Vic Heyliger captured his 6th and final National title with the Wolverines, all done in the first 9 years of the tournament.
Four teams qualified for the tournament, two each from the eastern and western regions.
The two best WIHL teams and a Tri-State League representative received bids into the tournament as did one independent school.
Clarkson, who had completed a 23–0 record in the regular season, were offered a bid by the selection committee.
The Golden Knights, however, had 8 four-year seniors on the team (who would not have been allowed to play in the tournament) and declined the invitation, leaving the second place team from the Tri-State League to go in their stead.