Bracketology XTRA: When does shifting brackets for attendance make sense?

Bracketology XTRA: When does shifting brackets for attendance make sense?

Author: USCHO January 22, 2026 Duration: 22:35
Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) unpack the January 22, 2026 Bracketology column on USCHO.com with this weekly episode Bracketology XTRA.

A regional 4th seed move should help attendance:

ALBANY REGION

1) Michigan (1 overall)
4) Bentley

2) Wisconsin
3) Quinnipiac

WORCESTER REGION

1) Minnesota Duluth (4)
4) Boston College

2) Western Michigan
3) Providence

SIOUX FALLS REGION

1) North Dakota (3)
4) Augustana

2) Penn State
3) Cornell

LOVELAND REGION

1) Michigan State (2)
4) St. Thomas

2) Dartmouth
3) Denver


For details on how this bracket was put together, visit this week's column at https://www.uscho.com/2026/01/21/bracketology-shifting-teams-necessary-to-protect-attendance

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts

Every Monday, when the college hockey season is in full swing, the USCHO Weekend Review arrives to catch you up on everything you might have missed. This isn't just a dry recap of scores; it's a conversation about the stories unfolding on the ice across all divisions. You'll hear analysis of those pivotal weekend series that shifted conference standings, discussions on how the playoff picture is coming into focus, and recognition of the individual players who truly stood out. The podcast also ties in the broader news from the preceding week, providing context to the on-ice action. It's designed for fans who live for the details and the drama of collegiate hockey, offering a concise yet thorough audio briefing to start your week. Produced by USCHO, this is the essential companion for anyone following the fast-paced world of college hockey, delivering informed perspective straight from the heart of the sport. Tune in each week for the insights that go beyond the box score.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

USCHO Weekend Review
Podcast Episodes
USCHO Live! at the Frozen Four- The State of the Game [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:47
Join USCHO as the Weekend Review crew of Ed Trefzger, Jim Connelly and Derek Schooley along with St. Lawrence coach Brent Brekke discuss the annual State of the Game press conference that was held as part of the 2025 Fro…
USCHO 2025 Frozen Four Semifinal Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:47
USCHO's Ed Trefzger, Jim Connelly and Derek Schooley are joined by Arizona State coach Greg Powers to recap Thursday's national semifinals at the 2025 Frozen Four in St. Louis. Owen Michaels scored twice as Western Michi…
USCHO Live! at the Frozen Four 2025 - Semifinals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:49
The USCHO Weekend Review crew of Ed Trefzger, Jim Connelly and Robert Morris coach Derek Schooley are joined by St. Lawrence coach Brent Brekke to preview Thursday's NCAA Semifinal matchups between Denver and Western Mic…
USCHO Live! at the 2025 Frozen Four in St. Louis - Practice Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:51
USCHO hosts Ed Trefzger, Jim Connelly and Robert Morris coach Derek Schooley are joined by St. Lawrence coach Brent Brekke during Practice Day at the 2025 Frozen Four. Included in the broadcast are discussion of current…