The 2005 tournament was the first to feature eight teams. The highest four seeds were invited to host first round competition for the right to advance to the Frozen Four. The expanded field also allowed for the creation of auto-bids for each of the four conferences in Division I women's hockey at the time. The 2005 tournament was also the last to feature a consolation game. From 2006 forward, both teams losing semi-final games were awarded third place.