NCHC Power Rankings: Week 1 sees Denver on top

Of the 63 college hockey teams throughout the nation, 33 have kicked off the 2026-27 season; six of the ten NCHC teams have started, and three others played exhibition games against fellow NCAA teams or Canadian USports teams. 

1. Denver (2-0)

The reigning national champions scored two wins to start the season at Alaska Anchorage, as expected. On Saturday, the Pioneers host the USA Hockey Under-18 Team in an exhibition game.

2. North Dakota (0-0)

North Dakota beat Augustana and Manitoba (USports) in exhibitions last weekend. The Fighting Hawks face Bemidji State in a home-and-home series this weekend in year two under head coach Dane Jackson.

3. Western Michigan (0-0)

Western Michigan beat Western Ontario (USports) last week. The Broncos have a home-and-home series with Ferris State this weekend as they look to win their second national championship in three years.

4. Minnesota-Duluth (2-0)

Minnesota-Duluth looks to build on its NCAA hockey tournament appearance after missing the tournament for three seasons. The Bulldogs took two games from Long Island, and they travel to Augustana this week.

5. Colorado College (2-0)

Colorado College looks to end its 15-year drought without an NCAA tournament appearance. The Tigers upset No. 10 UMass last week, and they host the USA Hockey Under-18 Team in an exhibition game on Friday.

6. Nebraska-Omaha (0-0)

Nebraska-Omaha has reached the NCHC semifinals once under head coach Mike Gabinet. The tenth-year head coach led the Mavericks to an exhibition win over Air Force. They host Manitoba (USports) on Wednesday for an exhibition.

7. Miami (OH) (1-1)

Miami looks to continue its rebuild under third-year head coach Anthony Noreen. The Redhawks did not have a promising start, splitting a series with Northern Michigan. They do not play this week.

8. St. Thomas (0-0)

St. Thomas is in its first year in the NCHC after departing the CCHA. After not playing at all last week, the Tommies host Air Force.

9. Arizona State (1-1)

Arizona State is currently playing without an active head coach after Matthew Mayich collapsed and remains in the hospital during a team workout on the first day of university classes. The Sun Devils split last weekend’s series at Lindenwood. They host Holy Cross this week.

10. St. Cloud State (0-1)

Saint Cloud State is trying to make the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2022-2023 under first-year head coach Nick Oliver. They lost an overtime game at Bemidji State and will host Michigan Tech this week.