The big story of the week in college hockey? Gavin McKenna’s offensive explosion against Ohio State. The 2026 NHL Draft phenom from Penn State went off for eight points in one game against the Buckeyes, the most in an NCAA men’s game in decades. Then, as an encore, he scored the overtime game-winner the next night to cap off a 10-point weekend.
McKenna has gone through the ringer as a freshman, from the unceasing hype to the world juniors to his ongoing legal saga in Pennsylvania. And yet, he has now turned in a signature performance and still has time to keep that momentum going as the Nittany Lions shoot for another long run at the Frozen Four. He still has competition from the likes of North Dakota defenseman Keaton Verhoeff and others in the draft, but McKenna is certainly trending in the right direction to reclaim that No. 1 overall spot this summer when the NHL convenes in Buffalo.
NCAA hockey power rankings
1. Michigan State Spartans (24-6-0)
They thumped Notre Dame by an aggregate of 12-4 on the weekend, so the Spartans are the new No. 1, surpassing the rival Wolverines. Porter Martone (PHI) is on a seven-game heater, notching 14 points during that span. Elsewhere, defenseman Maxim Strbak (BUF) has points in three straight.
2. Michigan Wolverines (25-6-1)
Dropping a game against Wisconsin puts the Wolverines in second this week, though they did get revenge on the Badgers in the rematch. Michigan is still being paced by Michael Hage (MTL) and coveted free agent T.J. Hughes up front, so this is a team that is not to be trifled with come playoff time.
3. North Dakota Fighting Hawks (24-7-1)
The Hawks lost in a shootout to St. Cloud State before winning the rubber match with the Huskies, but this is still a top-tier outfit. Big free-agent center Ellis Rickwood has surged to the team lead in scoring thanks to a run that has seen him score six points in his past three games. Ben Strinden (NSH) is now second on the team.
4. Providence College Friars (21-8-2)
The Friars are taking care of business, sweeping Vermont this weekend. They’ve won nine of their past 10 and really seem to be peaking at the right time. Freshman goalie Jack Parsons has been good when the Friars needed him to step up, while Roger McQueen (ANA) continues to lead the team in points.
5. Boston College Eagles (19-10-1)
Sweeping UConn was huge for the Eagles, who may have just figured this season out in time. James Hagens (BOS) has been on an absolute tear with nine points in his past five games while Dean Letourneau (BOS) has six himself during that span. The Eagles get archrival Boston U. next and that will be a critical test.
6. Penn State Nittany Lions (20-9-1)
Obviously the story of the weekend was McKenna, but this was just the latest in what has been a fascinating season for Penn State. Are the Nittany Lions contenders? Are they on a second tier? They’ve got doormat Notre Dame next, so we could see a couple more blowouts, but Wisconsin ends their regular-season schedule and that will be a test.
7. Western Michigan Broncos (23-8-1)
Unbeaten in five, the Broncos end their regular-season schedule with a battle of the titans against North Dakota. Truly, the top teams in the NCHC won’t be satisfied until the Frozen Four, but the defending champs from Western Michigan are putting themselves in a good spot. Goalie Hampton Slukynsky (LA) hasn’t given up more than two goals in a game his past five starts.
8. Quinnipiac Bobcats (25-6-3)
The Bobcats got blown out by Cornell, then rebounded by beating Colgate the next day. Quinnipiac should be one of the top teams in the national tournament, but it won’t be a walk in the park. Ethan Wyttenbach (CGY) is up to 54 points in 34 games, but he was shut out by the Big Red in that loss.
9. Cornell Big Red (18-8-1)
After beating Quinnipiac, Cornell dropped their second game of the weekend to Princeton. Talk about an emotional letdown. But the Big Red still look like the team you don’t want to face in a playoff bracket. Jonathan Castagna (UTA) continues to pace the offense with 31 points in 27 games.
10. Denver Pioneers (19-11-3)
Unbeaten in seven, Denver is getting hot right when it counts. And based on the experience of coach David Carle and many of his players, don’t count out Denver when it comes to the national championship picture. Freshman goaltender Johnny Hicks has given the Pioneers excellent crease work of late.
