NCAA hockey schedule, results, previews, highlights

Published

17 hours ago

April 12, 2025

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Apr 11, 2025, 12:25 AM ET

The 2025 men’s Frozen Four started with two newcomers and two blue bloods. The championship game will feature one of each.

In the title game, Western Michigan, making its Frozen Four debut, will face Boston University, which is in the national title game after losing in the semifinals the last two years, Saturday night at 7:30 ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

In the first semifinal Thursday night, Western Michigan knocked off defending national champion Denver 3-2 in double overtime on Owen Michaels’ second goal of the game 26 seconds into the second extra period. The Broncos held a 2-0 lead after dominating the first 40 minutes, but the Pioneers turned the tables in the third period and tied the game at 17:21 on Jared Wright’s goal off a scramble out front.

In the nightcap, BU used a pair of goals in a dominant second period, from Jack Hughes and Cole Eiserman, to eliminate Penn State 3-1. The Terriers are seeking the sixth national title in program history, but the first in 16 years. The Nittany Lions were making their Frozen Four debut.

Every NCAA tournament game will be available on ESPN+. Subscribe to watch.

Below is the schedule for entire tournament, which will be updated with results as games are played, plus highlights from the Frozen Four games, features of the top storylines of the tournament and a look at each of the 16 teams.

Jump to a section:
Frozen Four highlights
Top storylines | Teams at a glance

Schedule

All times Eastern

Toledo (Ohio) Regional

Semifinals, March 27
Boston University 8, Ohio State 3
Cornell 4, Michigan State 3

Final, March 29
Boston University 3, Cornell 2 (OT)

Boston University wins Toledo Regional

Fargo (N.D.) Regional

Semifinals, March 27
Western Michigan 2, Minnesota State 1 (2 OT)
UMass 5, Minnesota 4 (OT)

Final, March 29
Western Michigan 2, UMass 1

Western Michigan wins Fargo Regional

Manchester (N.H.) Regional

Semifinals, March 28
Boston College 3, Bentley 1
Denver 5, Providence 1

Final, March 30
Denver 3, Boston College 1

Denver wins Manchester Regional

Allentown (Penn.) Regional

Semifinals, March 28
UConn 4, Quinnipiac 1
Penn State 5, Maine 1

Final, March 30
Penn State 3, UConn 2 (OT)

Penn State wins Allentown Regional

FROZEN FOUR
at Enterprise Center, St. Louis

National semifinals, April 10
Western Michigan 3, Denver 2 (2 OT)
Boston University 3, Penn State 1

National championship game, April 12
Western Michigan vs. Boston University, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2

Highlights

BU-PENN STATE

Jack Hughes gives Boston University early lead

Jack Hughes scores to give Boston University a 1-0 lead over Penn State.

Cole Eiserman doubles Terriers’ lead

Cole Eiserman scores to give Boston University a 2-0 lead over Penn State.

WESTERN MICHIGAN-DENVER

Jared Wright ties the score late for Denver

Denver’s Jared Wright pokes the puck past the goalie to help the Pioneers tie the score late in the third period.

Owen Michaels’ wrister adds to Western Michigan’s lead

Western Michigan’s Owen Michaels finds the net on a wrister to give the Broncos a 2-0 lead in the second period.

Tournament storylines

‘Till the rafters ring’: Maine’s resurgence has its fans believing again

Once a perennial power, the Black Bears fought through tragedy and tough times to be a Frozen Four contender 25 years after their last national title. Read more

The Maine awakening

It’s been 18 years since Maine hockey’s last Frozen Four appearance, but as John Buccigross reports, a resurgence up in Orono has the Black Bears sights set on a return to St. Louis.

‘Have fun out there’: A simple message keeps Trey Augustine on his game

The Spartans goaltender, who hopes to lead his team to its first national title since 2007, recalls his late grandfather’s words every time he steps on the ice. Read more

The legacy and lineage of Trey Augustine

Jen Lada profiles the Spartans’ superstar goaltender, Trey Augustine, focusing on his relationship with his inspiration and namesake.

Top seed Boston College plays with Gaudreaus, Voce close to hearts

Three former Eagles — Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Gaudreau and Tony Voce — died this past summer. This year’s team, which has been No. 1 in the country most of the season, looks to win a national championship in their memory. Read more

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau forever BC hockey family

Jeremy Schaap reports on how the Eagles are honoring the legacies of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

Roundtable: Teams and players to watch, plus Frozen Four picks

Are BC and Michigan State on a collision course for a title game matchup? What lower seed will be the toughest out? And who will make it to St. Louis? Andrew Raycroft and Sean Ritchlin break it all down. Read more

Teams at a glance

(Statistics entering NCAA tournament)

Toledo Regional

No. 1 Michigan State

Record: 26-6-4

PairWise rating: No. 2

How the Spartans got here: Big Ten champion

Last 10 games: 6-3-1

History lesson: This is Michigan State’s 29th NCAA appearance. The Spartans have been to the Frozen Four 11 times and have won three national titles, the last in 2007. Michigan State lost to Michigan in the regional finals last season, which was its first time in the tournament since 2012.

No. 2 Boston University

Record: 21-13-2

PairWise rating: 7

How the Terriers got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 6-3-1 (lost Hockey East semifinal to UConn)

History lesson: This is BU’s 40th NCAA appearance, including three of the past four years. The Terriers have been to the Frozen Four 24 times and have won five national titles, the last in 2009. The Terriers lost in overtime to Denver in the national semifinals last season, the second straight year they lost in the national semis.

No. 3 Ohio State

Record: 24-13-2

PairWise rating: 10

How the Buckeyes got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 5-5 (lost Big Ten final to Michigan State)

History lesson: This is Ohio State’s 12th NCAA appearance and its second in three years. The Buckeyes have been to the Frozen Four twice, most recently in 2018, and have never won the national title.

No. 4 Cornell

Record: 18-10-6

PairWise rating: 17

How the Big Red got here: ECAC champion

Last 10 games: 8-2

History lesson: This is Cornell’s 27th NCAA appearance, including the past three years in a row. The Big Red have been to the Frozen Four eight times and have won the national championship twice, most recently in 1970. Cornell lost to Denver in the regional finals last season.

Fargo Regional

No. 1 Western Michigan

Record: 30-7-1

PairWise rating: 4

How the Broncos got here: NCHC champion

Last 10 games: 8-2

History lesson: This is Western Michigan’s 10th NCAA appearance, including the past four years. The Broncos lost in overtime to Michigan State in the first round last season, falling to 1-10 all time in NCAA tournament play.

No. 2 Minnesota

Record: 25-10-4

PairWise rating: 5

How the Golden Gophers got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 5-4-1 (lost Big Ten quarterfinal series to Notre Dame)

History lesson: This is Minnesota’s 42nd NCAA appearance, including the past five years. The Gophers have been to the Frozen Four 23 times and have won five national titles, the last in 2003. Minnesota lost to Boston University in the regional finals last season.

No. 3 UMass

Record: 20-13-5

PairWise rating: 11

How the Minutemen got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 5-2-3 (lost Hockey East quarterfinal to BU in overtime)

History lesson: This is UMass’ seventh NCAA appearance, including five of the past six tournaments. The Minutemen have been to the Frozen Four twice and won one national title, in 2021. UMass lost to Denver in double overtime in the first round of last year’s tournament.

No. 4 Minnesota State

Record: 27-8-3

PairWise rating: 14

How the Mavericks got here: CCHA champion

Last 10 games: 9-0-1

History lesson: This is Minnesota State’s 12th NCAA appearance, including six of the last seven tournaments. The Mavericks have been to the Frozen Four twice and are still looking for their first national championship. Minnesota State didn’t make the tournament last year and lost to St. Cloud State in the first round in 2023.

Manchester Regional

No. 1 Boston College

Record: 26-7-2

PairWise rating: 1

How the Eagles got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 6-3-1 (lost Hockey East quarterfinal to Northeastern)

History lesson: This is BC’s 39th NCAA appearance. The Eagles have been to the Frozen Four 26 times and have won five national titles, the last in 2012. BC lost to Denver 2-0 in last year’s championship game after not making the tournament the previous two years.

No. 2 Providence

Record: 21-10-5

PairWise rating: 8

How the Friars got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 5-4-1 (lost Hockey East quarterfinal to UConn)

History lesson: This is Providence’s 16th NCAA appearance, its first since 2019. The Friars have been to the Frozen Four five times and won the national title once, in 2015.

No. 3 Denver

Record: 29-11-1

PairWise rating: 9

How the Pioneers got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 7-3 (lost NCHC final to Western Michigan in double overtime)

History lesson: This is Denver’s 34th NCAA appearance, including 15 of the past 16 tournaments. The Pios have been to the Frozen Four 18 times and won 10 national titles, the most ever. Denver beat BC for the national championship last season, its second title in three years.

No. 4 Bentley

Record: 23-14-2

PairWise rating: 22

How the Falcons got here: Atlantic champion

Last 10 games: 8-2

History lesson: This is Bentley’s first NCAA appearance in the program’s 26th season in Division I and the second year with Andy Jones as coach. The Falcons have set a school record for victories and are enjoying their first winning season since 2020.

Allentown Regional

No. 1 Maine

Record: 24-7-6

PairWise rating: 3

How the Black Bears got here: Hockey East champion

Last 10 games: 6-2-2

History lesson: This is Maine’s 21st NCAA appearance. The Black Bears have been to the Frozen Four 11 times and have won two national titles, the last in 1999. Maine lost to Cornell in the first round last season, its first tournament appearance since 2012.

No. 2 UConn

Record: 22-11-4

PairWise rating: 6

How the Huskies got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 8-1-1 (lost Hockey East final to Maine)

History lesson: This is UConn’s first NCAA appearance in the program’s 27 years in Division I. The Huskies set a school record for wins as a Div. 1 team in Mike Cavanaugh’s 11th season at the helm.

No. 3 Quinnipiac

Record: 24-11-2

PairWise ranking: 12

How the Bobcats got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 7-3 (lost ECAC semifinal to Cornell in overtime)

History lesson: This is Quinnipiac’s 11th NCAA appearance, including each of the last six tournaments. The Bobcats have been to the Frozen Four three times and won one national title, in 2023. Quinnipiac lost to Boston College in overtime in the regional finals last season.

No. 4 Penn State

Record: 20-13-4

PairWise rating: 13

How the Nittany Lions got here: At-large bid

Last 10 games: 7-2-1 (lost Big Ten semifinal to Ohio State in overtime)

History lesson: This is Penn State’s fifth NCAA appearance. In 2023, the Nittany Lions lost in the regional finals to Michigan in overtime. Penn State has never been to the Frozen Four.

Sports

Gators QB Lagway will throw in ‘a couple weeks’

Published

5 hours ago

April 12, 2025

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Gators QB Lagway will throw in 'a couple weeks'

Associated Press

Apr 12, 2025, 06:31 PM ET

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida quarterback DJ Lagway will “start throwing in a couple weeks,” coach Billy Napier said Saturday.

Lagway was limited throughout spring practice with a shoulder injury that lingered from last season and played sparingly in the team’s annual spring game. Lagway played five snaps Saturday, all first down handoffs.

“DJ’s doing great,” Napier said. “He’ll start throwing here in a couple weeks. Just in general, very positive there. The lower-body stuff was good, and I think we’re working on just kind of getting him in position for the next step. But, in general, there are a lot of positives; everything’s on schedule.”

Napier raised red flags last month when he said Lagway would be a limited participant during spring, his first as the team’s starter. Instead of getting valuable repetitions, Lagway spent a month handing off, watching passing plays and calling the offense.

“He’s frustrated,” Napier said. “Obviously, he wants to play. Nobody likes to play more than that guy.”

Lagway missed some practice time last fall with shoulder soreness, a lingering issue from his high school days. But it never caused him to miss a game.

He was sidelined one game last November while recovering from a strained left hamstring he suffered against Georgia. But he started every game after, including Florida’s bowl victory against Tulane in December.

Napier said the plan to sit him during spring was “to be very smart.” Now, given rest, Lagway is expected to be full go when the team reconvenes for workouts in June. Of course, the real test will come when he starts throwing again.

Lagway completed 60% of his passes for 1,915 yards, with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions as a freshman last season. He took over the starting role after Graham Mertz tore a knee ligament at Tennessee last October.

The Gators signed college journeyman Harrison Bailey to be Lagway’s backup this fall. Bailey has played at Tennessee, UNLV and Louisville. Bailey completed 29 of 43 passes for 363 yards, with three touchdowns and an interception in the spring game. He also was sacked five times.

Sports

Vols, Iamaleava split; ‘no one bigger’ than team

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5 hours ago

April 12, 2025

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Vols, Iamaleava split; 'no one bigger' than team

Tennessee has moved on from starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava, with coach Josh Heupel telling reporters Saturday that “no one is bigger than” the program.

Heupel said the tipping point came Friday morning, when Iamaleava was a “no-show” for practice amid his ongoing NIL contract discussions with the school.

“This program has been around for a long time,” Heupel said after the Volunteers played their spring game Saturday. “There are a lot of great coaches, a lot of great players who came before that laid the cornerstone pieces, the legacy, the tradition that is Tennessee football. It’s going to be around a long time after I’m gone and after they’re gone.”

Iamaleava notified offensive coordinator Joey Halzle late Friday night that he was in the process of filling out his paperwork and planned to enter the transfer portal when it opens Wednesday, sources told ESPN’s Chris Low. Heupel and other staff members had been trying to reach Iamaleava and his representatives to no avail after he missed practice and meetings earlier Friday, sources said.

Tennessee was aware that Iamaleava’s representatives had reached out to at least one other school, Oregon, prior to the start of spring practice, sources told ESPN, but Oregon said it wasn’t interested.

The day before the winter portal ended in January, Iamaleava’s representatives asked for his deal to increase to the $4 million range, but Tennessee didn’t redo it.

“We weren’t going to flinch this time either,” a source told ESPN.

Iamaleava was making $2.4 million on a contract that was reported to be $8 million when he signed it. But he started receiving payments when he was still in high school, and the total value of the contract would have been closer to $10 million over the life of the deal, sources told ESPN.

Iamaleava just completed his redshirt freshman season, which means he would have three seasons remaining at his next destination. The spring transfer portal opens Wednesday, and he is expected to be the most notable player available.

“I want to thank him for everything he’s done since he’s gotten here, as a recruit and who he was as a player and how he competed inside the building,” Heupel said. “Obviously, we’re moving forward as a program without him. I said it to the guys today. There’s no one that’s bigger than the Power T. That includes me.”

Iamaleava showed promise his first year as a starter, leading Tennessee to the College Football Playoff and a 10-3 season. He threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He completed 63.8% of his passes.

The Volunteers’ offense finished No. 9 in the 16-team SEC in scoring offense last year in league play, and Iamaleava was the conference’s No. 10 quarterback in passing yards per game (200.6).

The move puts both Tennessee and Iamaleava in difficult situations heading into the 2025 season. Iamaleava’s departure leaves Tennessee with just two scholarship quarterbacks, neither of whom has started a college game.

Heupel said Saturday that the program will look to add another quarterback in the spring portal.

Sources added to ESPN that with Iamaleava’s future uncertain, officials from Tennessee’s collective began to make calls Friday to see what the potential market could look like for his replacement. One quarterback got more money from his school Friday after Tennessee’s collective called third-party officials tied to him, a source told ESPN.

One factor looming over both sides is that SEC rules prohibit transferring within the conference in the spring if the player desires immediate eligibility. That means Iamaleava can’t go to an SEC school and no quarterback on an SEC roster can go to Tennessee if they hope to play in 2025.

This move puts redshirt freshman backup quarterback Jake Merklinger in the driver’s seat to be Tennessee’s starter next year. It’s difficult, though not impossible, for a college quarterback to come in, learn the offense and win the starting job in summer camp. True freshman George MacIntyre is the backup, and Tennessee has a top-10 recruit in the Class of 2026, Faizon Brandon, committed. He is a five-star recruit who is ESPN’s No. 3 overall quarterback.

The market for Iamaleava will be a fascinating one, especially if he is seeking the same amount of money (in the mid-$2 million range). While there is available money in the system the next few months before the era of revenue share is codified, it’s difficult for a program to bring in a quarterback transfer with high-priced NIL demands in the late spring portal.

It not only is potentially disruptive for the current quarterback room, but it also could disrupt the locker room. Also, many schools have their quarterback salaries structured for 2025.

The move to cut ties with Iamaleava has unfolded as a classic tale of modern college football, as he arrived at the school with a historic contract and now leaves both Tennessee’s quarterback room and his own future shrouded in uncertainty.

The Volunteers, meanwhile, move on, with players emphasizing Saturday that the team is greater than any individual.

“I’ve been on some talented teams that haven’t done too well because there were a bunch of individuals on those teams,” senior tight end Miles Kitselman said. “I’m not just saying this to be saying it, but man, this team is different. … This team is a team. Like I said before, there’s no one else I’d rather go to war with and letting these guys know that we’re good with whoever we’ve got back there at quarterback. We’ve got some dogs here, these two guys [Merklinger and MacIntyre].

“We’ve got some guys who want to be here.”

Sports

Ohio State unveils rings for winning CFP title

Published

9 hours ago

April 12, 2025

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Ohio State unveils rings for winning CFP title

Associated Press

Apr 12, 2025, 02:50 PM ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State‘s national championship football team will have some extra jewelry to show off on its visit to the White House on Monday.

The Buckeyes received three rings between the first and second quarter of Saturday’s spring game at Ohio Stadium.

“It’s a surreal moment. I love this place,” said defensive lineman Jack Sawyer, one of the team captains.

Players and coaches from the 2024 championship team received a ring for making the College Football Playoff, one from the CFP for winning it, and a championship ring from Ohio State.

Ohio State’s seniors — many of whom are preparing for the NFL draft in less than two weeks — showed off their rings during a ceremony at the 50-yard line.

“They’re champions. So yeah, it puts a smile on your face when you see it,” coach Ryan Day said after the spring game.

The top of the national championship ring opens and shows the scores of Ohio State’s four CFP games, with the 34-23 victory over Notre Dame at the top. Enclosed inside the ring are pieces of the confetti that dropped at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta after Ohio State won the game. The confetti is floating over a replica of the field.

All three rings also have Day’s mantra from the season of “Leave no doubt.” On the inside of the rings is a cross, signifying the team’s message and relying on its faith during the season.

“It makes it feel real. Been a long time coming for these rings but a combination of a lot of hard work, sacrifice and love when I see them,” quarterback Will Howard said.

Day originally planned not to have a spring game, considering the Buckeyes were only two months removed from playing 16 games. He originally planned on having an open practice with limited game action, but with the opener being against Texas on Aug. 30, Day reversed course.

“I’m glad we did the spring game. I wish we could have stayed out there for another four hours and get these reps and get these guys some work,” Day said. “We know who our first opponent is, so we know we have to hit the ground running. There isn’t much margin for error.”