The Athletic Hockey Show: Frozen Four & Memorial Cup Previews

Date: March 26, 2026
Hosts: Max Bultman, Corey Pronman, Scott Wheeler, Chris Peters

Episode Overview

This Prospect Series episode delivers in-depth previews of the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament (Frozen Four) and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) playoffs—culminating in picks for Memorial Cup favorites. The hosts break down every region of the NCAA tournament, analyze CHL league contenders, and debate top prospects and systems, blending sharp analysis with their signature playful banter.

NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament Preview

Sioux Falls Regional: North Dakota’s Advantage

Key Discussion Points:

• North Dakota seen as the favorite due to location ("home crowd feel at the Denny Sanford Premier Center") and team depth.
• Merrimack's first Hockey East title and reliance on standout goaltending for a potential upset.
• Providence and Quinnipiac noted for unpredictability and key players:
  • Quinnipiac: Ethan Whittenbach (country’s leading scorer), Marcus Vidicek, Antonin Varo
  • Providence: Star freshman Roger McQueen
• Panel split on how tight the group is.

Notable Quotes:

• “North Dakota, you look up and down their lineup, the experience they have...they look like the North Dakota of old.” (Chris Peters, 03:53)
• “I think those are three really good teams, and I think Nodak is the favorite. But I wouldn't be shocked, quite frankly, if one of those eastern teams wins the group.” (Corey Pronman, 05:06)

Regional Picks:

• Corey: Quinnipiac
• Scott: North Dakota
• Chris: North Dakota
• Max: North Dakota
  [08:28]

Worcester Regional: Is Michigan State the Best Bet?

Key Discussion Points:

• Michigan State deemed regional favorite, but Dartmouth’s turnaround under Reed Cashman and Wisconsin's upset potential highlighted.
• Dartmouth spotlight: Scoring star Hayden Stavroff, underdog narrative.
• Michigan State’s imposing size and Trey Augustine seen as X-factor.
• Panel notes Michigan State’s puck-moving limitations on defense.

Notable Quotes:

• “Their first line with Daniel Russell and Charlie Strammel and Porter Marton has been as good as any line in college hockey this season. And I think Trey's gonna rise to this moment here…” (Scott Wheeler, 13:10)
• "Dartmouth… has just carried the mail night after night after night for that group.” (Scott Wheeler, 11:30)

Regional Picks:

• Max, Chris, Scott, Corey: All pick Michigan State, but agree upsets are possible. [18:24]

Denver/Western Michigan Regional: Who Emerges from the “Gauntlet”?

Key Discussion Points:

• Western Michigan (defending champions) and Denver (NCHC champs) share a region, but hosts express skepticism about a repeat.
• Minnesota State—the “Finland of college hockey”—framed as a perennial tough out, led by clutch graduate Tristan Lemire.
• Denver and Cornell noted for blue-line-driven offense, rather than star forwards.
• Expectation for a chaotic, unpredictable regional.

Notable Quotes:

• “I look at this group and I see four good college teams. I don't look at Denver, Western or Cornell and see a team I feel confident can go the distance…” (Corey Pronman, 22:51)
• "...that region would be the most chaotic and the hardest to predict." (Max Bultman, 24:28)

Regional Picks:

• Corey: Denver
• Scott: Denver (but Cornell if they beat Denver)
• Chris: Cornell
• Max: Minnesota State, for Cinderella potential
  [24:52]

Michigan Regional: Blue’s Firepower vs. Duluth’s Experience

Key Discussion Points:

• Michigan’s prolific offense (4.5 goals/game) and increased veteran presence underlines their status as a 1-seed.
• Minnesota Duluth praised for leadership, depth, and a lethal top line (Shaugabay, Plant brothers).
• Discussion on whether high-skill, high-event teams like Michigan and Penn State can handle Duluth's structured, physical play.
• Chris Peters repeatedly voices doubts about Michigan and Penn State’s title credentials, championing Duluth’s chances—if their goaltending holds.
• Debate about Gavin McKenna (Penn State) and Michael Hage (Michigan) as the group’s most talented/impactful player.

Notable Quotes:

• “...they were a really good team in the fall, but they didn't absolutely dominate the conference and then the sort of same story into the, into the tournament...I still look at that team, though...and felt like they were going to...finally have their moment...” (Scott Wheeler, 12:21)
• “If Gavin isn't the number one pick, that almost looks worse for [Penn State] than the fact that he chose them...” (Chris Peters, 45:00)
• “If you gave me one or the other to win a game, I'm taking Hage, 100% of the time right now.” (Chris Peters, 41:57)

Regional Picks:

• Max, Corey, Scott: Michigan
• Chris: Minnesota Duluth
  [47:07]

National Semifinals / Title Picks

Key Conversation:

• Is the Big Ten or NCHC the best college hockey conference?
  • Chris: NCHC is more NHL-like in style, Big Ten has more talent/star power, but may not always translate to titles.
  • Corey: This could be the year a talent-loaded team wins it all.
• Big Ten’s NCAA title drought could (finally) end.

National Champion Picks:

• Chris: Michigan State
• Scott: Michigan State
• Corey: Michigan
• Max: North Dakota
  [50:12]

CHL Playoffs & Memorial Cup Preview

QMJHL (Quebec League)

Favorites & Storylines:

• Moncton: Top seed, depth (Caleb De Noyer, Tommy Bly), championship pedigree, and a bench led by Gardner McDougall.
• Challengers:
  • Chicoutimi Sags (high-octane offense, league-leading 321 goals).
  • Blaineville-Boisbriand (injury-riddled but deep and healthy now, dark horse potential).
• Likely QMJHL final: Moncton vs. Chicoutimi, with Blaineville as possible disruptor.

Notable Quotes:

• “They just score and they score and they score and they score.” (Chris Peters, 56:43)
• “I think Blaineville is a real threat, and I'd probably lean Chicoutimi over Moncton in a seven-game series as well.” (Scott Wheeler, 60:27)
• Corey picks: Chicoutimi to win Q
• Scott picks: Blaineville
• Chris: Gives Moncton the edge, but admits it’s wide open
  [60:34]

OHL (Ontario League)

Favorites & Storylines:

• Brantford Bulldogs: “Prohibitive favorite,” elite depth and balance across all positions; had a midseason slump but dominated late.
• Potential threats in the West: Windsor, Flint, Kitchener, Sault Ste. Marie (the “Sioux”—noted for Lucas Fischer and high energy).
• Ottawa 67's goalie Ryder Federal can steal games.
• Western Conference viewed as a "war," but none as elite as Brantford.

Notable Quotes:

• “They’re the only team in the OHL that I think has three first pairings, two legit starting goalies, and arguably three first-line caliber forward lines as well.” (Scott Wheeler, 61:15)
• “I think the west is where the compelling hockey is going to be.” (Scott Wheeler, 63:30)

Everyone picks Brantford to win the OHL.
[63:43]

WHL (Western League)

Favorites & Storylines:

• Kelowna hosts the Memorial Cup but not an inner-circle favorite.
• Most likely WHL finalists:
  • Everett Silvertips: Deep, dominant in the second half, led by Carter Bear, stand-out defense from Landon Dupont.
  • Medicine Hat Tigers: Explosive offense (the Ruck twins), Bryce Pickford as a key factor; very young but dangerous.
  • Prince Albert Raiders: League’s stingiest defense since adding Braden Coutts, Dax Rudolfs a standout, deep roster.
• Western Conference depth heavier than the East, softer path for Prince Albert/Medicine Hat.

Notable Quotes:

• “I can't see anybody other than one of those three teams coming out of the West.” (Corey Pronman, 69:12)
• “The east, outside of those two teams, has been extremely, extremely soft this year.” (Scott Wheeler, 70:10)

WHL Picks:

• Corey: Medicine Hat
• Scott: Everett
• Chris: Prince Albert
  [71:36]

Memorial Cup: Who’s the National Junior Champion?

Consensus:

• OHL (Brantford) is the favorite thanks to loading up, but there’s respect for the QMJHL model—top teams “always load up” and often shock at the Memorial Cup.
• Corey picks Chicoutimi (QMJHL) as his Memorial Cup winner.
• Scott & Chris stick with Brantford.
• Panel notes QMJHL teams often win because of their loading approach and league parity.
  [72:57]

Memorable Quotes & Fun Moments

• “Minnesota State is...the Finland of college hockey. Like, you can say what you want about their roster on paper. If you see them in a knockout round, buckle up, you're in for a really not fun 60 minutes.” (Max Boltman, 20:14)
• “If you have Tristan Lemire, you're going to the national championship game.” (Chris Peters, 22:46)

Timestamps Table of Major Segments

| Segment | Start Time | |-----------------------------------------------|-----------| | NCAA Sioux Falls Regional | 02:04 | | Worcester Regional | 09:06 | | Denver/Western Michigan Regional | 20:09 | | Michigan Regional | 29:34 | | NCAA Title Picks | 50:12 | | QMJHL Preview | 56:20 | | OHL Preview | 60:58 | | WHL Preview | 66:23 | | Memorial Cup Picks | 72:16 |

Tone & Style

The hosts mix deep analytics and prospect knowledge with relaxed, friendly debate and the occasional jab—creating an engaging listen that’s approachable for both serious and casual fans.

Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode is a masterclass for hockey fans eager for expert breakdowns ahead of both the NCAA tournament and junior playoffs. Get inside scouting insights, lively debates about player potential and conference strength, and sharp picks for which programs look best positioned to win the biggest trophies in North American amateur hockey this year.

Note: Ads and non-content chatter have been skipped. All timestamps refer to the main segment content.