Overview

• USCHO’s preseason poll lists Western Michigan at No. 1 with 29 first-place votes, followed by Boston University, Michigan State, Denver and Penn State.
• College Hockey News’ Top 10 also places Western Michigan first, reinforcing a broad preseason consensus.
• After multiple departures to graduation and NHL deals, the Broncos added 11 newcomers, including five transfers and six freshmen with several NHL draft picks and Big Ten transfers William Whitelaw and Theo Wahlberg.
• Key returners for Western Michigan include goaltender Hampton Slukynsky and NCAA Tournament MVP Owen Michaels, and the team faces a demanding schedule featuring more than 10 ranked opponents.
• Maine opens at No. 7 in the USCHO poll, returns All-American goalie Albin Boija, replaces heavy scoring losses with 13 newcomers including Major Junior veterans now eligible under NCAA rules, and draws a slate packed with top-10 foes.