UPDATE: As the clock ticks down to the NCAA tournament, the UMD Bulldogs are at a crucial juncture in their season. With just six weeks remaining in the 2025-26 NCAA Division I women’s hockey regular season and seven weeks for the men’s NCHC, both teams must intensify their efforts to secure a tournament berth.
In a striking turn of events, both the women’s and men’s teams are now relying on the newly implemented NCAA Percentage Index (NPI) to bolster their tournament prospects. This new metric has replaced the Pairwise rankings, becoming essential for selecting at-large teams and determining seeding.
The women’s team, after finishing their nonconference schedule with a 4-2 record, faces a daunting challenge. Despite the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) boasting a stellar 40-6-2 record against other leagues, the Bulldogs find themselves on the tournament bubble. Losses to Harvard and Quinnipiac in Northern Ireland have put their sixth consecutive NCAA tournament bid in jeopardy. They need to rack up wins in the remaining season to secure their spot.
As it stands, teams ranked between No. 8-10 are currently positioned to qualify for the 11-team women’s tournament. The pressure is mounting, especially with several conference tournaments looming that could shake up the standings. The automatic bid for the NEWHA champion is still up for grabs, adding another layer of urgency.
“The Bulldogs need to perform exceptionally well in the second half of the season to ensure their place in the tournament,” said a UMD hockey analyst.
The men’s team is in a much stronger position, boasting a 9-1 record in nonconference play, their only loss coming against a potential NCAA tournament contender, Augustana. Currently, the NCHC is dominating with a 62-29-2 inter-conference record, showcasing its strength against the Big Ten.
With four teams within the NCHC ranked in the top 11 and three in the top five, the men’s Bulldogs are not just aiming for a tournament berth but are also in contention for a coveted No. 1 seed. This is a significant turnaround after missing the national tournament in the previous three seasons.
The men’s tournament bracket is shaping up to be complex, with key considerations for location and seeding. Notably, No. 11 Denver will be placed in Loveland, Colorado, as the host. Meanwhile, Augustana and North Dakota are also in the mix, with the committee needing to navigate host city logistics carefully.
The latest bracket predictions highlight the current conference leaders, with automatic bids anticipated. For the women, teams like Wisconsin and Ohio State are leading their respective regions. For the men, expected top seeds include Michigan and North Dakota.
As the season progresses, every game counts. The Bulldogs must capitalize on their remaining matches to enhance their standings and secure a tournament opportunity. Fans and players alike are poised for a thrilling finish to the season, as both teams push for glory in the NCAA tournament.
Stay tuned for updates as the Bulldogs aim to solidify their positions in the rapidly approaching tournaments. The stakes have never been higher, and the urgency to perform is palpable.
