KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan hockey team was ranked 10th in the initial USA Hockey/Rink Live Poll, which was released earlier this afternoon. 

Boston University was the top team in the poll and followed by Minnesota, Quinnipiac, Michigan, Denver, Boston College, St. Cloud State, North Dakota, Michigan State and WMU. 

Western Michigan won 23 games last season and made another trip to the NCAA Tournament. Along with that, WMU won the Great Lakes Invitational and finished second in the NCHC, which was the highest finish in program history. 

The Broncos are set to open the regular season on Oct. 12 at home against Ferris State. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. This season WMU will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Bronco Varsity Hockey, which will be commemorated in a variety of ways, including a special 50th Anniversary logo at center ice, special in-game tributes throughout the season, and a special Alumni Weekend for Bronco Hockey during the Colorado College series, January 26 and 27. In addition, every season ticket holder will receive a special 50th Anniversary puck to commemorate this special season.