The United Collegiate Hockey Cup (UCHC) has finalized its bracket for the upcoming tournament, with Alaska Fairbanks earning the top seed based on the National Power Index (NPI). The Nanooks achieved a final NPI ranking of 36 and finished their regular season with a 14-15-2 record. Their performance included notable victories over Quinnipiac and Michigan Tech, as well as a 9-2-1 record against other UCHC teams. Alaska also secured the Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup by winning six out of eight games against Alaska Anchorage.
Lindenwood University will enter as the second seed after achieving an NPI ranking of 39 and setting a new program record with 14 wins in a season. The Lions had a significant win over No. 5 Denver in October and posted a 6-4-0 record against independent opponents.
Long Island University holds the third seed with an NPI ranking of 44. The Sharks ended their season at 12-17-1 overall, including a balanced 6-6-0 mark versus UCHC competition and a decisive win over Minnesota in November.
Stonehill College is seeded fourth, finishing its season at 10-21-2 and posting three wins over LIU in February along with a shootout victory against UConn earlier in the year. Stonehill will face fifth-seeded Alaska Anchorage in the tournament’s opening game on March 5th. The Seawolves completed their campaign at 5-25-1 but managed to defeat ranked Denver late last October.
The UCHC will take place from March 5 to March 7, 2026, in Maryland Heights, Missouri. It brings together five NCAA Division I men’s hockey programs—Alaska-Anchorage, Alaska-Fairbanks, Lindenwood, Long Island, and Stonehill—for postseason play. Organizers say this event marks an important opportunity for independent college hockey teams to compete for a championship title and gain national exposure.
“The event represents a major step forward for independent college hockey programs, providing them with a postseason championship experience and an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. The United Collegiate Hockey Cup is expected to draw college hockey fans, NHL scouts, and media attention, further growing the visibility of these programs.”
All six games will be streamed exclusively via FloHockey. Tickets are available through LindenwoodLions.com/tickets starting at $20 for adults and $10 for children.
