KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The USCHO preseason poll was released on Monday afternoon, with the Western Michigan hockey team set to start the upcoming season ranked eighth in the nation. The ranking continues WMU's run of having been ranked inside of the nation's top-10 since November of 2024.
 
Reigning national champion Denver topped the initial poll, with Michigan, Michigan State, North Dakota and Minnesota Duluth rounding out the top-5. The NCHC was well-represented, with eight of the 10 teams either ranked or receiving notes. WMU was joined in the poll by DU, UND and UMD, with St. Thomas, Miami, Colorado College and Arizona State all receiving votes.
 
Western Michigan is coming off of another historic season in 2025-26, earning the program's fifth consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament and finishing ranked sixth in both the USCHO and USA Hockey polls. The Brown and Gold won 27 games overall and 16 in NCHC play. WMU has the third-most wins in Division I over the last five years.
 
The Broncos open the 2026-27 campaign with a home exhibition game against Western Ontario on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 6 pm. WMU begins the regular season on Thursday, Oct. 8, as Ferris State comes to Lawson Arena at 7 pm. Single-game tickets for the 2026-27 season are available now at wmubroncos.com/tickets.