Penn State men’s hockey has been ranked No. 17 in the preseason USCHO Division I men’s poll released Monday.

The Nittany Lions begin 2026-27 six spots below their No. 11 finish in last season’s final poll.

The preseason @USCHO Division I Men’s Rankings are here #NCAAMHockey pic.twitter.com/h7FVRZBseB

— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) September 21, 2026

Penn State went 21-14-2 and reached the NCAA Tournament before falling 3-1 to Minnesota Duluth in the Albany regional semifinal in 2025-26.

Heading into 2026-27, the Nittany Lions face a sizable task in replacing last season’s scoring.

Gavin McKenna, who led the Nittany Lions with 51 points in his lone season, signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs after being selected first overall in the NHL Draft. Aidek Fink, Matt DiMarsico, Charlie Cerrato, and Kevin Reidler also signed professional contracts after the season.

Penn State has brought in new options up front. Maine transfer Justin Porier recorded 18 goals for 29 points in 27 games last season, while freshman Kale Dach had 75 points with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League.

Marco Mignosa and Justin Larose also join the forward group after productive major junior seasons.

Returning talent is there, too. Senior forwards Dane Dowiak and Reese Lauchach will captain the team, while defenseman Jackson Smith returns after earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors as a freshman.

In goal, Josh Fleming is back after posting a .924 save percentage last season. He’ll be joined by Ryden Fetterolf, the reigning Ontario Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Year.

Four Big Ten teams rank ahead of Penn State in the preseason poll: No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Michigan State, No. 6 Wisconsin, and No. 14 Minnesota.

Penn State opens its season against No. 15 UConn at 7 p.m. on Friday. October 9, in Storrs, Connecticut. Its home opener against No. 7 Quinnipiac is set for 7 p.m. Friday, October 16, at Pegula Ice Arena.