NCAA Men’s Hockey Power Rankings: Shocking Upsets Shake Up the Top 15
The ice was on fire last weekend, with NCAA Men’s Division I hockey delivering a rollercoaster of emotions. From jaw-dropping upsets to dominant performances, the rankings have been turned upside down. But here’s where it gets controversial—some of last season’s powerhouses are already stumbling, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Let’s dive into the Top 15 after Week 2, where every game seemed to rewrite the script.
1. Boston University
Record: 2-0-1 | Last Week: 4th
Boston University’s climb to the top wasn’t without its doubts. After a nail-biting win against Long Island to kick off the season, the Terriers silenced critics with a stellar performance against Colgate. Future NHL stars like Cole Eiserman (New York Islanders) and Cole Hutson (Washington Capitals) shone brightly, with Eiserman racking up four points in a 6-2 victory. But can BU sustain this momentum? Their upcoming home showdown against Michigan State will be a true test of their mettle.
2. Michigan State
Record: 1-1-0 | Last Week: 2nd
The Spartans’ season opener was a mixed bag. While they swept New Hampshire, a last-minute goal cost them their first loss. Trey Augustine (Detroit Red Wings) was solid in net, but the team’s star-studded roster hasn’t quite lived up to the hype yet. And this is the part most people miss—with such talent, inconsistency could be their Achilles’ heel. Can they bounce back against BU this weekend? The hockey world is watching.
3. Western Michigan
Record: 1-1-0 | Last Week: 1st
The defending national champions stumbled out of the gate, losing to Ferris State for the first time in eight years. While their offense found its rhythm in a 6-4 win, their defense against a rebuilding team like Ferris State raised eyebrows. Are the Broncos vulnerable? Their upcoming road games against UMass-Lowell will reveal just how much work they have to do.
4. Penn State
Record: 3-1-0 | Last Week: 3rd
The Nittany Lions’ weekend was a tale of two games. Despite J.J. Wiesbusch’s four-goal heroics, they fell to Clarkson 6-4. They rebounded with a 5-2 win, but their defensive lapses are a red flag. Charlie Cerrato (Carolina Hurricanes) led the charge with five points, but can Penn State tighten up their back end? Their home games against Long Island this weekend might provide some answers.
5. Denver
Record: 1-0-1 | Last Week: 5th
Denver’s season opener ended in a tie against Air Force, thanks to Carter Clafton’s stellar goaltending. But they rebounded with a 6-0 rout of Bentley, led by Eric Pohlkamp’s (San Jose Sharks) hat trick. The Pioneers’ firepower is undeniable, but can they avoid being outplayed by lesser opponents? Their road games against Lindenwood will be telling.
6. Boston College
Record: 1-1-1 | Last Week: 6th
Boston College made a statement with a 3-1 win over Minnesota on the road, but settled for a 2-2 tie in the rematch. Their ability to control play against a top team like the Gophers is impressive, but is it enough to crack the top five? Their lone game against RPI this week will be a litmus test.
7. Maine
Record: 2-0-0 | Last Week: 7th
The Black Bears kicked off their season with dominant wins over Holy Cross, outscoring them 11-2. Justin Poirier (Carolina Hurricanes) and Jaden Lipinski (Calgary Flames) led the charge, while Albin Boija was rock-solid in net. But their real test comes this weekend against Quinnipiac. Can they keep the momentum going?
8. Michigan
Record: 4-0-0 | Last Week: 12th
The Wolverines are this week’s biggest risers, sweeping Providence with an 8-2 aggregate score. Michael Hage (Montreal Canadiens) and Jack Ivankovic (Nashville Predators) were standout performers. But is Michigan’s hot start sustainable? Their home games against Robert Morris will give us a clearer picture.
9. North Dakota
Record: 2-0-0 | Last Week: 10th
The Fighting Hawks dominated St. Thomas in a home-and-home series, outscoring them 11-4. Mac Swanson (Pittsburgh Penguins) and Jake Livanavage were key contributors. But can they maintain this level against tougher competition? Their upcoming games will be a true measure of their potential.
10. Minnesota
Record: 1-2-1 | Last Week: 8th
The Gophers’ weekend was forgettable, losing to Boston College and barely salvaging a tie. Giving up leads in the third period is a concerning trend. Can they turn it around against North Dakota? Or is this team not built for championship contention?
11. Providence
Record: 0-2-0 | Last Week: 9th
Providence’s struggles against Michigan raised questions about their offensive firepower. Jonathan Fauchon and John Mustard (Chicago Blackhawks) scored their only goals. Are the Friars overrated, or is this just a bump in the road? Their game against RPI will provide some clarity.
12. Quinnipiac
Record: 2-1-0 | Last Week: 11th
Quinnipiac’s weekend was a mixed bag, losing to Alaska before thrashing Notre Dame 7-2. Ethan Wyttenbach (Calgary Flames) and Antonin Verreault were standout performers. But can they handle Maine this weekend? Their home games will be a true test of their resilience.
13. Arizona State
Record: 2-2-0 | Last Week: 15th
The Sun Devils showed promise at the Ice Breaker Tournament, with Benjamin Kevan (New Jersey Devils) and Cruz Lucius (Pittsburgh Penguins) leading the way. But can they build on this momentum? Their games against Augustana will be crucial.
14. Connecticut
Record: 1-1-0 | Last Week: 13th
The Huskies didn’t play last weekend, but their earlier performance against Colorado Springs left much to be desired. Can they use their home games against Ohio State to turn things around? Time will tell.
15. Massachusetts
Record: 3-0-0 | Last Week: 14th
UMass scraped by Stonehill, thanks to Michael Hrabal’s (Utah Mammoth) heroics in net and Vaclav Nestrasil’s (Chicago Blackhawks) hat trick. But their performance was underwhelming. Can they step up against Northeastern and Bentley this weekend? Or are they in for a reality check?
Honorable Mention: Wisconsin (2-0-0), Colorado College (3-1-0), Ohio State (2-0-0)
Controversial Question: Are the Defending Champions Already in Trouble?
Western Michigan’s loss to Ferris State has sparked debates. Is this a minor setback, or a sign of deeper issues? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think the Broncos can reclaim their throne, or is their reign already over?
