Wisconsin Claims No. 1 Ranking in Both Major Polls After Notre Dame Sweep
The Wisconsin men’s hockey team earned the No. 1 ranking in the nation in both major polls, capturing the top spot following a dominant opening weekend in the Big Ten Conference, jsonline.com reported. The Badgers secured the distinction after sweeping Notre Dame, maintaining their status as the only undefeated and untied team remaining in the top 10.
Wisconsin (6-0-0) collected 37 of 50 first-place votes in the USCHO poll and 29 of 34 first-place votes in the USA Hockey ranking. The jump to the top tier comes after the team defeated the Fighting Irish 7-1 on Oct. 30 and followed up with a 9-1 victory the next evening.
Previous Top-Ranked Status Under Mike Hastings
This ascent marks the second time the Badgers have claimed the No. 1 ranking during the Mike Hastings era. The program previously held the top spot for one week on Nov. 13, 2023, after jumping four spots following a sweep of Michigan that extended a six-game winning streak with all victories over ranked teams.
The vacancy at the top opened when the former No. 1 team, Michigan, lost at home against Ohio State on Oct. 31 with a 5-2 loss. Michigan recovered the following day to secure a 5-4 overtime victory against the Buckeyes, allowing Wisconsin to seize the top position in both polls.
Upcoming Border Battle Against Minnesota
The top-ranked Badgers face an immediate test as they prepare to travel to Minnesota for games on Nov. 5 and Nov. 7. The Gophers enter the matchup with a 3-3-2 record and sit at No. 18 in the USCHO poll and No. 17 in the USA Hockey ranking.
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