Penn State hockey will hit the ice next month with its highest preseason ranking in program history. The Nittany Lions are the No. 9 team in the country, according to USCHO.com’s rankings.

The defending Big Ten regular-season champions come in with the highest ranking of any Big Ten teams. Ohio State filled in right behind Penn State at No. 10. Michigan, Minnesota, and Notre Dame are also ranked at No. 12, No. 14, and No. 20, respectively.

The only non-conference opposition any Big Ten team will see this year, Arizona State, comes in at No. 15. The Sun Devils will play four games against each Big Ten team at their venue as a part of Big Ten’s plan for the season.

The previous highest ranking for the Nittany Lions came back in 2017-18, where they entered the season ranked No. 10. This is the 64th consecutive poll where the Nittany Lions are ranked dating back to November of 2017, according to a press release from the team.

According to the Big Ten, the hockey season is scheduled to start as soon as November 13. Currently, no schedule has been released for Penn State. This season will involve a 28-game slate with a revised Big Ten tournament format.