As the NCAA hockey tournament approaches, all eyes are on North Dakota (UND) and its potential regional assignment. The Fighting Hawks, a top-seeded team, are expected to play in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but the question remains: who will they face in the first round?
UND's regional placement is intriguing, to say the least. With the committee having the freedom to send them anywhere, the focus is on the potential opponents. As a No. 1 seed, UND will play a No. 4 seed, with teams like UMass, UConn, St. Thomas, and the Atlantic Hockey champion in the running. But the dynamics of these teams and their conference standings could lead to some surprising twists.
One team that stands out is Augustana, currently ranked No. 16. With the top three teams directly ahead of them potentially dropping in the rankings, Augustana has a shot at sneaking into the tournament. This would mean UND could face the Vikings in the first round, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the regional.
The committee's decision-making process is also worth noting. They always prioritize giving the No. 1 overall seed, Michigan, a first-round game against the No. 16 overall seed. This means the Atlantic Hockey champion, either Bentley or Sacred Heart, is likely to be UND's opponent if Augustana doesn't make it. However, if Augustana does make it, the committee might flip a few seeds to ensure a CCHA team plays UND in the first round.
The regional in Sioux Falls is shaping up to be a fascinating one, with UND's opponent still very much in the air. The dynamics of the teams and the committee's decision-making process add an extra layer of complexity to the tournament. As a fan, I can't help but be excited about the possibilities and the potential for some upsets. It's a reminder that in sports, anything can happen, and that's what makes it so captivating.
