Bracketology XTRA: Two swaps to avoid interconference play this week, one for attendance

Hosts Jim Connelly (@jimmyconnelly) and Ed Trefzger (@EdTrefzger) unpack the February 18, 2026 Bracketology column on USCHO.com with this weekly episode of Bracketology XTRA.

Here is this week's updated bracket:

LOVELAND REGION

Michigan State (1)
Denver
Minnesota Duluth
Bentley (AHA rep)

WORCESTER REGION

Western Michigan (4)
Penn State
Connecticut
Boston College

SIOUX FALLS REGION

North Dakota (3)
Quinnipiac
Dartmouth
Wisconsin

ALBANY REGION

Michigan (2)
Providence
Cornell
St. Thomas

For details on how this bracket was put together, visit this week's column at https://www.uscho.com/2026/02/18/bracketology-an-attendance-swap-that-is-a-must/

This episode is sponsored by the NCAA Men's Frozen Four, April 9 and 11 in Las Vegas. Tickets: https://ncaa.com/mfrozenfour

Find all of our podcasts at USCHO.com/podcasts