The 2024 NCAA Division III men’s ice hockey championship commenced with a selection show on Monday, March 4, and is scheduled to culminate in the national championship game on Saturday, March 23 at the Koeppel Community Sports Center in Hartford, Connecticut.
This year’s NCAA tournament will showcase 16 teams vying for the coveted title. The initial two rounds are slated to be held at campus sites, followed by the tournament’s relocation to Hartford, CT, for the semifinal round and championship game.
The tournament’s schedule and significant matches are as follows:
– Quarterfinal games scheduled for March 16
– Semifinals on March 21, at the Koeppel Community Center in Hartford, CT
– Championship game on March 23, at the Koeppel Community Center in Hartford, CT
A number of conferences and teams have secured automatic qualifications for this tournament, including names such as Endicott (17-5-5) from the Commonwealth Coast Conference, Plymouth St. (23-2-2) from the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, and St. Olaf (14-11-3) from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, among others. Additionally, teams such as Adrian (22-6-1), Curry (20-5-1), Elmira (19-7-1), and SUNY-Geneseo (21-5-0) have also been included in the lineup as at-large selections.
With the tournament looming, it is imperative to reflect on the history of the Division III men’s ice hockey championship. Since its establishment in 1984, the tournament has been an annual event save for two years. Hobart holds the title as the defending champion, having clinched its first title in the previous season. Notably, Middlebury has the record for the most national championships, with eight titles under their belt.
As the tournament nears, fans can anticipate a riveting series of matches. It will be compelling to witness which team will emerge as this year’s champion. The NCAA DIII Men’s Ice Hockey Championship is a cherished tradition in the realm of collegiate sports, and this year’s event is anticipated to mirror the same level of excitement and competition that fans have come to anticipate over the years.