Here’s the Big Ten Tournament hockey schedule and where to watch.
Michigan State hockey coach Adam Nightingale on Dan Sturges being the ‘Glue Guy.’
Michigan State hockey coach Adam Nightingale on Dan Sturges being the “Glue Guy.”
Sports Illustrated – Michigan State Spartans
The 2026 Big Ten hockey tournament is getting started with the top-two teams in the nation looking for a conference title.
No. 3 Michigan State (24-7-1) earned the top seed in the conference tournament by winning the Big Ten regular-season title for a third straight season. As a result, they earned a first-round bye and automatic qualification into the semifinal round on Saturday, March 14.
No. 1 Michigan (26-7-1), meanwhile, finished runner-up in the conference standings and will play last-place Notre Dame at Yost Ice Arena in the quarterfinal round Wednesday, March 11. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game will be streamed exclusively on BIG+.
Since the Big Ten hockey tournament re-seeds winners after the quarterfinal round, Michigan State is still waiting to see who it will play in the semifinals. But with Michigan the No. 2 seed in the conference, the Wolverines and Spartans will only be able to meet in the final, which will be Saturday, March 21. All games are hosted by the higher seed.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 Big Ten hockey tournament.
Big Ten hockey tournament bracket 2026
The Big Ten hockey conference tournament uses a three-round, single-elimination bracket that involves all seven conference teams, with the top seed earning a first-round bye. The remaining six teams then play a knockout round with the winners advancing to the semifinals.
Big Ten hockey standings 2026
Here are the final conference records:
- Michigan State: 16-6-2 (51 points).
- Michigan: 17-6-1 (49 points).
- Penn State: 12-10-2 (41 points).
- Wisconsin: 14-10-0 (39 points).
- Ohio State: 8-15-1 (29 points).
- Minnesota: 7-15-2 (27 points).
- Notre Dame: 5-17-2 (16 points).
[ Remembering Dan Sturges, irreplaceable to MSU hockey and those who knew him. ‘He was special, man.’ ]
Big Ten Tournament hockey 2026 quarterfinals schedule
Date: Wednesday, March 11.
- No. 2 Michigan 6, No. 7 Notre Dame 1.
- No. 6 Minnesota at No. 3 Penn State, 7 p.m. ET (BIG+).
- No. 5 Ohio State at No. 4 Wisconsin, 8 p.m. ET (BIG+).
Big Ten Tournament hockey semifinals schedule
Date: Saturday, March 14.
- Worst remaining seed at No. 1 Michigan State, time TBD (Big Ten Network).
- Best remaining seed at No. 2 Michigan, time TBD (Big Ten Network).
Big Ten Tournament hockey championship game schedule
Date: Saturday, March 21.
- TBD at TBD, time TBD (Big Ten Network).
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You can reach Christian at [email protected].
