The 1956 NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey Tournament was the 9th such tournament in NCAA history. It was held between March 15 and 17, 1956, and concluded with Michigan defeating Michigan Tech 7 to 5. All games were played at the Broadmoor Ice Palace in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 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 and 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 instead.