With conference play ramping up, early-season results point to Army, Michigan, Augustana, Quinnipiac, Providence and Western Michigan as the leading contenders in their leagues. Western Michigan’s offense has been the most explosive, while Army and Wisconsin stand out defensively. The picks come with caveats: it’s still early, and some teams have faced limited or uneven competition.

By the Numbers
  • Army: 5-0 in Division I games since its opener, allowing 10 goals in six games.
  • Michigan: 5.11 goals per game; Western Michigan leads the nation at 5.71.
  • Augustana: 7-0-1, allowing 1.62 goals per game.
  • Wisconsin: five goals allowed in six games (0.83 per game).
  • Western Michigan: 6-1-0; three players have at least 12 points in seven games.
Yes, But

Several picks remain uncertain because conference schedules are just beginning, and Ivy League teams have played especially few games. Michigan’s recent loss to Ohio State exposed defensive concerns, while Quinnipiac has dropped two games. Western Michigan has dominated, but its strength of schedule has been less demanding than some rivals’.

State of Play
  • Army is the early Atlantic Hockey favorite, backed by strong defense and goaltending.
  • Michigan remains the Big Ten pick despite its recent stumble; Wisconsin is a defensive threat.
  • Augustana has surged in the CCHA and faces preseason favorite Michigan Tech next.
  • Providence and Quinnipiac lead the early cases in Hockey East and the ECAC, respectively.
  • Western Michigan leads the NCHC conversation, with North Dakota and Colorado College tests ahead.
What’s Next

Upcoming conference matchups will show whether the early leaders can sustain their starts. Augustana’s series with Michigan Tech and Western Michigan’s next two weekends against North Dakota and Colorado College are immediate tests.

Bottom Line

These are early contenders, not settled champions: the teams that pair their strongest traits with consistency in conference play will separate themselves as the season develops.