SB Nation’s Poll: Welcome Back

A new beginning in what we all hope will be a more normal season.

Welcome back everyone to the 6th year of the SB Nation Poll. Every year we look forward to starting the poll with all that will unfold over the next few months.

1. Wisconsin- 68 (5)

  • Last Season: 1/

The defending champs start the season atop our poll. It will be interesting to see how the Badgers hold up over a full season with more travel, but expect to seem them in State College at the end.

2. Northeastern- 63 (2)

  • Last Season: 2/

Northeastern was a single goal away from making history but ultimately fell short. This year they return almost everyone and gain an elite forward. They are another team expected to be there at the end.

3. Ohio State- 56

  • Last Season: 3/

Last season was a real breakthrough one for the Buckeyes as they made themselves part of the conversation to be atop the WCHA. A more balanced schedule will definitely be to their favor unlike last season.

T-4. Minnesota-Duluth- 40

  • Last Season: 5/

The Bulldogs were major beneficiaries of a comically unbalanced schedule in last year’s WCHA that delivered them a tournament bid and ultimately a berth in the Frozen Four. This year they will play all the top teams a normal amount which should test them.

T-4. Minnesota- 40

  • Last Season: 6/

Minnesota was rather unlucky last season not to earn a bid to Erie but they were not their normal juggernaut. This year they look to return to form with a full slate.

6. Colgate- 39

  • Last Season: 4/

The Raiders will have a lot more competition in the ECAC with the return of the Ivies.

7. Boston College- 24

  • Last Season: 7/

The voters here have a little more confidence in the Eagles than the Hockey East coaches. Boston College will be a foil for Northeastern most of the season but look to make a mark nationally too.

8. Princeton- 22

  • Last Season: NR/

The Tigers return to the ice for the first time since 2020 when they were slated to play at Matthews Arena in Boston. The long lay off should prove interesting for Princeton but they are a talented team and will compete for hardware.

9. Cornell- 17

  • Last Season: NR/

Cornell was another victim of the year off for all Ivy League sports in the 2020-21 season. They lost Maddie Mills to Northeastern but still boast an impressive roster.

10. Clarkson- 5

  • Last Season: NR/

The Golden Knights are always a team that is in the conversation. Lately they have had some roster turnover that might keep them from the top spot but they are deep enough to constantly be in this poll.

Also Receiving Votes: Quinnipiac 4, St. Lawrence 3, Penn State 2, Providence 2