The contenders for the 2023 NCAA men's hockey season
October 13, 2023
Taking their cues from the pros (in scheduling only, we hope), the men’s hockey season began last weekend with a mix of exhibition games and official regular-season matchups.

SOURCE: TERRIERHOCKEY/X
The GIST: Taking their cues from the pros (in scheduling only, we hope), the men’s hockey season began last weekend with a mix of exhibition games and official regular-season matchups.
- It’s already served some shocking upsets, so catch up on how NCAA men’s hockey works before flowing into this season.
The contenders: Reigning national champ No. 5 Quinnipiac started the season with high hopes and a No. 2 ranking, but they’ve already stumbled in their title defense, falling to now–No. 4 Boston College 2–1 in OT last weekend. Instead, Frozen Four competitors No. 1 Boston University and No. 2 Minnesota have officially taken over as the teams to beat.
- As for dark horses? No. 13 Providence looks promising after a 4–2 upset win and a tight 5–4 loss on the road against powerhouse No. 5 Michigan last weekend. If the Friars’ offense keeps it up, they’ll take the Hockey East conference by storm.
What’s next: Minnesota officially opens their season with a crosstown classic against St. Thomas tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET and tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET. Holy buckets.
- Meanwhile, Boston U hits the road against regional rival New Hampshire tonight at 8 p.m. ET before returning to Beantown for an exhibition game against the U.S. National Under-18 team tomorrow.