The puck drops on the 2026 Frozen Four on Friday, as three of the top teams in NCAA women's ice hockey chase reigning champion Wisconsin for Sunday's national title.
After upsetting six-time champs No. 4 Minnesota in last Saturday's quarterfinals, the No. 5-seed Northeastern Huskies will open the Frozen Four against top seed Ohio State.
While the Buckeyes are hunting a third title to hang next to their 2022 and 2024 banners, the Huskies are hoping for a break-through first national trophy, with Northeastern's previous best finish coming as 2021 runners-up to Wisconsin.
Then in Friday's second semifinal, Frozen Four debutants No. 3 Penn State will hunt their own upset against the dynasty No. 2 Badgers, whose eight championships outpace all other NCAA women's hockey programs.
Though all four teams will aim to make history this weekend, Ohio State is already looking toward the future, locking in the Buckeyes' title-winning head coach Nadine Muzerall on a five-year contract extension on Thursday.
"There is one person to lead @OhioStateWHKY," tweeted Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork, shouting out Muzerall's record. "She hasn't just coached a team; she's built a powerhouse on & off the ice."
How to watch the 2026 Frozen Four this weekend
The Frozen Four takes the ice on Friday, with No. 1 Ohio State taking on No. 5 Northeastern at 4 PM ET before No. 2 Wisconsin faces off against No. 3 Penn State at 7:30 PM ET.
Both semifinals will air live on ESPN+.
The winners will then vie for the 2026 national championship at 4 PM ET on Sunday, with live coverage on ESPNU.
