The NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament is commencing with 16 teams competing for the National Championship at the Frozen Four in St. Louis on April 12th.
The University of Denver Pioneers, the reigning champions, are participating in the tournament again, aiming to defend their title after their victory over Boston College in last year`s championship game. Denver will begin their title defense against Providence.
Boston College, currently ranked as the top team nationally, might face Denver in a rematch of the previous year’s final if they are successful against Bentley University Falcons in their opening tournament game.
Here are the brackets for the NCAA Men’s Hockey Championship:
Top Prospects
As in previous years, the teams in this tournament are rich with NHL prospects, both those already drafted and free agents.
Here’s an overview of some of the leading prospects participating in this year’s tournament:
Jacob Fowler, G, 6-foot-2 214 pounds
Draft: Third round, No. 69 (2023) by Canadiens
Club Team: Boston College Eagles
Fowler is a highly regarded prospect within the Canadiens organization. Goaltending is crucial for winning championships, and Fowler, completing his sophomore season with Boston College, has impressive statistics, especially considering his college development. He is a finalist for the Mike Richter Award, which recognizes the top NCAA goalie.
Fowler is a large presence in the net, utilizing a hybrid style. He effectively tracks the puck, moves laterally, and challenges shooters to maximize his size. He demonstrates a well-rounded game and a promising trajectory, showing potential to become an NHL starting goalie.
It will be interesting to see the Canadiens` plans for Fowler at the season`s end, particularly if Boston College secures the National Championship and Fowler feels prepared to turn professional.
Trey Augustine, G, 6-foot-1, 179 pounds
Draft: Second round, No. 42 (2023) by Red Wings
Club Team: Michigan State Spartans
Augustine is well-known, having led Team USA to consecutive world junior gold medals in 2024 and 2025. The Red Wings prospect is also a Richter Award finalist, boasting a 19-6-4 record, a 2.01 goals-against average, and a .927 save percentage with the Spartans this season.
Augustine`s goaltending style differs from Fowler’s; he is more of a butterfly goalie and, while not as tall as Fowler, possesses a sturdy build that effectively covers the net`s width. His efficiency in tracking the play and his pad work for low shots are notable.
It`s anticipated that the Red Wings will sign Augustine to a contract at the conclusion of his college season.
Ryan Leonard, RW, 6-foot, 192 pounds
Draft: First round, No. 8 (2023) by Capitals
Club Team: Michigan State Spartans
Leonard is considered a top prospect outside the NHL. A Hobey Baker finalist for the best men’s college hockey player and captain of Team USA at the world juniors in Ottawa, he has amassed 60 goals and 47 assists in 76 college games.
Playing over 21 minutes a game in all situations, Leonard is a throwback-style forward, dangerous in open ice, with a strong shot, and a blend of skill and competitiveness. He consistently engages in tough areas and shows physical toughness.
The Capitals are expected to gain a top-six power forward. Leonard is likely to be signed by Washington after the season and could join the NHL roster for the playoffs.
Aiden Fink, RW, 5-foot-10, 160 pounds
Draft: Seventh round, No. 218 (2023) by Predators
Club Team: Penn State Nittany Lions
Fink`s development as a late-round pick is noteworthy. The Predators have a promising prospect in him. This freshman forward ranks second in the NCAA with 1.41 points per game, just behind Michigan State’s Isaac Howard (1.42 points per game).
Fink has been productive offensively in various situations for Penn State, demonstrating speed off the rush and excellent hand-eye coordination in traffic. He is particularly effective on the power play from the weak side.
Isaac Howard, LW, 5-foot-11, 190 pounds
Draft: First round, No. 31 (2022) by Lightning
Club Team: Michigan State Spartans
Howard`s potential signing by the Lightning after a breakout season is being closely watched. His performance trajectory has significantly improved this season.
Howard plays with speed, attacks the net, and competes effectively in traffic. Confident and playing a crucial role for the Spartans, averaging over 21 minutes of ice time in all situations, Howard is also a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
Quinn Hutson, RW, 5-foot-11, 176 pounds
Draft: Free Agent
Club Team: Boston University
Quinn Hutson, brother of Canadiens rookie Lane Hutson and Capitals prospect Cole Hutson, is completing his junior season with Boston University. Cole Hutson is a Washington Capitals draft pick (43rd overall in 2024).
Quinn Hutson is a highly sought-after free agent. He plays over 19 minutes per game, primarily at even strength and on the power play. While not as flashy as his younger brothers, he has excellent hockey sense and finds open ice to create scoring opportunities. His hand-eye coordination is exceptional.
The following clip demonstrates Quinn`s abilities, followed by his college statistics to date:
