NCAA Men’s Hockey Power Rankings: Big Ten Still Sets the Standard

In the Year of the Big Ten, we are beginning to see some real definition in the NCAA hockey rankings. That conference continues to dominate our power rankings, owing to the top-tier Wolverines and Spartans, Michigan’s greatest rivals. However, Penn State is still in the game, whereas Wisconsin may be nearing the end. The fact that the Badgers are hosting the Nittany Lions next weekend could not be more timely.

Elsewhere, it appears that North Dakota is returning to its title-seeking ways, as the Fighting Hawks are putting some distance between themselves and the rest of the NCHC pack – although the playoffs will still be a fight.

Only Hockey East remains a mystery. Perhaps the additions of 2026 NHL draft prospects Tynan Lawrence at Boston University and Oscar Hemming at Boston College will assist, though both are still learning the college game.

1. Michigan Wolverines (20-4-0)

No Jack Ivankovic (NSH), no issue. With their star player injured, the Wolverines rode rookie goalie Stephen Peck to two victory over Minnesota, and it was a team effort as always. Jayden Perron (CAR) has scored six points in his last four games.

2. Michigan State Spartans (17–5-0)

The Spartans stayed up with Michigan by sweeping Wisconsin. Ryker Lee (NSH) had three points in the series, and physical defenseman Colin Ralph (STL) added a couple of assists. He now has an incredible 10 points on the year, and offence isn’t even his strongest suit.

3. North Dakota Fighting Hawks (18–6-0)

While the Hawks split with Denver over the weekend, it was their 5-0 shutout over the Pioneers that stood out the most. North Dakota is getting contributions from all around, but freshman centre Cole Reschny (CGY) has three consecutive multi-point games.

4. Quinnipiac Bobcats (18-4-2)

While Dartmouth started strong, the ECAC is back in Quinnipiac’s hands, which should scare the rest of the nation come tournament time. The Bobcats have won 13 of 15 games, and freshman Ethan Wyttenbach (CGY) continues to dominate with 33 points in 24 games.

5. Western Michigan Broncos (16–6-0)

The defending national champions did not play this week, but a major game against Minnesota-Duluth is on the schedule. The Broncos have won seven consecutive games, including non-conference victory over Wisconsin and Boston College, as well as a sweep of Denver.

6. Penn State Nittany Lions (16-6-0)

Gavin McKenna (2026 draft) is capitalising on the momentum he garnered at the World Juniors with bronze medallist Canada, with the ultra-skilled rookie scoring six points in four games since returning. Meanwhile, D-man Jackson Smith (CBJ) has four in his last three.

7. Providence College Friars (13–7–2)

It appears like no one wants to win Hockey East this year, but perhaps the Friars are the answer. They’ve won four straight and seven of eight to get hot at the right time. Roger McQueen (ANA), a highly rated rookie, leads the offence with 19 points in 22 games.

8. Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (17–7–0)

The Dawgs were outscored 6-0 against St. Cloud State, but they rebounded to defeat the Huskies this week. Duluth has a difficult schedule from here on out, so we’ll get a good idea of what this club is made of before the NCHC Tournament.

9. Wisconsin Badgers (15–5-2)

Is there a top three or four in the Big Ten? The Badgers were swept by Michigan State, but they have two series remaining against Penn State and one against Michigan. Even splits in those games would be significant. Daniel Hauser, a freshman, has excelled in net.

10. Cornell Big Red (12–5-0)

It’s not a shame to lose to Quinnipiac, especially now. However, if Cornell hopes to keep the ECAC interesting, the following game against Dartmouth will be critical. Freshman blueliner Xavier Veilleux (NYI) has four points in the last four games, and Ryan Walsh (BOS) leads the offence with 18 points in 17 games.