The UMD men’s hockey team will start the season off with a number next to their name for the first time since November 6th, 2023, as the Bulldogs will enter the season ranked 18th in the United States College Hockey Organization’s preseason poll.

The Bulldogs will head into the season with a very young team, sporting 11 freshman on the roster.

The NCHC will yet again be a battle ground, as reigning national champions Denver arethe top ranked team again, while North Dakota, Colorado College, Omaha, and St. Cloud also start the season ranked.