Fill out Your 2026 Minnesota High School Hockey & Win
- 43 minutes ago
- 11 min read
The 2026 Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament kicks off soon, and fans can get involved by predicting winners and competing for prizes. With 16 teams across Class A and Class 2A, 22 games will take place between March 4-7 at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. BettorEdge offers a peer-to-peer platform to submit brackets, join groups, and track scores in real time - without traditional sportsbook fees.
Key Details:
Bracket Submission Deadline: March 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Top Prize: $100 SotaStick gift card.
Scoring System: Points increase by round, with bonus multipliers for underdog wins.
Sign up at BettorEdge to join the action, connect with other hockey fans, and test your prediction skills before the puck drops!
Step 1: Create Your Account and Join the Community
How to Set Up Your BettorEdge Account
Getting started with this social betting marketplace is quick and easy. Head over to play.bettoredge.com or download the iOS app at bettoredge.com/appleapp (Android users can access the APK at bettoredge.com/bettoredge-app). All you need is a valid email to register.
Once your account is set up, you’re ready to dive into the community and access exclusive hockey insights.
Finding and Joining Minnesota High School Hockey Groups
Now that you’ve created your BettorEdge account, it’s time to connect with others in Minnesota High School Hockey groups. Head to the Groups section to join local communities dedicated to high school hockey. You can also explore partner communities like 10K Takes and Bardown Beauties for even more exclusive content, group chats, and leaderboards. Joining these groups unlocks private chat rooms, custom leaderboards, and curated feeds where you can discuss matchups, share predictions, and get insider tips.
"This is perhaps the most frenzied week in Minnesota hockey"
As Star Tribune reporter Jim Paulsen observed, tournament week is filled with excitement and intensity, making community insights a game-changer. These groups offer real-time updates and analysis leading up to the seeding announcements on February 28, 2026. Once the seeds are finalized, your community will be buzzing with predictions and strategies to help you fine-tune your bracket before the games kick off.
Step 2: Find and Read the 2026 Tournament Brackets
Once the official seeding is announced on February 28, 2026, you’ll want to dive into the brackets. Head over to the Minnesota High School Hockey Bracket page to access the official tournament brackets for 2026. You can view the brackets directly within your Minnesota High School Hockey groups, making it easy to check matchups, monitor picks, and compare predictions.
The tournament includes both Class A and Class 2A, with eight teams in each class competing through quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship rounds. Consolation games, if needed, will take place at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. The championship games for both classes will be held at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
Class A vs. Class 2A: Key Details
Sixteen teams have earned their spots through sectional play and are ready to compete. Here's a quick breakdown of how the two classes stack up:
Feature | Class A (Small Schools) | Class 2A (Large Schools) |
Sections | 1A through 8A | 1AA through 8AA |
State Qualifiers | 8 Teams | 8 Teams |
Quarterfinals Start | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | Thursday, March 5, 2026 |
Championship Date | Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Noon | Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. |
Primary Venue | Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul | Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul |
Consolation Venue | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis | 3M Arena at Mariucci, Minneapolis |
Class A kicks off earlier, with quarterfinals starting Wednesday morning, while Class 2A begins on Thursday. The entire tournament spans four days and features 22 games. Seeding is critical - coaches typically vote to seed the top five teams in each class, while the remaining three teams are chosen via a blind draw.
Using BettorEdge Bracket Tools
After reviewing the matchups, take advantage of interactive tools on BettorEdge to analyze team records and fine-tune your predictions. The platform lays out every round - from the quarterfinals to the championship - making it simple to map out your bracket before submitting it.
For extra insights, check out real-time analysis from partners 10K Takes and Bardown Beauties. They offer in-depth reviews of team momentum, defensive stats, and head-to-head matchups to sharpen your strategy. Plus, the MSHSL's "Print bracket" feature allows you to create a physical copy for reference as you finalize your picks on BettorEdge.
Feeling ready to dive in? Complete your AA bracket for free (with a suggested donation) and get a shot at winning a $100 SotaStick gift card, thanks to SotaStick and the Jack Jablonski Foundation. Head to the Minnesota High School Hockey Bracket page to sign up. The Class A quarterfinals begin Wednesday morning at 11 a.m., so don’t wait too long!
Step 3: Make Your Predictions and Enter Competitions
Now that you've reviewed the official brackets, it’s time to pick your winners and submit your bracket. With the official seeding announced on February 28, 2026, you have all the details you need to make well-informed predictions for both Class A and Class 2A tournaments. Just remember, once the first puck drops, the brackets lock. Since Class A begins on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., make sure your picks are finalized before then.
How to Complete Your Bracket
Start by analyzing each quarterfinal matchup on the Minnesota High School Hockey Bracket page. You’ll need to select winners for all three rounds: quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship games.
Keep scoring strategies in mind. Under BettorEdge's default system, you earn 1 point for a Round 1 win, 2 points in Round 2, and 4 points in Round 3. Underdog victories can significantly boost your score thanks to multiplier bonuses. For instance, if a No. 4 seed wins in Round 1, you’d earn 4 points (1 point × 4), whereas a No. 1 seed win would only give you 1 point.
Look closely at potential upsets. For example, the No. 1 Minnetonka matchup against Gentry Academy in Class 2A could be one to watch. Andover’s unexpected win over Totino-Grace to secure their tournament spot is another reminder that surprises happen. Don’t always assume higher seeds will dominate - less than half of the statewide Top 25 teams even made it to the 2026 tournament. Use insights from partners like 10K Takes and Bardown Beauties to refine your picks.
Once your selections are locked in, it’s time to enter the competition.
How to Join Tournament Competitions
After finalizing your bracket, head over to the competition page to officially enter. The AA bracket challenge is free to join (though donations are encouraged), and the top bracket earns a $100 SotaStick gift card, courtesy of SotaStick and the Jack Jablonski Foundation. Partners 10K Takes and Bardown Beauties are also supporting the event with additional insights.
Be sure to join the Minnesota High School Hockey group on BettorEdge before submitting your entry. Don’t forget to provide tiebreaker answers in case multiple participants end up with the same score.
Ready to get started? Sign up and submit your bracket now at BettorEdge before Wednesday morning!
Step 4: Use Proven Strategies to Improve Your Picks
Winning your bracket comes down to making informed choices before locking in your predictions. Once your bracket is submitted, take time to refine your approach by analyzing teams in detail. Teams that go far in the Minnesota State Hockey Tournament often share key traits: strong goaltending, consistent defense, and experience under pressure.
How to Analyze Teams and Matchups
Start by diving into each team's defensive stats leading up to the tournament. For instance, Minnetonka, ranked as the top Class 2A team, allowed an impressive 1.3 goals per game during the 2026 season. In single-elimination games, a solid defense can make all the difference. Similarly, Chanhassen entered their section final on a nine-game winning streak, during which they never gave up more than one goal in any game.
Goaltending is often the game-changer. A prime example is Wayzata’s Ryan Pellinger, who delivered a standout performance in the 2026 Section 6AA semifinals, stopping 44 of 46 shots to upset top-seeded Rogers. When a goalie gets into a rhythm, even lower-seeded teams can become serious threats. Look at recent section finals to identify hot goalies who might carry their momentum into the tournament.
Also, consider a team’s program pedigree when evaluating tight matchups. Edina, for example, brings an unmatched history to the 2026 tournament with 44 state tournament appearances and 15 state titles. That kind of experience often gives teams an edge in high-pressure moments. As Minnesota Star Tribune reporter Jim Paulsen observed about the Section 3AA final:
"Rosemount has proved it deserves the No. 1 seed... But can the Irish handle section finals pressure? St. Thomas Academy sure can. The Cadets have 15 prior appearances and five state titles on their resume. Those kinds of things matter."
Finally, analyze head-to-head results and section final score margins to spot potential upsets. Use these insights to finalize your bracket on BettorEdge and compete with other hockey fans. For extra tips, check out insights from 10K Takes and Bardown Beauties.
Using BettorEdge Analytics Tools
After evaluating matchups, enhance your strategy with analytics tools. Keep the seed bonus scoring system in mind while making your picks. For example, a No. 4 seed winning in Round 1 earns 4 points, while a No. 1 seed victory earns just 1 point. Targeting calculated upsets can give your score a major boost.
Step 5: Connect with Other Users for Tips and Insights
The BettorEdge community offers a treasure trove of insights to give your bracket a boost. Why go it alone when you can tap into the collective knowledge of other users? By engaging with social feeds and group discussions, you can refine your picks, uncover hidden opportunities, and approach your bracket with a sharper strategy.
Following the Social Feed and Leaderboards
The social feed is your go-to for live updates, bracket picks, and expert takes on key matchups. It’s a great way to spot trends, like how Gentry Academy powered through to their first 2A state tournament or Northern Lakes’ thrilling overtime win in Section 6A. These moments often spark conversations about upset strategies and how to navigate tricky matchups.
A hot topic to watch for is seed bonus strategies. Since lower-seeded teams earn more points in the scoring system - a #4 seed win, for instance, multiplies by 4 - users often share their analyses of which underdogs might deliver the biggest payoff. You’ll come across posts debating whether to play it safe with high-seed stability or take a risk on “Cinderella” teams that could rocket you up the leaderboard. Once the tournament kicks off from March 4-7, keep an eye on top-ranked users in the leaderboards to see how they tweak their picks round by round.
These real-time updates are a perfect springboard for deeper dives in group discussions.
Participating in Group Discussions
Group discussions are where strategies come to life. Here, you can exchange ideas, ask questions, and challenge your own thinking. Dive into these conversations to explore matchups in greater detail, and don’t miss analysis from partners like 10K Takes and Bardown Beauties, who specialize in Minnesota high school hockey coverage.
Upset potential is a favorite topic within these discussions. For instance, when Wayzata snapped Rogers’ 13-game winning streak in the section semifinals, it sparked debate about how a hot goalie can completely shift the tournament landscape. Share your own thoughts on standout players or ask about teams riding momentum, such as Chanhassen’s impressive nine-game streak.
Use these insights to finalize your bracket before the action begins on March 4 and 5. By staying plugged into the community, you’ll be better prepared to make informed, strategic decisions.
Step 6: Track Your Results and Adjust for the State Tournament
Once your bracket is set and you've joined the competition, the next step is to follow the action as the tournament begins. With Class A games starting on March 4 and Class 2A on March 5, your bracket will be locked for this tournament. However, keeping an eye on how things unfold can offer insights to sharpen your strategy for future brackets.
How to Monitor Your Bracket Performance
Your score updates automatically after every game, based on a straightforward system: 1 point for Round 1, 2 points for Round 2, and 4 points for Round 3. Upsets earn seed bonuses, which can give you a significant edge. BettorEdge tracks your progress in real time, showing your leaderboard ranking as the tournament advances. Just keep in mind that seed bonus rules may differ depending on the league.
By checking the leaderboard after each game, you can see how your predictions - especially upsets - compare to others. These updates not only highlight your current standing but also help you refine your thought process for future tournaments.
Updating Your Strategy for State Tournament Rounds
While your bracket is locked, there's still plenty to learn as the tournament progresses. BettorEdge's real-time analytics allow you to observe trends and adjust your approach for the next competition. Pay close attention to high-pressure matchups, as they often reveal key patterns. For example, a standout goaltender can completely shift the dynamics of the tournament, leading to unexpected outcomes.
Use the MSHSL "Game Details" feature (found via the blue "i" icon on your bracket) to access live stats and box scores. You can also watch free broadcasts at 45tv.com to get a closer look at the matchups. As Jim Paulsen from The Minnesota Star Tribune aptly noted:
"Those kinds of things matter."
Tournament history is another critical factor to consider. Programs like Edina, which boasts 44 state tournament appearances and 15 state titles, often have the experience to thrive under pressure. Observing which teams excel and which falter under the spotlight can help you make smarter choices in the future. Additionally, insights from community partners like 10K Takes and Bardown Beauties can provide fresh perspectives to refine your strategy even further.
Conclusion
The 2026 Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament is officially upon us. With seedings announced on February 28, 2026, and Class A quarterfinals kicking off on March 4, now's the time to lock in your bracket before the first puck drops. Best of all, it’s completely free to enter, and the top bracket wins a $100 SotaStick gift card.
BettorEdge makes joining in simple and fun. Their weighted scoring system rewards those bold upset picks with seed bonuses, while real-time leaderboards let you track your progress. Want to try out different strategies? Go for it - unlimited bracket entries give you the freedom to experiment. You can even join Minnesota-specific groups to share insights, check out expert picks on the social feed, and follow fan-favorite teams like top-ranked Minnetonka or Class A contender Warroad. For expert analysis, keep an eye on 10K Takes and Bardown Beauties.
This year’s tournament promises excitement, with 16 teams battling it out over 22 games at Grand Casino Arena and 3M Arena at Mariucci. The unpredictability is real - over half of the statewide Top 25 didn’t make it past sectionals, leaving the competition wide open for surprises. Whether you’re sticking with the favorites or chasing those underdog stories, now’s the moment to finalize your picks.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Sign up and fill out your bracket here before the tournament begins. Join the fun, prove your hockey knowledge, and aim for the top of the leaderboard!
FAQs
How do I enter the bracket?
To join the 2026 Minnesota High School Hockey bracket contest, head over to the sign-up page and fill out your AA bracket. It's completely free to enter, but you have the option to make a donation if you'd like. Just follow the steps outlined on the page to submit your bracket and get a shot at winning.
Can I submit more than one bracket?
Yes, you can submit multiple brackets! There's no set limit on the number of entries, so go ahead and fill out as many as you'd like to increase your chances of winning.
How do seed bonus points work?
The available information doesn't explain how seed bonus points function or provide any specific details about their mechanics.
