KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey team is slated to begin its 2026-27 regular season later this week and will do so ranked No. 8 in the nation, after both the USCHO and USA Hockey released updated polls on Monday. The rankings continue WMU's run of having been ranked inside of the nation's top-10 since November of 2024.
 
The top-5 remained unchanged in both polls, with Denver leading the way, followed by Michigan, Michigan State, North Dakota and Minnesota Duluth. Eight of the NCHC's 10 teams were either ranked or receiving notes, with the Broncos joined in the poll by DU, UND, UMD and Colorado College (#15). St. Thomas, Miami and Omaha all received votes.
 
Western Michigan is coming off of a 5-1 win over Western Ontario in an exhibition game on Saturday night at Lawson Arena. Four different players lit the lamp for the Brown and Gold, with newly-minted captain Zaccharya Wisdom netting a pair of goals.  
 
The Broncos begin the 2026-27 regular season with a home-and-home series against Ferris State. WMU's season opener against the Bulldogs is slated for Thursday at 7 pm at Lawson Arena.
 
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.