Preseason Power Rankings: Previewing teams ranked No. 52-49

Let’s continue my preseason power rankings, looking at the teams I have ranked No. 52-49. Today’s newsletter (#586) has storylines, analysis, and a bold prediction for each of the following teams:

• Brown

• Alaska

• Army

• Stonehill

Remember, you’ll be able to keep track of ALL of our rankings by using this page:

The page will be updated with national and league-by-league rankings as more teams are released.

(52) Brown

Storylines

• The Bears are coming off their best season since 2019. Brown went 14-15-3 last season, posting double-digit wins for just the second time in the last 10 seasons.

• Brown leaned heavily on its top line last season. Two-thirds of that line have departed, with Max Scott transferring to Maine and Tyler Kopff signing an entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres after his sophomore season.

Analysis

Brown’s strength, without question, lies in its defensive corps. Alex Pineau and Ethan Mistry are bona fide anchors on the back end, and I have freshman Matthew Desiderio penciled in as a regular who should deliver league-average — perhaps slightly above-average — production despite his rookie status.

In my scoring model, the median defenseman nationally graded at 18.8, and I have Desiderio at 19.3. Nick Traggio adds reliable depth and rounds out what should be a solid top four.