The NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey tournament gets underway in a few hours. Here are some quick picks. One thing to keep in mind, half or more of these will end up wrong sense this tournament is known for low seeds winning and favorites falling.

On to the picks.

Midwest Regional 

Denver vs Michigan Tech

The Huskies have had a great season but will come up short against the all-world Pioneers.

Denver wins 5-2

Penn State vs. Union 

Mike Vechione and Spencer Foo are two of the most dynamic players in this tournament. They can singlehandedly change the course of a game and will have an upstart Penn State team on its heels.

Union wins 3-1

Regional Final 

Union has strong scoring and forward depth, but Denver is more battle-tested and plays a more physical brand of hockey. The Pioneers will win this game in a physical, dominating fashion.

Denver wins 5-2

Northeast Regional

Minnesota vs. Notre Dame

Irish goalie Cal Petersen is a game-changer for the Irish. The Sabres prospect has a 92.8 save percentage this season for Notre Dame. I expect Petersen to have a stellar day for the Irish.

Notre Dame wins 4-1

Cornell-Umass Lowell

Both teams have had a strong season, this game is a toss up, however based on Lowell’s regular season, and the fact that they play in the second best conference in the NCAA, I think Lowell will win.

Lowell wins 2-1

Regional Final

Notre Dame will be lead by Petersen on to Chicago.

Irish Win 4-2

East Regional 

Harvard-Providence

Harvard is one of the few teams that will challenge Denver for the title this season. Providence will benefit from playing in its home city. Harvard has the better team, lead by Bruins prospect Ryan Donato.

Harvard wins 5-4

Air Force-Western Michigan

Air Force is a fast team, the Broncos are a more physical team that will knock the Falcons off the puck.

Broncos win 2-1

Final

Harvard wins 4-2

West Regional

Duluth-Ohio State

This will be a high scoring game if NCHC-like officiating doles out the power plays. Duluth’s physical and penalty kill prowess will propel them to the final over the power play reliant Buckeyes.

Duluth wins 3-1

North Dakota-Boston

North Dakota has been plagued by inconsistency throughout the year just as they look to roll off a long streak. Boston has had similar issues, however, the Terriers have more offensive weapons than the Fighting Hawks, and better goal tending.

Boston wins 4-1

Regional Final 

Duluth will overpower the Terriers thanks to their strong physical play, and key contributions from players like Riley Tufte.

Duluth wins 4-1