Everything College Hockey’s Preseason Top-20 Rankings
By alex berger - september 15, 2025We are now less than a month away from the 2025 college hockey season, which is already shaping up to be one of the wildest in recent memory. A new influx of talent from the Canadian Hockey League has caused a ripple effect from the ‘Blue Bloods’ to the ‘New Bloods’ and every team in between.
Our preseason top-20 features teams from all five of the six major conferences - the Big Ten (6 teams), CCHA (1), ECAC (2), Hockey East (7), and NCHC (4) - and includes 14 of the 16 teams from last year’s NCAA Tournament.
#1 - Western Michigan Broncos
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 34-7-1, Won National Championship
Goals/Game: 3.98/game (T-1st in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.05/game (T-3rd)
Power Play: 25.7% (T-6th)
Penalty Kill: 86.7% (4th)
Three Biggest Returners: Owen Michaels (Forward, 18 goals - 18 assists - 36 points, Frozen Four MVP), Hampton Slukynsky (Goaltender, 19-5-1, 1.90 GAA, .922 SV%), and Grant Slukynsky (Forward, 10-26-36)
Three Biggest Departures: Alex Bump (Forward, 23-24-47), Tim Washe (Forward, 16-22-38, 63.1% on faceoffs), and Matteo Costantini (Forward, 8-15-23)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Transfer Junior William Whitelaw, Forward (11-7-18 in 35 G for Michigan in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
The defending national champions may have lost a few key pieces from their title team, but their identity remains the same. Goaltender Hampton Slukynsky anchors a very strong returning back end, featuring four defenseman from last year’s Frozen Four run (including the top pair in Samuel Sjolund and Joona Vaisanen). Western Michigan will once again roll four lines, get pucks deep, cause turnovers in the neutral zone, and make it all-around miserable to play against every single night.
Season Outlook -
Only one team gets to raise a championship banner every year, but not everyone gets to raise a conference regular season and postseason banner at the same time. The Broncos became the first team since Union in 2014 to win the trifecta: winning their first-ever Penrose Cup, NCHC Frozen Four, and NCAA Championship in the same historic season. Western Michigan will hold their banner opening night against in-state rival Ferris State on Thursday, October 9th.
After that, their title defense begins. WMU has a tough slate of nonconference opponents this season with home-and-homes against the above-mentioned Bulldogs and Michigan, a road series against UMas-Lowell, and a potential matchup against Boston College at this year’s Kwik Trip Holiday Faceoff.
The biggest concern with Western Michigan heading into 2025 is they seemingly lost more talent than they gained. Star winger Alex Bump signed with the Philadelphia Flyers, center Tim Washe graduated (and then signed with the Anaheim Ducks), seniors Wyatt Shingoethe and Matteo Costantini, and graduate senior Robby Dazner. That group could have left early after three-straight exits in the NCAA regional round, but decided to stick around for one last ride. The Broncos aren’t just losing their top goal and point scorer (Bump) and top center (Washe), but combined they are losing hundreds of combined games of leadership experience.
However, WMU showed last year that they don’t need NHL Draft picks to win games, they just need guys to buy into their system. They’ll get that in a returning defensive group which is adding Merrimack transfer Zach Bookman (17 points in 33 G last season) to the back end. Their top defensive pairing of Sjolund and Väisänen - a duo that combined for 47 assists last season - should remain the same.
Up front, the Broncos are adding Michigan transfer Will Whitelaw (21 goals in two seasons) and Colorado College Transfer Zaccharya Wisdom (21 points in 36 G last season). Wisdom seems like he will be an absolute perfect fit in this system as a winger who can cause turnovers on the forecheck, or explode offensively on a given night. Four of his career 18 goals came in one game against North Dakota in his freshman season. If he and Whitelaw, a third-round pick who has struggled at times over his first two years, can find some more offensive consistency they should slot in nicely in the top-six alongside Frozen Four MVP Owen Michaels.
The Broncos are another team that’s going to be hard to play against every night, as you aren’t able to focus on just one offensive player and it’s hard enough to score on Hampton Slukynsky, one of the best returning goaltenders in the country. The sophomore should be the full-time starter this year after splitting time with Cameron Rowe for the regular season.
#2 - Penn State Nittany Lions
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 22-14-4, Lost in Frozen Four Semifinals
Goals/Game: 3.48/game (T-7th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 3.00/game (T-36th)
Power Play: 23.6% (16th)
Penalty Kill: 79.7% (32nd)
Three Biggest Returners: Aiden Fink (Forward, 23 G - 30 A- 53 P), Charlie Cerrato (Forward, 15-27-42), and Cade Christensen (Defenseman, 2-7-9, +23)
Three Biggest Departures: Arsenii Sergeev (Goalie, 19-9-4, 2.54 GAA, .919 SV%), Simon Mack (Defenseman, 3-27-30, +23, Captain), and Danny Dzhaniyev (Forward, 12-19-31)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming Freshman Gavin McKenna, Forward (41-88-129 in 56 G with the Medicine Hat Tigers [WHL] in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
The Nittany Lions made their first Frozen Four in program history last season, and only got better. Penn State had multiple first round or projected first round NHL talents commit to ‘Hockey Valley’ this summer, highlighted by WHL superstar and projected #1 overall pick, Gavin McKenna. They’ll also have two Hobey Baker Top-10 Finalists on the roster in Aiden Fink and transfer defenseman Mac Gadowsky, son of head coach Guy Gadowsky.
Season Outlook -
Penn State’s projected top line of Gavin McKenna–Reese Laubach–Aiden Fink should top a combined 150 this season, meaning opposing teams are going to have to score a lot of goals if they want to keep pace. But the Nittany Lions were a below-average defensive team in 2024-’25 and have a change in net for this season. Junior goaltender Arsenii Sergeev signed with the Calgary Flames following their Frozen Four run, and Omaha transfer Kevin Reidler (4-1-0, 3.20 GAA, .920 SV% in 8 G) will likely start in his place to begin the season. Reidler was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators. Penn State also brought in Josh Fleming from the QMHJHL, and returns sophomore John Seifarth.
Their Big Ten schedule will once again be a grind, and the Nittany Lions will also have little room for error in their nonconference schedule. They play on the road at Arizona State to open the season, host Clarkson, Long Island, and Stonehill, and have a home-and-home matchup with RIT in early January. None of those five teams made the NCAA Tournament last season, and any loss or losses could make a significant mark on their NCAA Percentage Index (the new metric used to determine the tournament field).
However, those are relatively nitpicky criticisms to make for a team heading into a season. Penn State’s roster is full of talent, and head coach Guy Gadowsky showed last year he can lead a team deep in both the conference and NCAA Tournament. McKenna and co. will now try to get them over the hump.
#3 - Michigan State Spartans
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 26-7-4, Lost in NCAA Regional Semifinals
Goals/Game: 3.49/game (T-7th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.08/game (T-5th)
Power Play: 25.3% (10th)
Penalty Kill: 81.8% (T-18th)
Three Biggest Returners: Trey Augustine (Goalie, 19-7-4, 2.08 GAA, .924 SV%), Charlie Stramel (Forward, 9 G - 18 A - 27 P), and Daniel Russel (Forward, 13-12-25, 7 GWG)
Three Biggest Departures: Isaac Howard (Forward, 26-26-52), Red Savage (5-6-11, Captain), and Nicklas Andrews (Defenseman, 2-16-18, 50 blocked shots)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming Freshman Cayden Lindstrom, Defenseman (#4 Overall pick in 2024 Draft, 2-2-4 in 4 G with the Medicine Hat Tigers [WHL] in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Michigan State was one of the top teams in the country for the entire season last year, but were upset in their first game of the NCAA Tournament. Although they lost Isaac Howard late in the summer, they return a good chunk of their roster, Mike Richter Award finalist Trey Augustine, and welcome in a huge recruiting class (including two top-ten NHL Draft picks in Cayden Lindstrom and Porter Martone).
Season Outlook -
Michigan State was one of the most active teams over the offseason. First, Hobey Baker Award winner Isaac Howard announced he would return to school for his senior season. Then, MSU picked up a commitment from top-five NHL Draft pick Cayden Lindstrom from the WHL. They were in the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes until the very end, just missing out on the generational prospect to Penn State. Howard’s NHL rights were traded from Tampa Bay to Edmonton the very next day after McKenna’s announcement on ESPN, and the ‘Ice Man’ was signed to his entry-level contract. The Spartans softened the blow of losing college hockey’s top player (and prospect) with a late commitment from forward Porter Martone, the #6 overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft.
In the span of just a few months, MSU turned over a large majority of their team’s top players, but their team identity will remain the same under head coach Adam Nightingale. That starts with goaltending. Trey Augustine is back for his junior season after posting career highs in goals against average (2.08) and save percentage (.924%) last season. The second-round pick could have left for the Detroit Red Wings this summer, but decided to return for another chance at a title.
It also helps that Michigan State will once again be one of the most talented teams in the country this year. They have 14 NHL Draft picks on the roster, including four first-rounders in Lindstrom, Martone, Ryker Lee, and Charlie Stramel. The first three are incoming freshmen, and are all expected to play heavy minutes early in the season. The biggest question mark, however, is Lindstrom. He sat out most of last year with a back injury but came back for the WHL Championship. If he plays up to his #4-overall pick ceiling he will be one of (if not the best) forwards in the Big Ten this season.
The Spartans should be in the mix for a third-straight #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but they’ll have to prove their worth against the rest of a very tough Big Ten and a non-conference schedule featuring road games against Boston University and New Hampshire and the Great Lakes Invitational.
#4 - Boston University Terriers
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 24-14-2, Lost in NCAA Championship Game
Goals/Game: 3.75/game (4th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.98/game (T-36th)
Power Play: 28.1% (4th)
Penalty Kill: 79.1% (T-35th)
Three Biggest Returners: Cole Hutson (Defenseman, 14 G - 34 A - 48 P), Cole Eiserman (Forward, 25-11-36), and Jack Harvey (Forward, 11-16-27)
Three Biggest Departures: Quinn Hutson (Forward, 23-27-50), Ryan Greene (Forward, 13-25-38, co-captain), and Shane Lachance (Forward, 12-18-30, co-captain)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Transfer Sophomore Sacha Boisvert, Forward (NCHC Rookie of the Year, 18-14-32 in 37 G for North Dakota in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Boston University will have one of the strongest defensive corps in the country this season, featuring seven NHL Draft picks taken in the first three rounds. That includes Cole Hutson, who tied Denver’s Zeev Buium for the most points by a defenseman (48). The Terriers will also have a potent offense, even though they lost his brother and leading point-scorer Quinn to the NHL. Leading goal-scorer Cole Eiserman (25) is back for his sophomore season, and BU picked up a pair of NHL Draft pick transfers from North Dakota (including first round selection Sacha Boisvert).
Season Outlook -
The Terriers made their third-straight Frozen Four and their first NCAA Championship game in a decade last season, but still couldn’t get over the hump against Owen Michaels, Alex Bump, and the rest of the Western Michigan Broncos. Led by the Huston brothers, Quinn and Cole, BU was the only Hockey East team to make the Frozen Four despite finishing third in the conference (behind Boston College and Maine).
Boston University has made the Frozen Four every season under head coach Jay Pandolfo, and will look to continue the country’s longest-active streak with a new look up front. Their entire top line of Shane Lachance, Ryan Green, and Quinn Hutson (118 combined points in 2024-’25) signed NHL entry-level contracts in the spring. To help replace them, BU found some big fish in both the transfer portal and from the CHL. First-round draft pick Sacha Boisvert (18 goals - 14 assists - 32 points last season) and seventh-rounder Owen McLaughlin (5-25-30) announced their transfers to Boston U from North Dakota over the summer. Boisvert led the Fighting Hawks in goals, while McLaughlin led the team in assists.
In June, the Terriers made a big splash in the pool of CHL players with the commitment of Ryder Ritchie, a second-round pick by the Minnesota Wild. The 6’1” winger put up 61 points in 53 games with Medicine Hat last season, and is a highly skilled player who should slot in nicely alongside sophomore Cole Eiserman and Boisvert on Boston University’s top line.
The offensive changes will figure themself out, especially with so many players returning on the back end for the Terriers. Six of the seven defenseman who played in last year’s Frozen Four are back this season, and BU is adding two third-round draft picks in Malte Vass and Charlie Trethewey to the back end. Goaltender Mikhail Yegorov is also back, and will play his first full season in Boston after joining the Terriers in January of last year. The Russian netminder took over the starting job almost right away, and allowed two or fewer goals in 13 of his 18 games in net (72%). Teams lift trophies with defense and goaltending. Boston University seems to have both heading into 2025.
#5 - Boston College Eagles
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 27-8-2, Lost in NCAA Regional Final
Goals/Game: 3.38/game (T-9th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 1.76/game (2nd)
Power Play: 17.5% (T-42nd)
Penalty Kill: 89.8% (2nd)
Three Biggest Returners: James Hagens (Forward, 11 goals - 26 assists - 37 points, 7th overall pick in 2025 NHL Draft), Andre Gasseau (Forward, 15-15-30, third-straight season with 29+ points), and Aram Minnetian (Defenseman, 2-13-15, 21:32 average time on ice/game)
Three Biggest Departures: Ryan Leonard (Forward, 30-19-49), Gabe Perreault (16-32-48), and Jacob Fowler (Goaltender, 25-7-2, 1.63 GAA, .940 SV%, and seven shutouts)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Transfer junior Ryan Conmy (Forward, 15-18-33 in 34 G with Holy Cross in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Boston College’s national championship drought continues despite two-straight seasons as the #1 overall seed, and even though they lost a large group of NHL-ready talent, the Eagles are considered one of the top teams in Hockey East again this year. Part of that is the return of top-ten pick James Hagens, who could have made the ten-mile trek East from the Conte Forum to TD Garden to play for the Bruins instead this season. BC also returns other Bruins’ draft picks Andrea Gasseau, Oskar Jellvik, and Dean Letourneau.
Season Outlook -
The Eagles return to Chestnut Hill this fall squarely in the top-20, somewhere they’ve made themselves pretty comfortable over the last few seasons. Boston College has won 61 games over the last two years, trailing only Denver for the most in college hockey in that stretch. The Eagles were “upset” by the Pioneers in last year’s NCAA tournament, failing to reach the Frozen Four despite losing just seven games all season up until that point.
Boston College will get a chance at revenge this upcoming season, as they host Denver for a single game at the Conte Forum in late October. It’s just one game in a stacked non-conference schedule, which also includes a home matchup against Quinnipiac to begin the season, a road series against Minnesota, and a trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off.
That non-conference slate will be a good test for a roster that looks very different than it did just a few seasons ago. Yes, some top offensive players like James Hagens and Teddy Stiga are back, but Boston College will look for a new batch of depth forwards to step into some more meaningful minutes after the loss of Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perrault.
Another big change will be in net, as longtime starter Jacob Fowler leaves campus after a stellar two-year career. The now Montreal Canadien played in 35/37 games last season and 39/40 the season before that. Fowler was top five in the NCAA in wins (25-7-2, 2nd), goals against average (1.63, 2nd), save percentage (.940, 3rd), shutouts (7, 2nd) last season, taking home the Mike Richter Award for best goaltender in college hockey.
Incoming freshman Louka Cloutier seems to be the man to fill in the pipes. The fifth-round draft pick has posted some mediocre stats for a below-average Chicago Steel team in the USHL over the last two years, but possesses some excellent traits and good size. He’s an exciting prospect for both Boston College fans and the Colorado Avalanche to watch develop.
#6 - Maine Black Bears
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 24-8-6, Lost In NCAA Regional Semifinal
Goals/Game: 3.26/game (T-11th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 1.97 (T-3rd)
Power Play: 21.2% (T-25th)
Penalty Kill: 82.9% (15th)
Three Biggest Returners: Albin Boija (Goaltender, 23-8-6, 1.82 GAA, .928 SV%), Josh Nadeau (Forward, 10-19-29), and Frank Djurasevic (Defenseman, 7-21-28)
Three Biggest Departures: Harrison Scott (Forward, 18-17-35), Taylor Makar (Forward, 18-12-30), and David Breazeale (Defenseman, 3-10-13, 49 blocked shots, co-captain)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming Freshman Miguel Marques, Forward (14-24-38 in 29 G with the Lethbridge Hurricanes [WHL] in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Maine is one of the fastest ascending teams in college hockey, going from seven wins in 2021-22 to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time since the mid-2000’s under head coach Ben Barr. Goaltender Albin Boija is back after a fantastic sophomore season in which he posted a 1.82 GAA, a .928 SV%, and four shutouts (all top-five marks among goalies with 30+ games played). The Black Bears are welcoming in five NHL Draft picks from the Canadian Hockey League as a part of their 2025 freshmen class.
Season Outlook -
Maine is coming off their first Hockey East postseason title in two decades, and the momentum is real in Orono. The Black Bears have won 20+ games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2005 and 2006 and return one of the country’s top goaltenders in Albin Boija. The Swede took over the starting job last year after a strong freshman campaign and quickly turned into one of the most exciting goalies in recent history. It seemed like every week a save of his would be posted and go viral (his diving save against Massachusetts in March comes to mind).
After rolling through last year’s Hockey East tournament, Maine matched up against future Frozen Four team Penn State in the first round in what was basically a road game. It was a disappointing end to a historic season, but Maine is coming back with some key pieces from last year’s team, including: Josh Nadeau (forward), Frank Djurasevic (defenseman), and Charlie Russell (forward) who all ranked in the top five in team points last season.
However, the Black Bears will have to find a way to replace the 36 combined goals scored by team co-leaders Harrison Scott and Taylor Makar, who both graduated after last season. Some players that have a chance to step up or contribute right away include junior forward Sully Scholle (3-13-16) and incoming freshmen forwards Miguel Marques (3rd round pick in 2025 NHL Draft) and Justin Poirier (5th round pick in 2024). The latter two lit up the WHL over the past two seasons, posting 136 goals in their 222 combined games.
Defensively, Maine returns three of their top four defensemen: Frank Djurasevic, Brandon Chabrier, and Brandon Holt. Not only did they help Maine have one of the best defenses in the country (1.97 goals against/game, T-3rd best in NCAA), the trio combined for 47 assists from the blue line last year and only looks to get better with another season under their belts.
The Hockey East schedule will be a gauntlet once again, but the Black Bears did themselves no favors with their non-conference schedule. They face both Quinnipiac and Denver on the road, and welcome Holy Cross and Colgate to Alfond Arena. Five wins in those eight games would go a long way in helping Maine get back to the NCAA Tournament for the third-straight year.
#7 - Denver Pioneers
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 31-12-1, Lost in Frozen Four Semifinals
Goals/Game: 3.95/game (T-1st in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.14/game (T-5th)
Power Play: 28.8% (3rd)
Penalty Kill: 81.7% (T-21st)
Three Biggest Returners: Eric Pohlkamp (Defenseman, 11-24-points), Sam Harris (Forward, 23-12-35), and Rieger Lorenz (Forward, 6-14-20)
Three Biggest Departures: Zeev Buium (Defenseman, 13-25-48), Jack Devine (Forward, 13-44-57), and Matt Davis (Goaltender, 29-10-1, 2.07 GAA, .924 SV%)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming Freshman Kristian Epperson, Forward (27-53-80 in 58 G with the Saginaw Spirit [OHL] in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Denver has reached the Frozen Four in four of the seven years under head coach David Carle. In two of those years they won it all, and in the other two they lost to the eventual national champion in the semifinals. Carle declined to make a jump to the NHL despite some real interest, which means Denver should once again be a top team in the country. Despite losing a huge corp of top players, the Pios are bringing back almost their entire top-six (minus Zeev Buium) and are welcoming a large and talented rookie class to the Rockies.
Season Outlook -
The Denver senior class had one last ride in 2024-’25, searching for their third NCAA title in their four-year careers. That group of players (including Jack Devine, Matt Davis, Carter King, and Connor Copponi) has been one of the best corps in college hockey over the past decade. The Pioneers “upset” #1 overall seed Boston College to make it back to the Frozen Four but came up just short against Western Michigan in their semifinal game. It was a bittersweet ending for a group of players who had posted 30+ wins in each of their four seasons on campus.
Now, Denver has the task of finding a way to replace those players. It starts with this year’s incoming class of ten freshmen, which include five NHL Draft picks: forward Clarke Caswell (5th rounder), forward Kristian Epperson (3rd), defenseman Eric Jamieson (5th), forward Brendan McMorrow (7th), and goaltender Quentin Miller (7th).
But those will be the only new players on this year’s roster. The Pioneers are one of the few teams in the country who aren’t bringing in anyone from the NCAA transfer portal. That could mean they expect upperclassmen Sam Harris and Rieger Lorenz to continue to produce, and some younger players like Jake Fisher (8 goals - 7 assists - 15 points in 2024-’25) and Hagen Burrows (1-8-9) to make a jump in their sophomore years.
Like most teams on this list, Denver’s defensive corps is mostly intact from last season. That includes Bemidji State transfer Eric Pohlkamp (11-24-35) and Boston Buckberger (9-21-30), who was injured in the NCHC Frozen Faceoff championship game and missed the NCAA Tournament. Denver expects the junior defenseman back this season after posting 20+ assists in his first two seasons.
It is a new age in the Rocky Mountains, but the Pioneers should continue to excel under head coach David Carle. The now eighth-year head coach signed a “multi-season” extension in early May, meaning he won’t make the jump to the NHL just yet. Carle has consistently gotten the best out of his players. I expect the same to happen with the new group coming to campus this fall.
#8 - Connecticut Huskies
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 23-12-4, Lost in NCAA Regional Final
Goals/Game: 3.33/game (T-11th)
Goals Against/Game: 2.49/game (T-16th)
Power Play: 23.1% (17th)
Penalty Kill: 81.5% (24th)
Three Biggest Returners: Joey Muldowney (Forward, 29 goals - 18 assists - 47 points, top returning goal scorer in NCAA), Jake Richard (Forward, 15-28-43), and Trey Scott (Defenseman, 3-14-17)
Three Biggest Departures: Hudson Schandor (Forward, 10-31-41, captain), Callum Tung (Goaltender, 10-4-1, 2.01 GAA, .933 SV%), and John Spetz (Defenseman, 1-12-13, team-leading 22:03 average time on ice/game)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming freshman Alexandre Blais (Forward, 20-53-73 in 60 G with the Rimouski Oceanic [QMJHL’ in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Connecticut made their first NCAA Tournament in program history last season, and was an overtime goal away from advancing to the Frozen Four. Their top three goal scorers are back, including the top returning scorer in college hockey, Joey Muldowney (29 goals in 39 games). The Huskies should once again be one of the most high-flying offenses in the country and are set to build on their momentum from their historic 2024 season.
Season Outlook -
After a heartbreaking end to the best season in program history, Connecticut returns in 2025-’26 as a top contender under reigning Hockey East Head Coach of the Year Mike Cavanaugh. In his 12th season behind the bench Cavanaugh led the Huskies to their second-ever conference championship game and first-ever NCAA Tournament.
UConn scored 3.33 goals/game last year, tied for the 11th-best mark in college hockey. But their offense was even better in the new year, when they scored at a rate of 3.59 goals/game (that would have ranked tied for sixth in the NCAA). Returning junior forward Joey Muldowney scored 24 of those goals in the second half of the season, including three hat tricks, meaning he averaged over a goal/game in that stretch. If he can keep that pace up over an entire 40-game schedule, Muldowney could reach that elusive 40-goal season mark, which hasn’t been reached in the last 20 years.
Although there will be much excitement about the returning forwards, Huskies fans will also be confident in the other depth players coming back this year. That includes seven defensemen and one of their two starting goaltenders. However, freshman goaltender Callum Tung is gone after signing a pro deal with the New York Rangers. He posted better stats while splitting time with Tyler Muszelik in 2024-’25 (10-4-1, 2.01 GAA, and .933 SV%) and in both NCAA Tournament games. Muszelik will likely be the full-time starter this season, but incoming freshmen Kam Hendrickson and Ryan Sanborn might also play themselves into a timeshare role.
Connecticut will look to get off to a fast start in what looks to be a challenging first four weeks of the season, a road series against Colorado College, a home series against Ohio State, and a home-and-home against Boston University. It might take a month or so to get their goaltending situation figured out, but if their offense gets hot early? Watch out.
#9 - Michigan Wolverines
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 18-15-3, Lost in Conference Tournament Quarterfinals
Goals/Game: 3.11/game (T-20th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 3.28/game (T-51st)
Power Play: 25.6% (8th)
Penalty Kill: 77.3% (T-45th)
Three Biggest Returners: T.J. Hughes (Forward, 15 goals - 23 assists - 38 points), Michael Hage (Forward, 13-21-34), and Tyler Duke (Defenseman, 5-9-13)
Three Biggest Departures: William Whitelaw (Forward, 11-7-18), Will Felciio (Defenseman, 2-9-11, team leading +12 rating in 25 G), and Evan Werner (Forward, 11-11-22)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming freshman Jack Ivankovic (Goaltender, 25-12-5, 3.05 GAA, .903 SV%, 2 SO in 43 G with the Brampton Steelheads [OHL] in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Michigan once again has double-digit draft picks on their roster this season, including first round forwards Michael Hage and Will Horcoff. Goalie Jack Ivankovic committed to the Wolverines out of the OHL and if one of the best Wolverines’ goaltender prospects in recent memory (he was selected #58 overall in this summer’s NHL Draft).
Season Outlook -
Not a whole lot went right for Michigan last season, as they missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018-’19. After starting the season 11-3-1 the Wolverines struggled in conference play, ending with an upset quarterfinal series loss at home to eventual Frozen Four-bound Penn State.
But like other ‘Blue Bloods’ in these rankings, Michigan has already reloaded their roster and is looking to be a bounce back team in 2025; especially in this new age of CHL players. That’s headlined by Ivankovic, but the Wolverines also picked up commitments from Matthew Mania (Defenseman, 5th round NHL Draft pick), Henry Mews (Defenseman, 3rd), and Malcolm Spence (Forward, 2nd). All of those players are coming from the OHL, a region that Michigan should - and is - dominating when it comes to recruiting. They also picked one of the best wingers available from the transfer portal in Jayden Perron (10-9-19 in 31 G with North Dakota in 2024-’25). The third-rounder flashed in his two years with the Fighting Hawks but could never remain consistent enough to hit the 20-goal season mark.
The Wolverines have the talent to repeat as a top-20 offensive team in the country, but the biggest question heading into the year is their defensive depth. They have just four upperclassmen d-men, none of whom have been drafted. Senior captains Tyler Duke and Luca Fantilli look to lead the charge in a group that’s also welcoming transfer Ben Robertson from Cornell (2-13-15, +8 +/-).
As the arms race in the Big Ten intensifies, we’ll have to wait and see if Michigan did enough to keep up with the rest of the conference (including in-state rival Michigan State). They’ll have plenty of chances to test themselves before those conference games, with a road series against #15 Providence and a home-and-home with #1 Western Michigan in the first month of the year. But with the talent they have, it would be a surprise for Michigan to not be playing in late March for the second-straight year.
#10 - Minnesota Golden Gophers
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 25-11-4, Lost in NCAA Regional Semifinals
Goals/Game: 3.85/game (3rd in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.53/game (T-16th)
Power Play: 24.8% (12th)
Penalty Kill: 76.5% (50th)
Three Biggest Returners: Brody Lamb (Forward, 17 goals - 9 assists - 26 points), Brodie Ziemer (Forward, 12-11-23), and Luke Mittelstadt (Defenseman, 2-16-18, 19:20 average time on ice/game)
Three Biggest Departures: Jimmy Snuggerud (Forward, 24-27-51), Sam Rinzel (Defenseman, 10-22-32), and Oliver Moore (Forward, 12-21-33)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming freshman Jacob Rombach (Defenseman, 3-15-18, +29 rating in 57 G with the Lincoln Stars [USHL] in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Another high-end group of freshmen is coming to Dinkytown this fall, including second-round pick Jacob Rombach, fourth-rounder L.J. Mooney (Forward, cousin of Gophers’ legend Logan Cooley), and fourth-rounder Javon Moore (Forward). They’ll join a large returning cast of defensemen and team leaders Brodie Ziemer and Brody Lamb up front. It’s still not clear who the starting goaltender will be, and it will likely be a battle between returning junior Nathan Airey (12-3-2, 2.47 GAA, and .900 SV% in 2024-’25) and transfer junior Luca Di Pasquo (7-0-0, 1.70 GAA, .933 SV% at Michigan State). Despite posting a top-20 defense last year, goaltending was a major concern for the Gophers for most of the season. If that takes a step forward, Minnesota will be a real problem in the Big Ten.
Season Outlook -
Minnesota is in an interesting position heading into this season. They lost four first-round draft picks and an early-second rounder to the NHL over the offseason (Snuggerud, Rinzel, Moore, forward Matthew Wood, and defenseman Ryan Chesley). Just one of their six captains and assistants is back (defenseman Cal Thomas), and they’ll have to find a way to produce 68% of their goal production from a season ago (returning players scored 49 of the Gophers’ 154 goals in 2024-’25).
But as one of the ‘Blue Bloods’ of college hockey, Minnesota always seems to be in the mix no matter who is on the roster. Over the last few years Head Coach Bob Motzko and his staff have made a focus on keeping the best talent inside state lines. Incoming freshmen Jacob Rombach, Javon Moore, Teddy Townsend, Tate Pritchard, and Graham Harris are all originally from the “State of Hockey.” The Gophers also got a huge commitment out of the transfer portal from Elko, Minnesota native Tanner Ludtke, a third-round draft pick who missed most of last season with an upper-body injury. Ludtke posted 28 points in his freshman season at Omaha and looks to bring his two-way game back to his home state.
The Gophers are also hoping to get a second-year jump from sophomores Beckett Hendrickson (F), Leo Gruba (D), and John Whipple (D), who were all underwhelming in their first year in Dinkytown. They should rely early on another sophomore forward, Brodie Ziemer, the top returning goal scorer from last season.
This new team will also be tested early, with series against Michigan Tech, Boston College, North Dakota, and Minnesota-Duluth in the first four weeks of the season. They’ll also play in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame game against Denver in late November. Three of those teams are in our preseason top-20 rankings. Not only will they be some fantastic series against some of the other blue bloods and long-time rivals, they’ll be key in helping the Gophers’ get back to the NCAA Tournament for the sixth-straight year.
If Minnesota can get solid goaltending behind a good returning corps of defenseman, the offensive questions will figure themself out sooner rather than later. The Gophers will be battle-tested early, which will be critical before going into conference play against one of the toughest Big Ten fields in the 13-year history of the league.
#11 - Ohio State Buckeyes
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 24-12-2, Lost in NCAA Regional Semifinal
Goals/Game: 3.18/game (T-17th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.65/game (T-21st)
Power Play: 17.5% (T-42nd)
Penalty Kill: 76.4% (51st)
Three Biggest Returners: Davis Burnside (Forward, 14 goals - 19 assists - 33 points, captain), Riley Thompson (Forward, 17-16-3), and Kristoffer Eberly (Goaltender, 12-4-1, 2.28 GAA, .915 SV%, and two shutouts)
Three Biggest Departures: Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (Forward, 17-23-40, led team in points), Logan Terness (Goaltender, 12-10-1, 2.46 GAA, .917 SV%), and Aiden Hansen-Bukata (Defenseman, 2-29-31)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Transfer senior Adam Eisele (Forward, 13-13-26 in 37 G with Minnesota State in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Ohio State is bringing in a very strong group from the transfer portal and four players from the CHL as part of this year’s incoming class of players. That includes two 20+ point players from last season (Adam Eisele and RPI transfer sophomore Félix Caron [6-15-21]) and fifth-round draft pick Jake Karabela. They’ll be added to a forward corp which also includes three returning 10+ goal scorers: Riley Thompson, Davis Burnside, and Max Montes.
Season Outlook -
It was an unfortunate end to the season for Ohio State a year ago, as they posted their highest win total in seven years but lost in back-to-back games to two of the best teams in the country in the Big Ten Championship game and the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Luckily for Buckeyes fans, OSU reloaded ahead of this season and are looking to be one of the top teams in the country once again, especially up front. Three of their four ten-goal scorers from 2024-’25 are back again, only losing transfer winger Gunnarwolfe Fontaine. Two of those players (Riley Thompson and Max Montes) were underclassmen, so their expected jump this year should help replace the offensive production lost.
Ohio State will also have to find a way to replace one of the best offensive-defenseman pairs in the country in Aiden Hansen-Bukata and Damien Carfanga. The duo combined for nine goals and 50 assists in just 38 games a season ago (combined average of 1.55 points/game), and posted a +11 and +16 plus/minus rating respectively. Incoming freshman Bryce Ingles has some of that potential in his game. The 5’ 9” blue liner scored five goals and added 25 assists from the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) in 56 games last season.
The Buckeyes still have a large returning group of defensive defenseman who should make life easy for junior goaltender Kristoffer Eberly. He played in 17 games last season before senior Logan Terness took over the starting job for the stretch run. However, Eberly posted better stats in his time in net: including win percentage, goals against average, save percentage, and shutouts. The three times Eberly played back-to-back nights last season he went 5-1-0 and allowed two or fewer goals in four games. Ohio State is hoping he can keep those numbers up as the expected full-time starter this season.
The Buckeyes will need to rely on solid goaltending and depth scoring in a loaded Big Ten and a solid nonconference schedule with features road series against #8 Connecticut and #14 Arizona State. But OSU is talented enough to make some noise again this season as they try to get back into the NCAA’s for the third time in four years.
#12 - Massachusetts Minutemen
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 21-14-5, Lost in NCAA Regional Final
Goals/Game: 3.33/game (T-11th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.43/game (T-13th)
Power Play: 23.7% (15th)
Penalty Kill: 81.7% (T-21st)
Three Biggest Returners: Jack Musa (Forward, 18 goals - 17 assists - 35 points, +18 rating), Michael Hrabal (Goaltender, 19-12-5, 2.37 GAA, .924 SV%, two shutouts), and Francesco Dell’Elce (Defenseman, 7-17-24, 3rd-Round pick in 2025 NHL Draft)
Three Biggest Departures: Cole O’Hara (Forward, 22-29-51), Aydar Suniev (Forward, 20-18-38), and Dans Locmelis (Forward, 8-25-33)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming freshman Vaclav Nestrasil (Forward, 19-23-42 in 61 G with the Muskegon Lumberjacks [USHL] in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
UMass has one of the best returning goaltenders in the Hockey East in junior Michael Hrabal, who’s posted back-to-back seasons with at least a 2.6 goals against average and a .912+ SV%. Five of their top six defenseman are also back on the roster again this season, including captains Owen Murray and Lucas Olvestad.
Season Outlook -
The Minutemen have been one of the most consistent teams in the country over the last decade or so, winning 20+ games in six of the last seven seasons. They are set up to reach that mark again this year despite losing their top two scorers. UMass was one of only three teams with multiple 20-goal scorers last year - Cole O’Hara (22) and Aydar Suniev (20) - but both decided to sign their entry-level contracts to head to the NHL shortly after their NCAA regional loss to Western Michigan.
However, the Minutemen are returning Jack Musa to the lineup this year. The Florida native scored 12 goals in his freshman season and 18 goals last year, and UMass is hoping he can continue to grow his game to fill some of that lost scoring.
Massachusetts is also returning a lot of production on the back end. Their five returning defensemen combined for 20 goals and 55 assists last season, led by third-round draft pick Francesco Dell’Elce. The now sophomore was named to the conference all-rookie team last season after posting six-multi point games in his first season with the Minutemen.
Another reason for optimism in Amherst is the arrival of Vaclav Netrasil, the first first-round pick expected to suit up for UMass since Cale Makar was drafted fourth overall in 2017. As a captain last season, Netrasil led Muskegon to a Clark Cup championship with 42 points in the regular season and 13 points in 14 playoff games. The 6’ 6” forward was one of the heaviest hitters in this year’s draft class, and should slot in perfectly in the top-six as a two-way forward to match up against some of the other top talent in the Hockey East.
#13 - North Dakota Fighting Hawks
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 21-15-2, Lost in Conference Tournament Semifinals
Goals/Game: 3.16/game (T-17th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.92/game (T-31st)
Power Play: 26.4% (5th)
Penalty Kill: 77.0% (49th)
Three Biggest Returners: Jake Livanavage (Defenseman, 4 goals - 24 assists - 28 points, 24:54 time on ice/game [10th best in NCAA]), Dylan James (Forward, 14-8-22, three SHG), and Abram Wiebe (Defenseman, 4-20-24)
Three Biggest Departures: Sacha Boisvert (Forward, 18-14-32, NCHC Rookie of The Year), Owen McLaughlin (Forward, 5-25-30), and Cameron Berg (Forward, 12-10-22, seven PPG)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming freshman Keaton Verhoeff (Defenseman, 21-24-45 in 63 G with the the Victoria Royals [WHL] in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
The Fighting Hawks have one of, if not the best, defensive corps in the country this season which features a first-round pick (EJ Emery), the potential second-overall pick in next year’s NHL Draft (Keaton Verhoeff), two players who averaged 22:54+ time on ice/game last year (Livanavage and Wiebe), and will get back graduate senior Bennett Zmolek, who posted 91 blocked shots two seasons ago before missing most of last season with a hip injury. Add in another first-round pick from the CHL in Cole Reschny and the USHL Player of the Year in Will Zellers, and NoDak will once again reload instead of rebuild heading into 2025.
Season Outlook -
Despite posting a 227-119-35 overall record and leading the Fighting Hawks to five Penrose Cups, a NCHC postseason title, and a national championship, the University of North Dakota decided to move on from head coach Brad Berry after a decade behind the bench. The move came after the Fighting Hawks missed their second NCAA Tournament in three years, and have failed to get back to the Frozen Four since their banner-raising 2016 season.
North Dakota will look to get back to playing in late March and early April under new head coach Dane Jackson, a long-time assistant under Berry and former Fighting Sioux player. Ten days after being announced as the head coach, Jackson and UND brought Bryn Chyzyk to become the first full-time general manager in college hockey history. Chyzyk, a former player himself, is one of the three assistant coaches on the team’s staff but focuses primarily on recruiting and roster retainment.
Jackson and Chyzyk made a statement early on in their tenure, announcing the recruitment of both Keaton Verhoeff (potential #2 overall pick in 2026 NHL Draft) and Cole Reschny (#18 overall pick in 2025 NHL Draft) on the same day. Verhoeff is one of the best defensive prospects in this year’s draft, combining huge size (6’4”, 212 lbs.) with forward-like offensive talent. Meanwhile, Reschny was one of the smoothest playmakers in the WHL last season, posting 66 assists in 62 games as an assistant captain in 2024-’25. The former Victoria Royals (WHL) stars will come to campus this fall.
As active as North Dakota was in CHL recruiting last season, they were just as active in the transfer portal. The Fighting Hawks are bringing in forwards Ellis Rickwood from Clarkson (10-25-35), Anthony Menghini from Minnesota-Duluth (12-7-19), and Tyler Young from Merrimack (6-4-10) in an effort to replace three top playmakers who left in the offseason: Sacha Boisvert, Owen McLaughlin, and Jayden Perron.
The Fighting Hawks will also have to figure out their goaltending this season, as they are completely changing it from a year ago. For a fifth-straight year they are bringing in a transfer to be the expected starter. This time it’s another Arizona State netminder, as Gibson Homer looks to fill in for T.J. Semptimphelter in between the pipes. The senior posted a 2.56 GAA, .919 SV%, and two shutouts in 16 games (8-5-2) for the Sun Devils last year. Freshman Jan Špunar and senior transfer Zach Sandy will look to push Homer for playing time.
There’s a lot of change in Grand Forks this fall - a new coach, new jerseys, and 13 new players on the roster - but the goal of a national championship remains the same for both the team and the fans. New head coach Dane Jackson will look to keep the momentum going from one of the biggest offseason’s in school history.
#14 - Arizona State Sun Devils
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 21-14-2, Lost in Conference Tournament Semifinals
Goals/Game: 3.68/game (5th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.78/game (T-26th)
Power Play: 29.6% (1st)
Penalty Kill: 83.5% (T-12th)
Three Biggest Returners: Cullen Potter (Forward, 13 goals - 9 assists - 22 points, #32 overall pick in 2025 NHL Draft), Bennett Schimek (Forward, 15-22-37), and Anthony Dowd (Defenseman, 2-11-13)
Three Biggest Departures: Ryan Kirwan (Forward, 26-13-39, T-3rd in NCAA in goals), Noah Beck (Defenseman, 5-28-33), and Artem Shlaine (Forward, 17-21-38)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Transfer senior Connor Hasley (Goaltender, 21-13-2, 1.96 GAA, .925 SV %, 11 shutouts in 36 G with Bentley in 2024’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Arizona State is one of the fastest rising programs in college hockey right now, and are back in 2025 with a roster full of talent; from returning players, to transfers, and four players from the CHL. They’re led by Cullen Potter up front, a first-round draft pick this summer who decided to stay and play in the desert instead of jumping to the NHL.
Season Outlook -
The Sun Devils were the second team out for an at-large bid in last year’s NCAA’s, finishing just .0050 ‘Ratings Percentage Index’ points behind Minnesota State Mankato. If they had done just a little better in overtime games (3-6-2) and one-score games (6-8) they might have made their second tournament in program history [Note: Arizona State would have qualified for the 2020 NCAA Tournament, which was cancelled due to COVID-19].
Arizona State will look to get back to conference postseason play. In their first year in the NCHC the Sun Devils finished second in the regular season, made the conference semifinal round, and featured the league’s top goal scorer (Ryan Kirwan, 26). ASU should have one of the conference’s best forward groups again this season despite losing their top two goal scorers: Kirwan and Artem Shlaine.
Both of those players were first-year transfers for Arizona State. That’s one of the biggest advantages the Sun Devils have compared to most other teams in the NCAA. 80 degree winters and an NHL rink are two legit reasons for a potential commit to choose to play at ASU, especially now that they’re playing in the NCHC against some of the best competition in college hockey.
Arizona State dipped back into the transfer portal again this offseason, picking up one of the best available goaltenders in Connor Hasley. He posted an NCAA-leading 11 shutouts last season, helping lead Bentley to their first-ever tournament appearance. He’ll replace Luke Pavicich (13-9-0, 2.63 GAA, .909 SV% in senior year) and Gibson Homer, who transferred to North Dakota. They were also active in getting commitments from the CHL, highlighted by defenseman and fifth-round NHL Draft pick Justin Kipkie. The former captain of the Victoria Royals [WHL] posted 10 goals and 50 assists in 64 regular season games last year.
Alongside their tough conference schedule (four other teams in our preseason top-20), ASU has one of the country’s toughest non-conference schedules. The very first week of the season they host Gavin McKenna and #2 Penn State before turning they host this year’s Ice Breaker Tournament against Alaska, Notre Dame, and #17 Quinnipiac. It’s the first of two in-season tournaments ASU will host, as they’ll also play against Air Force, Alaska Anchorage, and Michigan Tech in the Desert Hockey Classic in early January. Plus, they’ll play another top Big Ten team in #11 Ohio State over Thanksgiving weekend, and go on the road to face another ascending program in Augustana. All in all, the Sun Devils will be battle-tested by mid-January, which could be a sign of success or desperation by the time conference play fully ramps up.
#15 - Providence Friars
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 21-11-5, Lost in NCAA Regional Semifinals
Goals/Game: 2.78/game (T-33rd in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.59/game (T-19th)
Power Play: 16.2% (53rd)
Penalty Kill: 79.1% (T-35th)
Three Biggest Returners: Hudson Malinoski (Forward, 11 goals - 12 assists - 23 points), Philip Svedebäck (Goaltender, 14-8-4, 2.42 GAA, .911 SV%), and Tanner Adams (Forward, 11-11-22)
Three Biggest Departures: Logan Will (Forward, 8-16-24, +10, led team in points and +/- rating), Nick Poisson (Forward, 8-8-16, co-captain), and Guillaume Richard (Defenseman, 2-12-14, assistant captain, 22:47 average time on ice/game)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming freshman Roger McQueen (Forward, 10-10-20 in 17 G with the Brandon Wheat Kings [WHL] in 2024-’25, 10th overall pick in 2025 NHL Draft)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Providence’s offense should be much better than it was a season ago, which kept them from advancing in the NCAA Tournament. They are returning their only three double-digit goal scorers from a season ago and added top-ten draft pick Roger McQueen from the WHL. Starting goaltender Philip Svedebäck is also back after splitting time with grad transfer Zachary Borgiel in 2024-’25.
Season Outlook -
The Friars are coming off of their best season in six years, returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2019 Frozen Four. Even though they finished just fifth in their own conference, Providence entered postseason play as a two seed before losing to Denver in their opening game.
Despite posting a below-average offense, Providence had some pretty good depth scoring last season, and a lot of those players are returning again this year. Ten players had at least five goals in 2024-’25, with none posting more than 11. Six of those players are back again this year, including goal scoring co-leaders Hudson Malinoski and Tanner Adams.
The Friars also made a big splash late this summer with top WHL player Roger McQueen. The former Brandon Wheat Kings center was selected with the 10th-overall pick in this year’s NHL draft. He was one of the most highly-skilled forward prospects in this year’s class, and should make an immediate impact on the ice for the Friars.
Most of Providence’s new players on campus this season are defensemen. Just three return from last year’s corps: Tomas Machu, Andrew Centralla, and Alexander Bales. Of those, Centralla is the only upperclassmen of the group, and even he is only a junior with 52 career games played. That inexperience will be key to watch, especially early in the season as the other defenseman get caught up to the speed of the college game.
Luckily, those defenseman will have returning goaltender Philip Svedebäck behind them. The Swedish senior has played in 95 career games for the Friars but split time in net last year. He played a little better when he was the full-time starter (career highs: 2.18 GAA in freshman year, four shutouts in sophomore year), and it’s likely he will get most of the starts early in the season.
It might be a race to four goals in a lot of games this season, but the Friars have the skill and depth up front to win that race most nights. They should match up well against the other top Hockey East teams and their non-conference opponents (Michigan, St. Thomas, Colorado College, etc.) this season.
#16 - Cornell Big Red
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 19-11-6, Lost in NCAA Regional Final
Goals/Game: 3.11/game (T-20th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.28/game (T-11th)
Power Play: 14.7% (T-59th)
Penalty Kill: 82.6% (16th)
Three Biggest Returners: Ryan Walsh (Forward, 17 goals - 14 assists - 31 points), Hoyt Stanley (Defenseman, 2-11-13, 44 blocked shots), and Charlie Major (Forward , 5-13-18 in 28 games)
Three Biggest Departures: Ian Shane (Goaltender, 17-11-6, 2.21 GAA, .905 SV%, three shutouts), Dalton Bancroft (Forward, 15-12-27), and Tim Rego (Defenseman, 8-16-24, assistant captain)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Transfer sophomore Luke Ashton (Defenseman, 5-8-13 in 38 G with Minnesota State Mankato in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
It doesn’t matter who is on the roster, Cornell is always one of the most difficult teams to play against. Even though they are losing long-time head coach Mike Schafer, this year looks like it won’t be an exception. The Big Red are bringing in some more big players: including transfers Luke Ashton (6’ 6”, 240 lbs.) and Michael Fisher (6' 3”, 210 lbs.) on the blue line. Junior forward Ryan Walsh also returns after leading his team in goals and points last year.
Season Outlook -
Cornell has won an NCAA Tournament game in three straight seasons, the first time since their championship runs in the late 1960’s. They were a goal away from returning to the Frozen Four last March, but lost in overtime to eventual runner-up Boston University.
They’ll look to get back to the tournament again this season in what should be a two-horse race in the ECAC with #17 Quinnipiac. But the Big Red could always qualify as an at-large team if they do well in non-conference play. They host Omaha and Alaska for series in early January, go on the road to play Massachusetts, and will once again meet Boston University in a single-game matchup at Madison Square Garden. All four of those teams should also be in the mix for a tournament bid this year.
Their biggest change this season comes behind the bench. After 30 years, long-time head coach Casey Jones stepped down over the offseason. Cornell grad Casey Jones was named his successor after a successful stint at Clarkson, where he posted a .552 winning percentage over 13 seasons. Jones was named ECAC Coach of the Year in 2019 when he helped lead the Golden Knights to a conference championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
Jones and Cornell should once again rely on their size to squeeze out other teams both on the forecheck and on defense. They have ten skaters at 6’ 3” or taller and seven at 210 lbs. or heavier, including transfer defenseman Luke Ashton. He is transferring into a perfect role for his skill set, a huge defender with some offensive upside who isn’t afraid to throw the puck at the net. Ashton skated in 38/39 games for Minnesota State as a freshman last season. The Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick will likely line up with Hoyt Stanley on the first pair. Cornell also got a commitment from former Northeastern defenseman Michael Fisher, a third-round pick who played in the BCHL last season. The Big Red hope Fisher can tap back into his potential as a collegiate defenseman to add to their depth on the back end this season.
You might not think of Cornell as an offensive team, but the Big Red did post a top-20 offense in 2024-’25. They were led by returning junior forward Ryan Walsh, whose 17 goals were the most scored in a season by a Cornell skater since 2010. However, their incoming class will have to find a way to replace the offensive production from Dalton Bancroft (15-12-27), the only other double-digit goal scorer from last year. Look to freshman Chase Pirtle and Gio DiGiulian to find the scoresheet early on.
Cornell will also have to find a way to replace Ian Shane, one of the best goaltenders in college hockey over the past three seasons. Even though his stats took a dip last year, Shane was incredibly consistent in net. Incoming freshman Alexis Cournoyer (5th-round NHL Draft pick in 2025) seems to be in line to get some starts in net right away this year. But despite the change in net, I expect the Big Red to remain as one of the top teams in the ECAC and college hockey again this year.
#17 - Quinnipiac Bobcats
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 24-12-2, Lost in NCAA Regional Semifinals
Goals/Game: 3.55/game (6th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.18/game (T-9th)
Power Play: 29.3% (2nd)
Penalty Kill: 87.7% (3rd)
Three Biggest Returners: Jeremy Wilmer (Forward, 15 goals - 26 assists - 41 points), Chris Pelosi (Forward, 13-11-24), and Charlie Leddy (Defenseman, 1-10-11, +17 rating)
Three Biggest Departures: Jack Ricketts (Forward, 20-7-27, +22), Davis Pennington (Defenseman, 1-16-17), and Travis Treloar (Forward, 16-20-36)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming freshman Ethan Wyttenbach (Forward, 24-27-51 in 44 G with the Sioux Falls Stampede [USHL] in 2024’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
Quinnipiac has made five-straight NCAA Tournaments under long-time head coach Rand Pecknold, and have six returning players who scored double-digit goals in 2024-’25 (despite losing their top two scorers).
Season Outlook -
One of the most consistent teams over the last decade, Quinnipiac has posted at least 20 wins in 12 of their last 14 seasons. In that span they’ve reached the national tournament ten times, the championship game three times, and won it all once. They’ll look to get back to that mark under Pecknold (career .636% win percentage in 31 seasons).
They’ll be led up front by senior forward Jeremy Wilmer, who posted 15 goals and 26 assists last year after transferring from Boston University. He’s one of a handful of returning double-digit scorers on offense, including Andon Cerbone (15-30-35) and Mason Marcellus (10-28-38). That scoring depth helped Quinnipiac post the sixth-most goals/game (3.55) last year.
In fact, Quinnipiac posted top-ten marks in six of the seven top statistical categories: goals for and against/game, power play, penalty kill, shots against/game, and Corsi For% (tracks percentage of shots at even strength vs. an opponent). Those defensive stats will be the ones to monitor early this season, as the Bobcats are bringing in three freshman defenseman this year. They will have to quickly adapt to Pecknold’s defensive system in front of the returning goaltending tandem of Dylan Silverstein and Matej Marinov.
There won’t be much time to adapt either, as Quinnipiac starts the season right away with a road game against #5 Boston College on Thursday, October 3rd. They’ll also host #6 Maine for a series and take on Alaska, Notre Dame, and Arizona State in the Ice Breaker Tournament. Add those games to a long-list of must-see nonconference matchups early this season.
#18 - Wisconsin Badgers
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 13-21-2, Lost in Conference Tournament Quarterfinals
Goals/Game: 2.92/game (T-25th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.97/game (T-36th)
Power Play: 22.1% (24th)
Penalty Kill: 81.8% (T-18th)
Three Biggest Returners: Quinn Finley (Forward, 20 goals - 20 assists - 40 points), Logan Hensler (Defenseman, 2-10-12), and Ben Dexheimer (Defenseman, 1-16-17)
Three Biggest Departures: Ryland Mosley (Forward, 18-19-37), Anthony Kehrer (Defenseman, 1-11-12), and Owen Lindmark (Forward, 5-4-9, captain)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming freshman Blake Montgomery (Forward, 23-27-50 in 51 G with the London Knights [OHL] in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
The Badgers are reloaded after a down season in the second year with new head coach Mike Hastings. Their top returning scorer (Quinn Finley) and highest draft pick (Logan Hensler, #23 overall in 2025 NHL Draft) both decided to return to Madison for their junior and sophomore seasons, respectively. Wisconsin also brought in three players from the CHL: Blake Montgomery, Daniel Hauser, and Oliver Tulk.
Season Outlook -
The wheels fell off for Wisconsin after a 10-10-1 start in the first half of the season, highlighted by just two wins in their final 12 games. There were some bright spots to the year, however, including winning the Kwik Trip Holiday faceoff over eventual tournament team Connecticut and a shutout win against Michigan State in early December.
Those games showed there was some potential for the Badgers last year under Mike Hastings, but there wasn’t enough consistency to get momentum heading into conference play. They’ll get a small boost of that ahead of a new season, returning a large group of defensemen from a season ago (including time on ice leader Ben Dexheimer, average 23:17 minutes/game).
Wisconsin is also returning six of their top seven scorers, five of whom averaged a half point/game or more in 2024-’25. That includes third rounder Quinn Finley, who quietly put up 20 goals and 20 assists in his sophomore season (only 12 total skaters reached that mark in all of college hockey last year. He’ll slot back into the top line alongside center Gavin Morisssey (9-23-32), but the Badgers will have to find another winger on the right side after the departure of Ryland Mosley. Some options include returning right winger Kyle Kukkonen, or switching one of Blake Montgomery or Bruno Idžan (both incoming freshmen) to the right side from the primary left wing position.
Although there is some stability on the depth chart, the Badgers still have to figure out their goaltending situation. Two new players will likely vie for the starting spot: Minnesota State transfer Eli Pulver and incoming freshman Daneil Hauser. Pulver played in one game for the Mavericks last year, a 5-1 win where he made 23 saves and added an assist. Hauser set the record for most career wins for a WHL goaltender (123) and ranked second in the league with a 2.55 GAA and .913 SV&% in 47 regular season games with two separate teams. It will be interesting to note who gets the starts early in the season and how Hastings will balance the workload throughout the year.
Pulver (and Hastings) will get their first chance against their former team when they host Minnesota State for a series in Madison on October 16th and 17th. I imagine those games have been circled on the calendar for both teams since they were first announced. The Badgers will also have a good test at this year’s Holiday Faceoff against #1 Western Michigan, #5 Boston College, and Lake Superior State.
#19 - Northeastern Huskies
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 13-20-3, lost in Conference Tournament Semifinal
Goals/Game: 2.38/game (T-48th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 3.03/game (T-36th)
Power Play: 13.7% (61st)
Penalty Kill: 77.9% (41st)
Three Biggest Returners: Dylan Hryckowian (Forward, 17 goals - 19 assists - 36 points, assistant captain), Vinny Borgesi (Defenseman, 5-17-22, team-leading 28:04 average time on ice/game), and Joe Connor (Forward, 7-10-17)
Three Biggest Departures: Jack Williams (Forward, 16-25-41, captain), Cam Lund (Forward, 18-22-40), and Cameron Whitehead (Goaltender, 13-17-3, 2.74 GAA, .911 SV%)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming freshman Giacomo Martino (32-42-74 in 62 G with the Sioux City Musketeers [USHL] in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
A youth movement is on the way in Boston. After welcoming 15 newcomers to campus in 2024, Northeastern is bringing in 14 new players again this season. Both of those classes included nine freshmen, including Joe Connor (7-10-17 in ‘24-’25) last year and USHL Forward of the Year nominee Giacomo Martino this year.
Season Outlook -
No matter what happens on the ice, it will be a historic season for the Northeastern Huskies. After over a century, Matthews Arena will host its final game before demolition against Boston University on Saturday, December 13. Originally called Boston Arena, the building is the oldest multi-purpose athletic building still in use in the world. But after 115 years, the Huskies have announced plans to tear down the arena and replace it with a brand-new, multi-million dollar facility.
Northeastern has not released their full schedule for the upcoming year, so it’s not clear where they will play their home games in the second half of the season. There will be plenty of great matchups in the final few games there, however, including against #4 BU, #5 Boston College, #7 Denver, #8 Connecticut, and #12 Massachusetts.
That early home momentum might be key in setting up Northeastern for a run back to the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies have only made postseason play once since the pandemic, and haven’t won a tournament game since 1982.
NU will be led this year by defenseman Vinny Borgesi on the back end and Dylan Hryckowian up front. Borgesi led all skaters in average time on ice last year as the only player to play for over 28 minutes/game. Despite getting outscored on the season 112-88, Borgesi still posted a +1 plus/minus rating on the season. Meanwhile, Hryckowian is the only returning Northeastern forward who averaged at least a half point/game or better (36 points in 36 games).
Despite not having some of the top-end talent that other teams in the Hockey East acquired over the summer, the Huskies will still be a tough matchup every single night on the ice with their consistent depth and tough-forechecking playstyle.
#20 - St. Thomas Tommies
2024/25 Record/ Finish: 19-14-5, Lost in Conference Championship Game (Ineligible for NCAA Tournament)
Goals/Game: 2.92/game (T-25th in NCAA)
Goals Against/Game: 2.66/game (T-21st)
Power Play: 24.1% (14th)
Penalty Kill: 80.6% (28th)
Three Biggest Returners: Lucas Wahlin (Forward, 17 goals - 24 assists - 41 points, captain), Chase Cheslock (Defenseman, 1-13-14, 22:24 average time on ice/game), and Jake Braccini (Forward, 9-10-19)
Three Biggest Departures: Liam Malmquist (Forward, 20-25-45, +18 rating), Chase Foley (Defenseman, 3-19-22), and Jake Sibell (Goaltender, 12-5-3, 2.46 GAA, .923 SV%)
Top Offseason Acquisition: Incoming freshman Nathan Pilling (Forward, 34-326-60 in 61 G with the Seattle Thunderbirds [WHL] in 2024-’25)
Why They Are Ranked Inside the Top-20 -
The new era has finally arrived for St. Thomas. Not only were they granted eligibility for the NCAA Tournament a year earlier than expected, the Tommies men’s and women’s programs will open their brand-new, $175 million arena in games on October 24th against Providence. That excitement should translate directly to the ice. They’ll have four NHL Draft selections on their roster this year, the most in program history.
Season Outlook -
St. Thomas was one of, if not the hottest team in the second half of the season last year. They went 15-4-1 after January 1st, and were tied with 20 minutes to play in their first-ever CCHA Championship game. Although they still would not have qualified for the NCAA Tournament if they had won, it was an impressive run for a program in just their fourth year at the NCAA Division-1 level.
The Tommies have increased their win total in every season under head coach Enrico Blasi, going from 3-23-1 to 19-14-5 in just three years. Blasi finally has his guys in the locker room, including two incoming NHL draft picks in defenseman Bauer Berry and forward Lucas Van Vliet (both were selected in the 7th round of the 2024 draft).
Although not a draft selection, the Tommies’ most interesting freshman is 6’ 4” forward Nathan Pilling. The 21-year-old center has played in 187 career games in the Western Hockey League, and his offensive production has increased every year over the last four years. He’ll be set up to be a key contributor for St. Thomas right away in his college career.
Pilling should slot into the top-six alongside other top returning forwards Lucas Wahlin (17-24-41) and Jake Braccini (9-10-19). However, they’ll have to find a way to replace over half of their goal production (57.7%) from last year, as they are losing three of their only four double-digit goal scorers: Liam Malmquist (20), Cooper Gay (19), and Matthew Gleason (11).
The Tommies will look to prove their spot in the top-20 rankings early, with a “home-and-home” series against #13 North Dakota (the game STU is hosting is at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul) and a home series against #15 Providence to open Lee & Penny Anderson Arena in mid-October. They’ll also have a true home-and-home series against future NCHC opponent St. Cloud State for the fifth-straight season, one of the growing rivalries in college hockey.