2022-23 Atlantic Hockey Power Rankings

FloHockey's bi-monthly evaluation on everything Atlantic Hockey. Find out which of the AHA's 10 teams rise, fall or stay put as weekly series unfold in Atlantic Hockey.

1. RIT (Last Ranking: NA)

Record: 2-0 (2-1 overall)

A sweep over Army has RIT opening conference play undefeated. The program earns the top spot in the first AHA rankings of 2022-23. The Tigers shook off a 4-3 loss at Union last weekend, earning their first six points available with some third period surges.

A rematch with Union this coming weekend will offer an early chance to measure adjustments over the past two weeks and prepare the Tigers for two more October conference series.

2. Niagara (Last Ranking: NA)

Record: 0-0 (2-0 overall)

The Purple Eagles swept Omaha with a pair of 4-3 wins. They staved off a late-game push on Friday, where a 4-1 lead slipped to a narrow 4-3 victory despite being outshot 26-11 in the last 40 minutes.

The Eagles initiated a late-game rush of their own the following night, tying the game with 14:15 remaining before netting the game-winner with just 3:12 to play. The program faces an early conference test this weekend, hosting AIC.

3. AIC (Last Ranking: NA)

Record: 0-0 (0-2-1 overall)

The Yellow Jackets shook off a rough start in 2021-22 and are putting themselves in a similar position this October, with a loss and tie to independent Alaska to open the season.

Despite being winless through three games, the Jackets showed their skill with a 2-2 tie against No. 13-ranked Massachusetts. They'll seek their first win with a visit to 2-0 Niagara this weekend.

4. Air Force (Last Ranking: NA)

Record: 0-0 (0-1-1 overall)

Air Force co-hosted the annual Ice Breaker with Denver to open the season with a 4-1 loss to Maine. The Falcons regrouped in a thrilling 5-5 tie after overtime with No. 11-ranked Notre Dame.

The young team held strong in a four-goal third period barrage from the Irish. Six of the Falcons' next eight games are non-conference series, giving the progam a long opportunity to tighten up and run on all cylinders come point play.

5. Sacred Heart (Last Ranking: NA)

Record: 0-0 (0-1 overall)

The Pioneers went 2-0 in exhibition play, including a win over Massachusetts. That makes the 6-1 season-opening loss to No. 16 Providence a bit more palatable.

There are pieces in place for the Pioneers to build back up to their program-best season in 2019-20. With upcoming series at both Niagara and Holy Cross, there will be immediate road points and great opportunity to gain momentum.

6. Bentley (Last Ranking: NA)

Record: 0-0 (0-1 overall)

The Falcons kicked off a seven-game non-conference start to the season with an 8-2 loss to No. 9 Boston University. No. 20 Penn State is the other ranked program in their next five contests, offering the Falcons a look at different conferences and levels.

Then a conference-heavy belly of the season sees the program plays just one more non-conference game the rest of the way.

7. Canisius (Last Ranking: NA)

Record: 0-0 (0-2 overall)

Similar to Bentley, the Golden Griffins open the season with seven non-conference contests, losing the first two to Penn State, 5-2 and 7-5. The team's offense could be one of the strongest in Atlantic Hockey, but synchronizing all three zones may prove difficult.

Keaton Mastrodonato, a bounce back from Randy Hernandez, and growth from Max Kouznetsov will be key to the Griffins success. The trio has already combined for four goals and nine points over the first two games.

8. Holy Cross (Last Ranking: NA)

Record: 0-0 (0-2 overall)

As the last-place program in 2021-22, the Crusaders' 0-2 start doesn't bode well for a turn-around, having been outscored 1-10. But not all is lost.

Their 0-2 start came at the hands of No. 3 North Dakota, likely the best team they will face this season.

9. Army West Point (Last Ranking: NA)

Record: 0-2 (0-2-1 overall)

The Black Knights are too well-rounded and too familiar with the expectations of winning to stay in the bottom for long. Still, a winless three-game streak to open the season, including missing out on six points, is a dangerous place to start.

Five of the Knights' next six games are non-conference, giving them a prolonged opportunity to settle into life without Colin Bilek and the buy-in of defensive style coach Brian Riley pushes.

10. Mercyhurst (Last Ranking: NA)

Record: 0-0 (0-3-0-1 overall)

The Lakers' loss of Dante Sheriff, Austin Heidemann, and Noah Kane from the forward group has shown through four losses during an 0-4 start. The loss of goaltender Kyle McClellan has also been noticeable, with Mercyhurst being outscored 17-8.

The run-and-gun offense still has formidable pieces, but inconsistency will only lead to more losses for a program determined to outscore defensive deficiencies.

Catch every Atlantic Hockey game live, right here on FloHockey.