minnesota State

This is Minnesota State's11th NCAA Appearance  and the Mavericks are 5-10 all-time in the NCAA Division I Tournament and 2-0 all-time in the Blue Arena, winning the West Regional in 2021.

Western Michigan Hockey NHL Draft Picks

Here are the players on Western Michigan who have been drafted, the team that drafted them, the year and the pick number: 

  • Ty Henricks: NYR, 2023, 183
  • Zach Nehring: WPG, 2023, 82
  • Zack Sharp: SJS, 2025, 124
  • Samuel Sjolund: DAL, 2019, 111
  • Hampton Slukynsky: LAK, 2023, 118
  • Cole Spicer: BOS, 2022, 117
  • Joona Väisänen: PIT, 2024, 175
  • Theo Wallberg: OTT, 2022, 168
  • William Whitelaw: CBJ, 2023, 66
  • Zacharya Wisdom: SEA, 2023, 212

Don't Miss The FloHockey Podcast: Called Up

FROM THE ARCHIVES:  Why Western Michigan Hockey National Championship May Only Be The Beginning

Here's what FloHockey wrote last year about Western Michigan's championship season.

When people describe the state of Michigan, they’ll show you their hand mirroring the state’s outline and point to where you can find their hometown. Kalamazoo can be a little harder to place as it’s more west and a little south of most of the major cities that provide the easy-to-spot landmarks. 

If you wanted to find Kalamazoo Saturday, just listen. Because you’re going to hear the party for miles and miles. 

What Time Is Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State Hockey?

The puck will drop at 2:30 p.m. ET Friday in Loveland, Colo. at Blue Arena. 

How To Watch Western Michigan Hockey vs. Minnesota State

The game is streaming live on ESPNU. 

NCAA Men's Hockey Bracket

March 26

  • Michigan State 2, UConn 1 (Final)
  • Quinnipiac 5, Providence 2
  • Wisconsin 5, Dartmouth 1
  • North Dakota 3, Merrimack 0

March 27

  • 2:30 p.m. ET: Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State
  • 5:30 p.m. ET: Michigan vs. Bentley
  • 6 p.m. ET: Denver vs. Cornell
  • 9 p.m. ET: Minnesota Duluth vs. Penn State

March 28

  • Sioux Falls Regional Final: Winners of Providence-Quinnipiac and North Dakota-Merrimack
  • Worcester Regional Final: Winners of Michigan State-UConn and Dartmouth-Wisconsin

March 29

  • Albany Regional Final: Winners of Michigan-Bentley and Minnesota Duluth-Penn State
  • Loveland Regional Final: Winners of Western Michigan-Minnesota State and Denver-Cornell

April 9 - Frozen Four

  • Albany Regional champion vs. Loveland Regional champion
  • Worcester Regional champion vs. Sioux Falls Regional champion

April 11

  • National Championship Game

What Teams Made The 2026 NCAA Men’s Tournament?

Here are the 16 teams that have reached the NCAA tournament:

  • Michigan
  • North Dakota
  • Michigan State
  • Western Michigan
  • Denver
  • Minnesota Duluth
  • Providence
  • Dartmouth
  • Penn State
  • Quinnipiac
  • Cornell
  • Wisconsin
  • Minnesota State
  • UConn
  • Merrimack
  • Bentley

Where Are The NCAA Regionals This Year?

The four NCAA men’s hockey regionals will be hosted at the following locations

  • Sioux Falls, S.D. – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center: March 26-28
  • Worcester, Mass. – DCU Center: March 26-28
  • Albany, N.Y. – MVP Arena: March 27-29
  • Loveland, Colo. – Blue Arena: March 27-29

Where Is The 2026 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four?

The NCAA Men’s Frozen Four is coming to Las Vegas for the first time in 2026. The event will be held at T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights, on April 9 and 11.

Watch the AHL, ECHL, OHL, QMJHL, USHL And More On FloHockey

FloHockey is the streaming home to some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.

Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social