NCAA Hockey: Flames Prospects' Path to Nationals

0:00You're listening to Calgary Flames News today. Subscribe now for fast, daily updates on your team. College hockey has been buzzing with action lately, especially for prospects from the Calgary Flames playing in the NCAA. The national tournament field includes six conference playoff winners and ten top teams based on the national collegiate percentage index rankings. Teams in the top 14 of those rankings are almost guaranteed a spot as an at-large bid. Right now, the top seeds look locked in. Michigan at number one, North Dakota second, Michigan state third, and Western Michigan fourth. In the ECAC conference, a Ethan Widenbach's Quinnipiac team dropped their series to Clarkson, but sits 11th in the rankings, so they're probably headed to nationals. Jonathan Castignez Cornell, 9th in the index, faces a duor die game against Aidan Lane's Harvard, which is 30th and on the bubble. Over in the big 10, Luke Misa and Penn State beat Minnesota early, but fell to top ranked

1:00Michigan later. Still, at 10th in the rankings, they should get an in by two. Meanwhile, in the NCAC, Cole Rechni, Abram Weebie, and Kay Liddler's North Dakota lost in the semis, but hold the number two spot overall. North Dakota's conference rival, Eric Jameson's Denver, advanced to the title game next weekend after overtime wins. They're sixth in the rankings, so nationals are likely either way. In Hockey East, Jaden LePinsky's main got shut out early and won't qualify a 22nd, but Trevor Hoskins' Marimat kept winning and needs. More victories from their 24th spot. Most flames prospects are in good shape. With Quinnipiac, Cornell, Penn State, North Dakota, and Denver, eyeing NCAA bids no matter what happens this weekend. Keep an eye on the final pairings in the coming weeks. The Daily News now is presented by our sponsor, LinkedIn the Description, a pillow that plays your podcast, music, or white noise privately. No earbuds required. S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.