A Hair's Breadth: Denver Pioneers Edge North Dakota in Thrilling NCHC Preseason Poll

Well, folks, it seems the upcoming 2026-27 NCHC hockey season is already buzzing with anticipation, and frankly, the recently announced Preseason Media Poll has only amplified that excitement. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, the Denver Pioneers, fresh off yet another NCAA National Championship victory, have claimed the top spot. But oh, what a razor-thin margin it was!

Imagine this: just two points separated the Pioneers from a formidable North Dakota squad. The vote, revealed this past Wednesday, September 16th (or maybe it was the 17th, depending on who you ask, but either way, the news dropped in Colorado Springs at NCHC headquarters), saw Denver rack up 304 points, earning them 14 first-place nods from the 33 media members surveyed.

Now, when you talk about Denver, you're really talking about a dynasty in the making. They've not only hoisted the NCAA championship trophy three times in the last five seasons (2022, 2024, 2026), but they're also the defending NCHC Frozen Faceoff Tournament champions. And who could forget Johnny Hicks? That freshman goaltender, a true phenom, who not only earned Most Outstanding Player honors at both the Frozen Faceoff and the Frozen Four but also shattered an NCAA single-season save percentage record. What a debut for the young netminder!

Hot on their heels, however, are the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. They gathered 302 points and 12 first-place votes—so incredibly close! While Denver might have the NCAA hardware, it was NoDak who clinched the Penrose Cup last season, proving their mettle as the NCHC regular-season champions. Their own netminder, Jan Špunar, now a sophomore, was crowned NCHC Goaltender of the Year, and with Ethan Reschny stepping up as captain, they’re clearly ready to challenge for every single title the league has to offer.

Not to be overlooked, the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs snagged a very respectable third place with 273 points and 7 first-place votes. And why wouldn't they? They've got Max Plante, a junior forward who took home the coveted Hobey Baker Award in 2026. As a co-captain, he’s bound to lead a very potent Bulldogs offense, ensuring they remain a serious threat.

Rounding out the top teams, we see Western Michigan landing at fourth with 237 points, followed by Miami with 175 points, and Colorado College closely behind at 159 points. St. Thomas secured the seventh spot with 121 points, while St. Cloud State earned 102 points for eighth. Even Arizona State (73 points) and Omaha (69 points) made it onto the poll, showcasing the depth of talent and the competitive spirit that defines this incredible conference.

NCHC Commissioner Heather Weems must be thrilled with the competitive landscape this preseason poll reflects. It’s clear that picking a definitive winner this season is going to be incredibly tough, and honestly, that’s exactly what makes college hockey so thrilling to watch. Get ready for some unforgettable matchups and a battle right down to the wire!