Michigan Hockey Aims for First Big Ten Tournament Title at Home The University of Michigan Wolverines are seeking their fourth Big Ten tournament championship in the past 12 years as they face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. This matchup marks the first time the Wolverines will defend a conference title at home since 2021, adding extra pressure to the team as they look to secure a banner for the Yost Ice Arena. While Michigan is already virtually guaranteed a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the outcome of the game could influence their regional assignment, with potential destinations including Albany, New York; Loveland, Colorado; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Worcester, Massachusetts. The Frozen Four, set to take place in Las Vegas, remains the ultimate goal for both teams. For Ohio State, the stakes are higher. The Buckeyes, who finished the regular season with a sub-.500 record, have relied on a pair of upsets to reach the final. A win would secure their place in the NCAA Tournament, while a loss would leave them without a postseason berth. Michigan, on the other hand, has dominated the regular season series against Ohio State, sweeping the two matchups with a combined score of 22-9. However, the Wolverines’ 3-2 overtime thriller earlier this season, in which they blew a two-goal lead in the third period, serves as a reminder of the Buckeyes’ resilience. The game itself was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading goals in the first period. Michigan’s Garrett Schifsky scored the opening goal of the game, tying the score at 1-1 after a long shot from the blue line. Ohio State nearly took the lead late in the period, but a deflected shot by Josh Eernisse was ruled out after a review.#crisler_center #university_of_michigan #ohio_state_buckeyes #yost_ice_arena #wolverines
