Preseason Power Rankings: Previewing teams ranked No. 40-37

In-depth looks at Northern Michigan, Union, UNH, and Augustana

Continuing my preseason power rankings, looking at the teams I have ranked No. 40-37. Today’s newsletter (#589) has storylines, analysis, and a bold prediction for each of the following teams:

• Northern Michigan (CCHA)

• Union (ECAC)

• New Hampshire (HEA)

• Augustana (CCHA)

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.

(40) Northern Michigan

Storylines

• As is the case often with coaching changes (NMU hired Dave Shyiak in 2024), the first offseason is filled with a lot of roster turnover. The Wildcats added eight players from the transfer portal and saw 12 players from last year’s roster enter the portal.

• The Wildcats’ roster was ravaged last season by transfers and late recruit switches after Grant Potulny took a job in teh AHL. In turn, Northern Michigan won only five games, which was the program’s lowest win total in its history.

Analysis

You might look at the leap I’ve projected for Northern Michigan this season and be skeptical. But part of that jump is tied directly to where the program is coming from — the Wildcats were ranked near the bottom nationally last year, stumbling to just five wins.

The roster, though, looks far more capable. Shyiak improved his overall roster quality through transfers and a handful of freshmen, particularly up front. On the blue line, the top four is effectively set with returners Tynan Ewart and Anthony Cliche, while I have sophomore Joe Schiller projected to take a major step after being limited to just 10 games a season ago. Cade Mason, a transfer from LIU, rounds out what should be a reliable top-four rotation.

Up front, the Wildcats appear deeper and more dangerous. They return two skilled sophomores in Jakub Altrichter and Grayden Slipec, and the addition of Caiden Gault from Ferris State gives them a proven offensive spark after a 25-point campaign last year. Freshmen Peter Cisar, Tobias Pitka, and Matthew Ward are all expected to contribute meaningful minutes right away.