Big Ten Conference Announces Preseason Hockey Honors

ROSEMONT, lll. — 2026 NCAA Frozen Four participant Michigan is favored to win the 2026-27 Big Ten Championship according to the Big Ten Hockey Coaches Preseason Poll released on Wednesday. Preseason All-Big Ten teams (featuring 12 student-athletes total) were also selected in voting conducted by conference head coaches.

The Wolverines top the poll for the second time in program history, having last been tabbed favorites in 2015-16. Michigan State, which has won three-straight Big Ten Championships, was picked second and 2026 NCAA runner-up Wisconsin chosen third. Minnesota, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Penn State round out the poll.

The Preseason All-Big Teams are comprised of six players on each team: three forwards, two defensemen and one goaltender. Michigan leads the way with four selections.

The preseason first team features four NHL Draft picks: Michigan forward Michael Hage (MTL, 1st round, 2024), Notre Dame forward Danny Nelson (NYI, 2nd round, 2023), Michigan goaltender Jack Ivankovic (NSH, 2nd round, 2025), Minnesota forward Brodie Ziemer (BUF, 3rd round, 2024) and Wisconsin defenseman Luke Osburn (BUF, 4th round, 2024). In addition, Michigan freshman defenseman Landon DuPont is a top prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft.

Occupying the preseason second team are a trio of NHL Draft choices: Penn State defenseman Jackson Smith (CBJ, 1st round, 2025), Michigan State forward Ryker Lee (NSH, 1st round, 2025) and Michigan forward Jayden Perron (CAR, 3rd round, 2023). The team also consists of Wisconsin forward Gavin Morrissey, an NCAA All-Regional Team selection, and Minnesota goaltender Luca Di Pasquo, who recorded wins against all four Frozen Four teams last year. The lone newcomer is Minnesota transfer Evan Murr, a two-time CCHA Defenseman of the Year honoree at Minnesota State. 

Complete teams are listed below:

Preseason All-Big Ten, First Team
F – Michael Hage, Jr., Michigan +
F – Brodie Ziemer, Jr., Minnesota
F – Danny Nelson, Sr., Notre Dame
D – Landon DuPont, Fr., Michigan
D – Luke Osburn, So., Wisconsin
G – Jack Ivankovic, So., Michigan

 + unanimous selection

Preseason All-Big Ten, Second Team
F – Jayden Perron, Sr., Michigan
F – Ryker Lee, So., Michigan State
F – Gavin Morrissey, Jr., Wisconsin
D – Evan Murr, Sr., Minnesota
D – Jackson Smith, So., Penn State
G – Luca Di Pasquo, Sr., Minnesota

Preseason Poll
1.) Michigan
2.) Michigan State
3.) Wisconsin
4.) Minnesota
5.) Ohio State
6.) Notre Dame
7.) Penn State