Big college hockey rivalries aren’t just the NHL’s typical “Wednesday Night Rivalry Night.” It’s a passionate affair that starts months before they even play a game. College hockey rivals are dedicated to the fact that they hate each other above all else. A game played with true rivalries is full of grit, passion, and talent.

Rivalries stem from geographical locations

Like Boston University vs. Boston College, just a few miles apart they have had strong series of rival games. Dubbed the “Green Line Rivalry.” The two Boston teams are separated by only five miles and the Green Line Trolley is what connects the two teams. College rivals are part of the draw to college hockey; the players draw their hate from the past games. The two Boston teams started their series in 1918; the 100 years of hockey have been filled with fights, goals and pride of the victories over the other team. Over 240 games have been played with the two Boston teams, and the series won’t stop.

Minnesota after scoring against UND in the 2014 Frozen Four

Rivalries also come from consistently playing each other for years. Especially in big games.

For example, University of Minnesota and University of North Dakota have a long-standing history of hating each other, like REALLY hating each other. With UND even having “#HateWeek” prior to playing the Gophers. The two teams are absolutely dedicated to the fact of disliking the other team. Having been rivals in the past WCHA, and scheduling nonconference games now, it has a long history. The rivalry only gets more intense when they face off in the postseason. The most recent was 2014, when in the Frozen Four Semi-finals Minnesota scored on UND with only 0.6 seconds left to win the game 2-1. The renewal of the rivalry for a home game in North Dakota created a great interest of Fighting Hawk fans, with the tickets selling out instantly. UND’s Ralph Englestad Arena was absolutely packed for the series; the fans are still interested in seeing the rivalry played.

College hockey rivals are consistently the biggest draw for NCAA hockey. People are absolutely willing to travel to watch rivals play. When teams hate each other that much, and when players are willing to take a penalty just to cheap shot the other team; that’s dedication to hatred and rivalries. One of the best things about college hockey are the rivalries, any true fan will tell you that. If you get the chance attend a big rival game, it won’t disappoint, I can guarantee that.