NCAA Hockey Heats Up: Key Players and Teams to Watch as Tournament Approaches

As the NCAA hockey season heats up, teams across the country are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting second half. With conference tournaments just around the corner, and the NCAA Tournament culminating in the Frozen Four at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis on April 10 and 12, there are many stories to watch as the competition intensifies.

One key highlight comes from the University of Denver, where head coach David Carle continues to build his impressive reputation. Recently, he led the U.S. team to a gold medal at the IIHF World Junior Championship, and now aims to guide Denver to back-to-back NCAA titles. The team stands tall at 17-5 and ranks sixth in the PairWise Rankings, which help determine NCAA Tournament seeds.

On the talent front, all eyes are on Boston College‘s center, James Hagens, who is among the top prospects for the upcoming NHL Draft. Currently, he sits second in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm ranking of North American skaters, boasting 21 points in 19 NCAA games.

In the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, an electrifying race is shaping up. The University of North Dakota, Western Michigan University, and Arizona State University are all tied at the top with 19 points each. With an abundance of NHL draft talent, the level of play is only expected to rise.

Meanwhile, the Hockey East conference is also seeing fierce competition, with seven of the top 13 teams in the latest PairWise Rankings coming from the league. This includes powerhouse schools like Boston College and Providence College, both of which have strong chances of making it to the NCAA Tournament.

In the Big Ten conference, Michigan State University holds the top spot with 28 points, closely followed by the University of Minnesota with 27. Both teams boast a roster full of NHL draft picks, highlighting the wealth of talent in college hockey.

As the season rolls on, the races for individual awards, such as the Hobey Baker Award for the top player, are gaining traction. Notable contenders include Minnesota’s Jimmy Snuggerud and Boston College’s Ryan Leonard, both of whom have proved their skill on the ice.

In summary, with conference standings shifting and individual players making headlines, NCAA hockey is set for a thrilling conclusion. Fans should buckle up as the action continues to unfold!