Men's Division 1 Hockey Rankings
If you're a fan of college ice hockey, you know that the Men's Division 1 season is in full swing. With dozens of teams vying for national recognition, it can be tough to keep track of who's on top. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to the Men's Division 1 hockey rankings.
Understanding the Ranking System
The Men's Division 1 hockey rankings are determined by a number of factors, including each team's win-loss record, strength of schedule, and performance in recent games. Each week, a panel of coaches and media members votes on the rankings, taking into account the latest results and trends in the league.
The rankings are important because they determine which teams make it into the national tournament at the end of the season. Only the top 16 teams in the country are invited to compete for the national championship, so every game matters.
The Top Teams
So who are the top teams in Men's Division 1 hockey this season? As of the latest rankings, the University of North Dakota is sitting at the top spot. The Fighting Hawks have a 13-3-1 record so far this year, with wins against top-ranked teams like Minnesota Duluth and Denver.
Other contenders for the top spot include Boston College, which has a 12-3-1 record and leads the nation in goals per game, and Minnesota State, which boasts a 13-2-1 record and has been dominant in its conference play.
The Top Players
Of course, it's not just about the teams - there are also plenty of talented individual players who are making waves in the league this season. One of the top performers so far has been North Dakota forward Shane Pinto, who has 10 goals and 9 assists in just 17 games. Boston College's Alex Newhook and Minnesota State's Julian Napravnik are also among the league leaders in points.
On defense, a standout player has been St. Cloud State's Nick Perbix, who has helped his team to a 9-6-0 record so far this season. And in net, Minnesota State's Dryden McKay has been virtually unbeatable - he has a .938 save percentage and has shut out opponents four times this year.
The Up-and-Coming Teams
While the top teams often get the most attention, there are also plenty of up-and-coming programs that could make waves this year. One team to watch is the University of Massachusetts, which made a surprise run to the national championship game last season and currently sits at #7 in the rankings.
Another team to keep an eye on is the University of Minnesota, which has struggled in recent seasons but is showing signs of improvement this year. The Golden Gophers are 8-4-0 so far and have notable wins against rivals like Wisconsin and Michigan.
Conclusion
The Men's Division 1 hockey season is full of excitement and surprises, with plenty of talented teams and players vying for national recognition. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, it's worth keeping an eye on the rankings and following the latest developments in the league.