DENVER – The University of Denver hockey team begins the 2025-26 season ranked No. 4 in the nation, according to the USCHO.com preseason poll released Monday. This marks a continuation of the program’s consistent national prominence as the Pioneers prepare for another championship run.
Denver’s high ranking reflects its recent success, having reached the NCAA Frozen Four in each of the past two seasons and three of the last four.Last year, the Pioneers finished at No. 3 in the final USCHO.com poll before falling to eventual national champion Western Michigan in the national semifinals on April 10 in St. Louis, Missouri. The preseason ranking signals expectations for another deep playoff push in the competitive National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC).
Western Michigan tops the poll, receiving 29 first-place votes, followed by boston University at No. 2 and Michigan State at No. 3. The Pioneers recorded four consecutive 30-win seasons-a program record-and finished 2024-25 with a 31-12-1 overall record. They placed third in the NCHC standings with a 15-8-1 league record and were picked second in the conference’s preseason media poll.
The NCHC boasts four teams in the top 20: Denver (No. 4),Western Michigan (No.1), North Dakota (No. 11), and Arizona State (No. 14). Colorado College, Omaha, Minnesota Duluth, and st. Cloud State also received votes.
Denver is currently in its third week of training camp and will open its exhibition schedule against UNLV on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. MT at Magness Arena. The regular season begins Friday,Oct. 10 at Air Force, followed by the home opener against Bentley on Saturday, Oct. 11.
Single-game tickets and 5-game mini plans are now available at https://denverpioneers.evenue.net/list/H?RSRC=PacMail&RDAT=WebStory.
The USCHO.com poll is compiled weekly by 50 voters comprised of coaches and media professionals nationwide.
