See Where Boston College, Boston University and More Rank in Preseason Hockey East Poll

College hockey begins in nearly two weeks, and the preseason Hockey East poll indicates multiple Boston schools could be at the center of the national conversation once again.

While Providence leads the way, receiving eight of 11 first-place votes, Boston University received two first-place votes and Boston College wasn't far behind.

Both the Terriers and the Eagles, who have each played for a national championship in the last three years but came up short, are hoping to find their way to Washington D.C. for the Frozen Four in April.

Here's a look at the preseason Hockey East poll and where Boston schools rank.

Providence came in comfortably at No. 1, receiving the bulk of first-place votes, while UMass slotted in second despite receiving fewer first-place votes than Boston University.

The Friars won the Hockey East regular season title in the spring, though eighth-seeded Merrimack made a surprising run to win the conference tournament and secure a trip to the NCAA Tournament. No Boston school reached the NCAA Tournament, as the Hockey East only sent Providence, UConn and Merrimack; all three lost in the first round.

Boston College slots in fourth out of 11 teams in the preseason Hockey East poll, the highest-ranked team without a first-place vote. The Eagles finished fourth in the conference last season.

Boston University ranks third in the preseason Hockey East poll, with two first-place votes. The Terriers finished a disappointing sixth in the conference last season, missing the NCAA Tournament after three consecutive trips to the Frozen Four.

Northeastern ranks eighth in the preseason Hockey East poll, ahead of only New Hampshire, UMass Lowell and Vermont. The Huskies finished seventh in the conference last season and last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2022.