2022-23 Atlantic Hockey Power Rankings

FloHockey’s bimonthly evaluation on everything Atlantic Hockey. Find out which of AHA’s 10 teams rise, fall or stay put as weekly series unfold in Atlantic Hockey.

1. RIT (Last Ranking: 1)

Record: 16-7-1 (20-11-1 overall)

The Tigers hold a nine-point lead in Atlantic Hockey, despite having a 1-3 record since the last rankings. 

It’s not a promising show down the stretch, and even less so with all three losses coming against Bentley and Niagara. But droughts are best in the regular season. 

The Tigers have shown too much to not be a must-watch postseason team.

2. AIC (Last Ranking: 2)

Record: 13-8-3 (16-12-6 overall)

The Yellow Jackets didn’t manage a fifth consecutive regular season title, but home ice is locked, and a path to another NCAA Tournament is achievable.

A bit more up and down this season than the culture is used to, means they’ll have to find some balance. 

Last week’s sweep of Air Force - the Jackets’ first sweep since early December - could be an indication.

3. Sacred Heart (Last Ranking: 3)

Record: 14-8-2 (16-14-2 overall)

An outside chance at catching RIT slipped away when the Pioneers to Canisius over the weekend, 6-4. 

They snagged the second end of the series with an overtime win, which places them in sole possession of second place entering the final week.

Two big points.

More to come on this one in a bit.#WeAreSHU pic.twitter.com/CuHqUSFI49

— SHU Hockey (@SHUHockey) February 19, 2023

AIC awaits as the battle for second place occurs this week and the Pioneers look to impress to close out the regular season at home.

4. Holy Cross (Last Ranking: 4)

Record: 12-10-2 (13-16-3 overall)

The Crusaders’ record doesn’t look flashy, but six conference wins over their past seven opportunities have them in striking distance of a second-place finish.

They’ve zeroed in down the stretch, including holding two of their last three opponents to zeros on the scoreboard. 

No one should want to face the Crusaders heading into the playoffs.

5. Army West Point (Last Ranking: 6)

Record: 11-11-2 (12-16-4 overall)

A fourth-place finish is the best remaining scenario for the Black Knights, which requires a season-ending sweep of Bentley and some losses for those ahead of them.

The Knights have gone 5-2 over their last seven games, but with each loss coming with seven goals against, focus and detail are priorities come March. 

AHA Rookie of the Year frontrunner Max Itagaki could have something to say about a postseason run.

6. Canisius (Last Ranking: 8)

Record: 11-10-3 (13-16-3 overall)

Despite a surprising and equally disappointing regular season at Canisius, the Golden Griffins claimed five of their final seven conference matchups and faced just one regulation loss in that span.

A final matchup with Holy Cross puts fourth place up for grabs for the postseason, with Niagara, Army and Mercyhurst within striking distance this week.

Postseason Berth ✅#Griffs https://t.co/rd3Mgc0Ui1#Griffs

— Canisius Hockey (@GriffsHockey) February 19, 2023

7. Niagara (Last Ranking: 7)

Record: 9-12-3 (15-14-3 overall)

Points in five of their last six games, including a sweep of RIT, hasn’t been enough to shake up the standings in a considerable way. 

The Eagles still sit seventh and remain the underdogs, but their recent play should have opponents uneasy.

Nobody should be eager to face Niagara come playoff time, but entering the final week of the season will be the ultimate decision-maker for the first round.

8. Mercyhurst (Last Ranking: 5)

Record: 8-13-3 (9-20-3 overall)

The Lakers have gone 1-3-2 in February, dragging them down from home-ice anticipation to likely facing a top-3 program come March. 

It’s a major turn after a pieced-together season, following major roster turnover via the transfer portal.

Coach Rick Gotkin’s 1,200 games of experience means there will be a fight in the postseason, but the team has a lot of questions to answer, before winning 2-of-3 in the opening round.

9. Bentley (Last Ranking: 10)

Record: 7-15-2 (10-20-2 overall)

The Falcons have taken points in four of their past five games, pulling them out of the No. 10 spot for the first in 2023. 

A defiant Army team awaits in the final week. That squad will be looking for a sweep and shot at fourth place, but the Falcons will be looking to stay clear of No. 10 and play spoiler to Army’s push.

10. Air Force (Last Ranking: 9)

Record: 8-15-1 (12-20-2 overall)

Even with a 4-4 mark in February, the Falcons have dropped to the bottom spot, where a matchup with RIT puts a cap on the regular season.

With the postseason out of reach, and RIT’s clinch for the top seed, the six remaining points hold no water. Still, the Falcons will look to go out on a high note, while RIT will look to rebound from a weak stretch.

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