KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Western Michigan hockey team will begin the 2023-24 season ranked No. 12 in the country, with the USCHO Preseason Poll announced earlier today. The Broncos have been ranked in the top-20 since Oct. 11, 2021.   

Boston University topped the poll, getting 946 points and 17 first-place votes. Reigning national champion Quinnipiac came in at No. 2, nabbing 916 points and 22 first-place votes. Minnesota, Denver and Michigan rounded out the top five. 

The Broncos are coming off of one of the best seasons in program history, with the squad posting 23 wins, winning the Great Lakes Invitational and securing a second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth. In NCHC play, the Broncos also secured their highest finish in program history, claiming second place with 15 conference victories. 

The 2023-24 Broncos will look to continue building on the strong reputation the program has built under Pat Ferschweiler. The Broncos' head coach is entering his third season as the programs head coach, boasting a 49-27-2 record overall and 29-18-2 conference mark. 

Along with the returners, WMU brought in seven freshman and four transfers this offseason. The Brown and Gold will look to replace its top three scorers from last season after the entire top line signed NHL contracts. 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.