The field is set for the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's premier event at the 2026 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff as Wisconsin, Ohio State, Minnesota, and Minnesota State will compete for this year's title.
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY
Fans can purchase single-session tickets for the 2026 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff today at the link HERE. Annually featuring a collection of the nation's highest-ranked programs and best players, the WCHA's four remaining teams will compete for the league's playoff championship and an automatic berth in the 2026 NCAA tournament. The league's premier event begins on Thursday, March 5, with two semifinal matchups at 4 PM CT and 7:30 PM CT, with the championship final taking place on Saturday, March 7, at 2 PM CT.
The WCHA Weekly notes packet presented by OS Hockey will be updated every week (Open PDF files on the right)
2026 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff Schedule
Thursday, March 5
#1 Wisconsin vs #4 Minnesota State - 4:02 PM FOX9+
#2 Ohio State vs #3 Minnesota - 7:32 PM FOX9+
Saturday, March 7
TBD vs TBD - 2 PM FOX9+
**All times in CT
Final Faceoff Merch on Sale Now
The WCHA and Game One have partnered to deliver fans an endless selection of gear for the upcoming 2026 WCHA Kwik Trip Final Faceoff. Fans can visit the Game One 24/7 online store by clicking the link HERE. The Game One store is open now through Sunday, March 8. Fans can have their gear shipped directly in 7-10 business days.
WCHA NEWSLETTER
Be sure to subscribe to the WCHA Monthly newsletter for exclusive WCHA content. Fans can subscribe at the link HERE.
SUPPORT THE WCHA
Support the WCHA: The league announced the launch of its Support the WCHA giving campaign. All funds raised during the course of the campaign will go towards building the league's marketing efforts for the conference and promotion of the upcoming 2026 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff. Fans can donate today by clicking the link HERE.
WHERE TO WATCH
Back on B1G+: Fans can stream all games of the 2026 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff on B1G+. To subscribe, download the B1G+ app or visit bigtenplus.com. A B1G+ subscription, which provides access to WCHA hockey games and the entire library of events and programming on B1G+, is available in both annual ($89.99) and monthly ($12.99) options.
FOX9+: Fans can watch the entire 2026 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff on FOX9+ this weekend.
FACEOFF FACTS
In the Polls: Five of the eight WCHA squads were recognized in the latest USCHO poll. Wisconsin took the top spot, followed by No. 2 Ohio State, No. 4 Minnesota, No. 10 Minnesota Duluth, and No. 13 Minnesota State.
Mavericks Making Moves: For the first time since 2009 and the second time in program history, the Minnesota State Mavericks are making their way to the semifinals of the WCHA Final Faceoff after defeating Minnesota Duluth in the WCHA First Round best-of-three series. The Mavericks won the series in three games, including a double overtime win against the Bulldogs in game two of the series. The Mavericks will be the fourth seed at the event and face top-seeded Wisconsin in the first semifinal matchup.
Reigning Champs Return: The 2025 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff Champion, Wisconsin, is making its way back to the event after defeating Bemidji State in two games during the WCHA First Round. The Badgers took game one 7-0 and won game two 3-2 in overtime. The semifinal appearance marks the 26th in program history for the Badgers. The top-seeded Badgers will face the fourth-seeded Mavericks in the first semifinal on Thursday. Wisconsin won all four games during the regular season against Minnesota State.
Buckeyes are Back: After sweeping seventh-seeded St. Thomas in the WCHA First Round, the Buckeyes are making their ninth straight appearance in the semifinals. The Buckeyes will be the second seed and face third-seeded Minnesota in the second-semifinal game on Thursday. Ohio State went 3-1 on the season against the Gophers.
Sweet 27: The Minnesota Golden Gophers are making their 27th appearance in the semifinals after defeating St. Cloud State in three games to advance to the 2026 Kwik Trip WCHA Final Faceoff. The 27 appearances mark the most of any program.
Olympic Stage to the WCHA Final Faceoff: A total of 14 skaters from the 2026 Winter Olympics will be on display this weekend in St. Paul. Ohio State and Wisconsin both have five Olympians, while Minnesota has four. Six gold medalists from Team USA will be competing with Minnesota's Abbey Murphy, Ohio State's Joy Dunne, and Wisconsin's Caroline Harvey, Laila Edwards, Kirsten Simms, and Ava McNuaghton. Minnesota State head coach Shari Dickerman, who was an assistant coach for Team USA, will be guiding the Mavericks at the event.
100 Club: Ohio State's Emma Peschel recorded her 100th career point in the Buckeyes 4-1 win against St. Thomas in game two of the WCHA First Round. Peschel became the 22nd Buckeye in program history to accomplish the feat.
Nation's Best: Wisconsin's Lacey Eden currently leads the nation in points this season with 70, while Minnesota's Abbey Murphy ranks second with 64, and Wisconsin's Caroline Harvey is fourth with 58. Wisconsin's Ava McNaughton leads all goaltenders with her 1.27 goals against average.
For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com