In the Year of the Big Ten, we’re starting to see some real definition in the NCAA hockey ranks. That conference continues to dominate our power rankings thanks to the high-end Wolverines and Spartans, the fiercest of Michigan rivals. But Penn State is still hanging around, while Wisconsin may be at a tipping point. The fact the Badgers host the Nittany Lions next weekend could not be better timed.
Elsewhere, it feels like North Dakota is back to its title-seeking ways, as the Fighting Hawks are putting some distance between themselves and the rest of the pack in the NCHC – but it’s still going to be a fight in the playoffs.
Truly, only Hockey East is still a quandary, Perhaps the additions of 2026 NHL draft prospects Tynan Lawrence at Boston University and Oscar Hemming at Boston College can help the matter, though both are still getting up to speed in the college game.
1. Michigan Wolverines (20-4-0)
No Jack Ivankovic (NSH), no problem. The Wolverines rode freshman goalie Stephen Peck to a pair of victories over Minnesota with their star injured and as usual it was a team effort. Jayden Perron (CAR) has been hot of late with six points in his past four games.
2. Michigan State Spartans (17-5-0)
The Spartans kept pace with Michigan by sweeping Wisconsin. Ryker Lee (NSH) had three points in the series, while physical defenseman Colin Ralph (STL) had a couple assists himself. He now has an impressive 10 points on the year – and offense isn’t even his best attribute.
3. North Dakota Fighting Hawks (18-6-0)
While the Hawks may have split with Denver on the weekend, it was the sheer annihilating force of their win that truly stood out: They shut out the Pioneers 5-0. North Dakota is getting contributions from everywhere, but freshman center Cole Reschny (CGY) now has three multi-point games in a row.
4. Quinnipiac Bobcats (18-4-2)
While Dartmouth got out of the gates hot, the ECAC is back in Quinnipiac hands and that should worry the rest of the nation come tournament time. The Bobcats have won 13 of 15 and freshman Ethan Wyttenbach (CGY) continues to rule with 33 points in 24 games.
5. Western Michigan Broncos (16-6-0)
The defending national champs were idle this week, but a big showdown with Minnesota-Duluth awaits on the docket. The Broncos have won seven in a row, including non-conference victories over Wisconsin and Boston College, not to mention a sweep of Denver.
6. Penn State Nittany Lions (16-6-0)
Gavin McKenna (2026 draft) is using the momentum he gained at the world juniors with bronze-medal Canada, as the ultra-skilled freshman has six points in four games since returning. Meanwhile, D-man Jackson Smith (CBJ) has four in his past three.
7. Providence College Friars (13-7-2)
It seems like no one wants to seize Hockey East this year, but perhaps the Friars are the answer. They’ve won four in a row and seven of eight to get hot at the right time. Highly-touted freshman Roger McQueen (ANA) is leading the offense with 19 points in 22 games.
8. Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (17-7-0)
The Dawgs were uncharacteristically blown out 6-0 by St. Cloud State, but recovered to win the rematch with the Huskies this week. Duluth has a tough schedule from here on out, so we’re going to get a great sense of what this team is made of before the NCHC tournament.
9. Wisconsin Badgers (15-5-2)
Is there a top three in the Big Ten, or a top four? The Badgers were swept by Michigan State, but have two series left against Penn State and one against Michigan. Even splits in those games would prove a lot. Freshman Daniel Hauser has been excellent in net.
10. Cornell Big Red (12-5-0)
Losing to Quinnipiac is no shame, especially right now. But if Cornell wants to make the ECAC interesting, the next game against Dartmouth will be crucial. Freshman blueliner Xavier Veilleux (NYI) has four points in his past four games, while Ryan Walsh (BOS) leads the offense with 18 points in 17 games.