2026 Chipotle-USA Hockey Girls National Championship: Brackets, Teams, & Tournament Storylines

Описание: In this episode of the USA Hockey Next Generation Podcast, Drew Shore and Lyndsey Fry host the official 2026 Chipotle USA Hockey Girls National Championship Selection Show. Joined by USA Hockey’s Kristen Saegert, the group reveals the teams competing across Tier I and Tier II divisions at the 14U, 16U, and 19U levels.

The show breaks down key matchups, highlights emerging programs from across the country, and discusses the continued growth of girls hockey in both traditional and developing markets. Coaches from Shattuck-St. Mary’s, BK Selects, Cleveland Lady Barons, Steel City Selects, and Utah Lady Grizzlies join the program to discuss their teams and preparation for the national stage.

From powerhouse programs to first-time qualifiers, the episode captures the excitement surrounding the road to a national championship and the expanding opportunities for girls’ hockey across the United States.

Key Points From This Episode:
[00:00:00] Opening introduction and welcome to the 2026 Chipotle-USA Hockey Girls National Championship Selection Show.
[00:00:25] Drew Shore and Lyndsey Fry introduce the show and welcome USA Hockey’s Kristen Saegert.
[00:01:05] Tier I 14U bracket is revealed across the USA, Olympic, NHL, and Liberty pools.
[00:02:16] Discussion of top teams to watch in the 14U division and expectations for the tournament.
[00:03:38] Conversation about the continued growth of girls hockey, highlighted by programs like the Carolina Hurricanes.
[00:03:58] Tier I 16U bracket announcement begins.
[00:04:42] Interview with Shattuck-St. Mary’s coach Ellie Williams-Doherty on preparing for nationals.
[00:08:14] Remaining 16U NHL and Liberty pool matchups are revealed.
[00:09:06] Discussion about Olympic momentum and the continued growth of girls hockey nationwide.
[00:09:51] Minnesota’s split-season development model is explained.
[00:10:37] Tier I 19U bracket announcement.
[00:11:54] Interview with BK Selects coach Cari Coen about her team’s preparation for the 2026 Chipotle-USA Hockey Girls National Championship.
[00:14:39] Conversation about the impact of the PWHL and increased visibility for women’s hockey.
[00:17:04] Recap of the Tier I girls selections.
[00:17:18] Sponsor message.
[00:17:33] Tier II tournament coverage begins with the 14U 2A bracket reveal.
[00:19:30] Discussion about how teams prepare during the gap between qualification and the national tournament.
[00:21:46] Tier II 14U 1A bracket reveal.
[00:23:22] Interview with Cleveland Lady Barons coach Mindy French.
[00:27:49] Tier II 16U 2A bracket reveal.
[00:28:38] Interview with Steel City Selects coach Jim Black.
[00:33:21] Discussion about the competitiveness and depth of Massachusetts tier-two programs.
[00:35:05] Tier II 16U 1A bracket reveal.
[00:35:35] Interview with Utah Lady Grizzlies coach Rob Johnson.
[00:39:46] Discussion about the growth of girls hockey in Utah and other emerging markets.
[00:42:07] Tier II 19U 2A bracket announcement.
[00:44:01] Conversation about hockey development in Alaska and the challenges faced by remote programs.
[00:45:44] Tier II 19U 1A final bracket reveal.
[00:48:06] Discussion about the narrowing competitive gap across girls hockey programs nationwide.
[00:50:50] Explanation of the USA Hockey at-large selection process.
[00:54:14] Closing remarks and congratulations to all teams qualifying for nationals.



Links:
USA Hockey - ⁠⁠https://www.usahockey.com⁠⁠
Drew Shore - ⁠https://www.drewshore.com⁠⁠
Lindsey Fry - ⁠⁠https://fryhockey.com/⁠
2026 Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championship- https://nationals.usahockey.com/