Michigan Hockey Faces Minnesota Duluth in High-Stakes Regional Final

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan ice hockey team, ranked No. 1 overall and boasting a 30-7-1 record, is set to battle the No. 6-ranked Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs (24-14-1) in the NCAA Albany Regional Final on Sunday, March 29th. The puck drops at 5:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. This is a pivotal moment for the Wolverines as they strive for a berth in the Frozen Four.

A History of Competition

This marks the 44th meeting between Michigan and Minnesota Duluth in program history, but only the second in NCAA Tournament play. The Bulldogs emerged victorious in their previous postseason encounter – the 2011 national championship game. However, Michigan holds a 24-18-1 advantage in the all-time series. The Wolverines are looking to rewrite that history and advance.

Road to the Regional Final

Michigan advanced to the Regional Final with a dominant 5-1 victory over Bentley in Friday’s semifinal. T.J. Hughes led the charge with a goal and two assists, supported by strong performances from Garrett Schifsky and Jayden Perron, each contributing two points. Goaltender Jack Ivankovic was stellar, stopping 24 of 25 shots faced. Minnesota Duluth secured their spot with a 3-1 win against Penn State, thanks to a strong showing from goaltender Adam Gajan (29 saves) and NCHC Player of the Year Max Plante (two points).

Key Players to Watch

T.J. Hughes, a Hobey Baker finalist and Big Ten Player of the Year, is a force to be reckoned with. He currently leads all active NCAA players in career scoring with 56 points this season. Hughes also boasts the most points (10) and assists (8) in NCAA Tournament action among all skaters. Minnesota Duluth counters with Max Plante, their leading scorer with 51 points, and Zam Plante (47 points), adding significant offensive firepower.

Special Teams Showdown

The game promises a thrilling special teams battle, as Michigan and Minnesota Duluth possess the nation’s top two power-play units. Michigan leads the country with a 31.1% conversion rate, closely followed by Duluth at 29.7%. Will Horcoff leads the Wolverines with 11 power-play goals, while Zam Plante paces the Bulldogs with 10. This aspect of the game could very well determine the outcome.

Offensive Prowess

Michigan’s offense is firing on all cylinders, featuring nine players with double-digit goal totals – a feat not seen since the 2015-16 season. The dynamic duo of Hughes and Michael Hage have combined for 107 points, and the addition of Jayden Perron creates a formidable top trio with a total of 146 points. Since the holiday break, Michigan has been the nation’s hottest team, boasting an impressive .806 winning percentage (14-3-1) and the largest win improvement in the country (+12).

Game Details

• Date: Sunday, March 29th
• Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
• Location: MVP Arena, Albany, NY
• TV: ESPN

This Regional Final is shaping up to be a classic matchup between two of the nation’s elite hockey programs. Michigan Hockey fans will be eagerly watching as the Wolverines aim to secure their NCAA-leading 29th Frozen Four berth. NCAA Hockey Scoreboard