The D-I men's hockey playoffs feature the top sixteen teams in the nation, while there are nine teams that compete for the D-III crown. On the women's side, post-season play includes the eight best teams regardless of division level.

Once the men's and women's playoff fields are pared down to four, the surviving teams square off in the Frozen Four, hockey's version of college basketball's Final Four. The hockey event doesn't draw nearly as much exposure as their hardwood counterparts, but the games are broadcast on national TV for millions and millions of viewers to see.

There's hardware to be had for the best individual players, too. The top Division-I men's player can win the Hobey Baker Award, while Division-III players vie for the Sid Watson Award. Women's players compete for the Patty Kazmaier Award.