2026 NC Women’s Ice Hockey Championship: Bracket, Schedule & Scores Revealed
The anticipation for the 2026 NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Championship is palpable as the tournament approaches. Regional matches are scheduled from March 12 to 15, culminating in the Frozen Four at Pegula Ice Arena, University Park, Pennsylvania, from March 20 to 22.
2026 Women’s Ice Hockey Championship Schedule
The schedule details for the tournament are as follows:
- Regional Semifinals: March 12-13
- Regional Finals: March 14-15
- Frozen Four: March 20-22
The selection show revealed the championship field on March 8 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time via ESPNU. Ohio State earned the coveted No. 1 seed for this year’s competition.
Championship Format
The tournament consists of 11 teams, with five earning automatic bids while six were selected at-large. This structure ensures a competitive and thrilling championship series.
Historical Context of the NC Women’s Hockey Championship
Wisconsin enters the championship as the defending national champion, having triumphed over Ohio State 4-3 in overtime in the previous year’s final. This marked the third consecutive meeting between these teams in the title game.
Historical Championship Results
| Year | Champion | Score | Runner-Up | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Wisconsin (38-1-2) | 4-3 (OT) | Ohio State | Minneapolis, MN |
| 2024 | Ohio State (36-4-0) | 1-0 | Wisconsin | Durham, NH |
| 2023 | Wisconsin (29-10-2) | 1-0 | Ohio State | Duluth, MN |
| 2022 | Ohio State (32-6-0) | 3-2 | Minnesota Duluth | University Park, PA |
| 2021 | Wisconsin (17-3-1) | 2-1 (OT) | Northeastern | Erie, PA |
This rich history illustrates the competitive nature of women’s collegiate ice hockey, highlighted by fierce rivalries and memorable performances. Fans eagerly await the start of the tournament, where new legends are set to emerge.
