Week 8 brought some turbulence to the top of the college hockey world, as two of the top teams in America split a massive series. As the calendar flips to December, the season starts to heat up as conference play takes center stage.
NCAA Digital’s Jordan Menard gives her fresh Power 5 rankings after the first weekend of December.
1. North Dakota (Previous: 1)
North Dakota faced a tough road task at Denver this past weekend and was greeted by the Pioneers with a 4-1 deficit after the first period of the first game. But, the Fighting Hawks rallied, scoring six goals over the final two frames to win the series opener 7-5. North Dakota returns to Ralph Engelstad Arena this weekend for a two-game set against Colorado College.
We didn’t come for three points, we came for all six. #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/dHqba5vjpD
— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) December 2, 2023
2. Denver (Previous: 3)
The Pioneers were impressive against North Dakota this weekend. After a tough loss in the opener, Denver got 29 saves from Freddie Halyk in a 3-2 overtime win on Saturday. It doesn’t get any easier for Denver, as they head to Lawson Arena for a tough two-game NCHC series with Western Michigan this weekend.
3. Boston University (Previous: 4)
The Terriers cruised through a home-and-home weekend against Merrimack, outscoring the Warriors 9-3. Lane Hutson notched four assists on the weekend to lead the BU offense, and Shane LaChance scored twice on Friday in the Terriers’ win.
Vibes are 💯
📸 @Jonratnerphoto pic.twitter.com/RYWDt2ltQT
— BU Men’s Hockey (@TerrierHockey) December 3, 2023
4. Boston College (Previous: 2)
Boston College split a two-game home-and-home series with cross-town rival Northeastern. The superstars showed up for the Eagles as both Gabe Perrault and Will Smith tallied a goal and two assists across the two games. BC will play its last game of the calendar year this Saturday when it welcomes Providence to Conte Forum.
5. Wisconsin (Previous: 5)
Wisconsin dominated defensively in a two-game sweep over Big Ten rival Ohio State, outscoring the Buckeyes 9-1 over the weekend. Cruz Lucius scored in both games and had two assists on Saturday to lead the Badgers’ offensive attack.
