Overview

• USCHO’s preseason poll places Western Michigan first with 29 first-place votes, followed by Boston University, Michigan State, Denver and Penn State.
• USCHO says its Division I men’s poll is voted on by 50 coaches and media members nationwide.
• College Hockey News also lists Western Michigan at No. 1 in its preseason Top 10, signaling broad consensus on the Broncos’ outlook.
• After losing key contributors to graduation and NHL deals, Western Michigan added 11 newcomers — five transfers and six freshmen, including NHL draft picks and Big Ten transfers Will Whitelaw and Theo Wahlberg.
• Maine debuts at No. 7 with All-American goalie Albin Boija returning and a sizable newcomer class, while Western Michigan’s slate begins with an Oct. 4 exhibition vs. the USNTDP and an Oct. 9 opener against Ferris State.