On Saturday, October 1, Wisconsin kicked off the Big Ten Conference's 2016-17 hockey season at home against the University of Victoria, and won 10-1. Much like any other year, the Big Ten holds some of the biggest names in college hockey this season.

1. Luke Kunin, Wisconsin

Standing: Sophomore

Position: Center

2015-16 Stats: 35 GP, 19 G, 13 A, 32 Pts.

Kunin is returning to Wisconsin after a standout freshman year that saw him finish fifth in goals and 13th among Big Ten players. Following his strong season, Kunin was drafted 15th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

Named the team's captain under new head coach Tony Granato, big things are expected from the 6-foot center this season. Kunin will play a large part in helping the Badgers put back-to-back disappointing seasons behind them.

2. Justin Kloos, Minnesota

Standing: Senior

Position: Left Wing/Right Wing

2015-16 Stats: 37 GP, 16 G, 27 A, 43 Pts.

Kloos is the Big Ten's top returning scorer this season. At just 5-foot-8, Kloos has been written off as an undersized player for most of his career, but he's also one of the most underrated players in the NCAA. That's why coach Don Lucia leans on him heavily when a goal is needed.

On a deep Minnesota team, Kloos was named captain ahead of the 2015-16 season, and responded by leading the team in scoring. Kloos has been a consistent player for the Golden Gophers, from playing in all 117 games to recording 107 points in that time.

3. Nick Schilkey, Ohio State

Standing: Senior

Position: Right Wing

2015-16 Stats: 36 GP, 19 G, 22 A, 41 Pts.

Schilkey returns as the Big Ten's second-leading scorer behind Kloos. Ohio State was ranked second in the preseason conference coaches poll in large part to Schilkey, who was named captain ahead of the 2015-16 season.

Last season saw him nearly double his goal and point output, and Schilkey earned a spot on the Big Ten's Preseason Watch List for the third straight season.

4. Vince Pedrie, Penn State

Standing: Sophomore

Position: Defense

2015-16 Stats: 32 GP, 8 G, 14 A, 22 Pts.

Pedrie finished third in Big Ten defensive scoring last season behind Michigan's Zach Werenski and Nittany Lions teammate Luke Juha. Pedrie has been a consistent offensive producer from the backend for nearly all of his career, so coach Guy Gadowsky will likely look to him to take over Juha's role this coming season.

With increased ice time and responsibility, Pedrie could be on the verge of leading the Big Ten in defensive scoring as a sophomore. Pedrie will also benefit from a 10-man incoming freshman class packed with players who Gadowsky targeted for speed, skill and a high hockey IQ.

5. Alex Kile, Michigan

Standing: Senior

Position: Left Wing

2015-16 Stats: 38 GP, 16 G, 18 A, 34 Pts.

Kile improved his goal and point totals in each of his three seasons with the Wolverines, and he's poised to do it again this fall.

The Michigan trio of Kyle Connor, Tyler Motte and J.T. Compher paced the Big Ten in scoring for the 2015-16 season, but each moved on to join the NHL organizations that drafted them.

Coach Red Berenson will likely lean on Kile more this season and give him a larger role due to the departure of the team's three leading scorers.