Colorado College’s men’s ice hockey team is projected too finish fifth in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) this upcoming season, according to the league’s preseason media poll released Thursday. The Tigers garnered 128 points in the poll, placing them behind Western Michigan, Denver, North Dakota, and Arizona State.
The ranking signals expectations for a competitive season for Colorado College, which returns key players including 2023-24 All-American goaltender Kaidan Mbereko, 2024-25 second-team all-NCHC defenseman Max Burkholder, and leading scorer Owen Beckner.The program also welcomes 14 newcomers-two transfers and 12 freshmen-to bolster the roster. This poll offers an early gauge of conference strength as teams prepare for the 2025-26 season, impacting potential NCAA tournament bids and regional rankings.
Western Michigan topped the poll with 252 points and 19 first-place votes, followed by Denver (225, 4 first-place votes) and North Dakota (220, 5 first-place votes). Arizona State secured fourth place with 180 points and two first-place votes. Minnesota Duluth (120), Omaha (110), St. Cloud State (80), and Miami (35) rounded out the remaining spots.
Colorado College will begin its 2025-26 campaign with a home series against UConn at Ed Robson Arena on October 3-4.
2025-26 NCHC Preseason Media Poll
- Western Michigan, 252 points (19 first-place votes)
- Denver, 225 (4)
- North Dakota, 220 (5)
- Arizona State, 180 (2)
- Colorado College, 128
- Minnesota Duluth, 120
- Omaha, 110
- St. Cloud State, 80
- Miami, 35
