Penn State men’s hockey (9-1-0, 3-1-0 Big Ten) moved up five spots to No. 8 in the latest USCHO Poll. The Nittany Lions also received three first-place votes.

The rise to No. 8 comes after the Nittany Lions split their series against No. 1 Michigan this past weekend. Penn State dominated Michigan in game one with a 3-0 victory. In game two, the Nittany Lions rallied to score three goals in the third period to force overtime, but ultimately fell 4-3. 

Michigan’s overtime win ended Penn State’s undefeated start, which was the best in program history at 9-0-0. However, Penn State walked away from the series holding first place in the Big Ten standings. 

Despite being undefeated until Saturday’s loss, this is the first week of the season that Penn State has been ranked in the top ten. The Nittany Lions have climbed up the rankings every week after they started the season unranked. 

Penn State is among four other Big Ten teams ranked. Minnesota moved up to No. 1, Michigan is now No. 3, Ohio State is No. 11, and Notre Dame is No. 18. 

The Nittany Lions have another tough series ahead. This time, Penn State travels to Minneapolis for a series against the No. 1 Minnesota Golden Gophers on Thursday, November 10 and Friday, November 11, with puck drop scheduled for 8 p.m. EST for both games.

About the Author

Nolan Wick

Nolan wrote for Onward State from 2021 until 2025. He mainly covered Penn State football, men’s hockey, and baseball, and he was also an associate editor. A Silver Spring, Maryland, native, Nolan is an avid D.C. sports and Liverpool fan. You can follow him on Twitter @nolan_wick.

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