The 2003 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament involved 16 schools playing in single-elimination play. The tournament began on March 28, 2003, and ended with the championship game on April 12. A total of 15 games were played. 2003 was the first year 16 teams were invited to the tournament and was the first expansion of the tournament since 1988 when it increased from eight to 12 teams. The first and second rounds of the 2003 tournament were divided across four regional sites, an increase from the two regional format in place since 1992. Minnesota became the first team to successfully defend their title since Boston University won back-to-back titles in 1971 and 1972 defeating New Hampshire, 5 to 1 in the Championship game.