KALAMAZOO, Mich. – After its second consecutive sweep to start the season, the Western Michigan hockey team received a first-place vote in the USCHO poll and moved up to No. 5 in the nation in both the USCHO and USA Hockey polls which were released on Monday. The rankings continue WMU's run of having been ranked inside of the nation's top-10 since November of 2024.
 
Michigan moved up to the top spot in both polls, and was followed by Michigan State, North Dakota, Denver and the Broncos in the top-5. Five NCHC teams were ranked this week, with WMU joined in the polls by DU, UND, Minnesota Duluth (#8/9) and Colorado College (#11/12). Miami, Arizona State, St. Cloud State and St. Thomas all received votes.
 
The Brown and Gold are coming off of another dominant weekend, picking up 6-1 and 4-0 wins over Notre Dame. WMU has outscored its opponents 21-2 during its 4-0-0 start, and leads the nation in both scoring offense (4.75) and scoring defense (0.50).  
 
Western Michigan continues its stretch of four straight games against Big Ten opposition this week, starting on Friday night as it visits #1 Michigan at 7 pm. The Broncos return to Lawson Arena on Saturday evening for a 6 pm exhibition contest against #6 Wisconsin.
 
The 2026-27 campaign marks the Final Season at historic Lawson Arena for Western Michigan hockey. Named after the founding father of the program, Harry W. Lawson, the arena has been home to Bronco hockey since the 1974-75 season. All throughout the 2026-27 season, WMU hockey will be celebrating its five-plus decades at Lawson Arena with special events, giveaways and promotions. Secure your tickets and help us celebrate the Final Season at Lawson Arena by going to wmubroncos.com/tickets.