KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey team was ranked No. 17 in the initial USCHO poll, which was released this afternoon. 

The Broncos have been ranked in the nation's top 20 since Oct. 11, 2021. Denver topped the poll with 42 first-place votes, while Boston College was second with six first-place votes. Boston University, Michigan State and North Dakota rounded out the top five. 

The NCHC was well represented, having eight teams ranked in the preseason poll. WMU was joined in the poll by DU, UND, Colorado College, Omaha, St. Cloud State, Minnesota Duluth and Arizona State. 

Western Michigan is coming off of a historic 2023-24 season, earning a third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament. That was the first time in program history that the Broncos made three consecutive trips to the national tournament. The team also secured its third straight season with 20 or more wins. 

WMU will open its 2024-25 season on Oct. 5 with an exhibition against the USNTDP at Lawson Arena. The regular-season opener is set for Oct. 11 at home against Ferris State.