from Dan Rubin of USCHO.com,

This weekend, two of the nation’s best leagues collide when the NCHC meets Hockey East in the national semifinals.

It’s a microcosm of college hockey — two of the more powerful leagues producing the four teams who will play each other in a type of crossover, with Omaha playing Providence and North Dakota playing Boston University.

It should create a vibe inside the arena where East meets West in a battle of dueling hockey cultures.

“There is definitely an East-West feel to this year,” said Providence coach Nate Leaman. “I love how it is because it lets you play teams you might not ordinarily see, and it really helps you learn and respect other coaches and the job that they’ve done at their schools.”

continued

via ESPN,

Frozen Four semifinals

Four teams, two games at TD Garden (Boston)

Thursday, April 9

5:00 on ESPN2: Providence vs. Nebraska-Omaha
8:30 on ESPN2: Boston University vs. North Dakota

National championship

Saturday, April 11 (7:30 p.m. on ESPN)