College Hockey Preseason Rankings: How Does Penn State Hockey Stack Up?

The votes in, and the USCHO division I rankings are compiled by 50 coaches, scouts, and media
members are here.

While Penn State Hockey didn’t crack the list, that doesn’t mean the polls didn’t have plenty of love for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State Hockey received the second most outside votes (65) behind Boston College (72).

Other votes included Connecticut (62), Northern Michigan (61), Bemidji State (40), AIC (39), Arizona State (29), and Bowling Green (15).

It’s no surprise as the Lions portray a team necessary of proving themselves, with young upside mixed in throughout the roster.

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Breaking Into the Top 20

The Nittany Lions have an excellent opportunity to start off the season on a hot streak, the first few
weekends being non-conference play against Canisius, Mercyhurst, and St. Thomas.

Striving to go undefeated in each series leaves the potential to jump a team that loses to a heavy underdog.

Meanwhile, Michigan Tech starts off against Alaska, Bemidji State, and St. Lawrence.

Clarkson’s opening schedule includes New Hampshire, Merrimack, and Providence.

Staying In the Top 15

Consistency against conference play will most likely make or break Penn State Hockey’s final season rankings for 2022-2023.

Four Big Ten teams made the USCHO rankings, including Minnesota, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State.

Numerous media members of the USCHO vote based on matchups and consistency.

That is why Penn State Hockey needs to break into the top 20 early, and lay the groundwork for why they deserve to stay.

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