If women’s hockey were to stay with the Frozen Four, a mere 13 percent of its teams qualify for the playoffs.
With 30 teams in the league and eight going to the playoffs, approximately 27 percent of the league’s teams will make the playoffs starting next season.
Not all women’s sports have received the playoff expansion women’s hockey will have. Less than 16 percent of women’s Division I volleyball teams make the playoffs. Similarly, women’s basketball qualifies about 19 percent of its teams for the Division I playoffs, and women’s soccer awards playoff spots to about 21 percent of its teams.
Players, coaches and fans alike hope continued growth from women’s hockey in Division I will bring the percentage of teams who make the NCAA tournament back down to that of the other sports.
“There are more and more D-I teams every year, and the field keeps expanding, so it makes sense that the Frozen Four is going to expand,” said McAuliffe.