Blue Raiders Make History with First-Ever №1 National Ranking
The Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders hockey team has made history, earning the program’s first-ever №1 national ranking. Riding a 10-game winning streak and boasting a 10–2 record, the Blue Raiders have firmly established themselves as one of the premier programs in collegiate hockey.
For Head Coach JJ Murray, the recognition is more than just a number. It’s a reflection of years of effort, belief, and culture-building.
“It’s a great accomplishment and something we’re very proud of as a program,” Murray said. “Our guys have put in a lot of hard work-not just this season, but over the past three years since I took over as head coach. This ranking is a reflection of their dedication, hard work and commitment. That said, we all know the only ranking that truly matters is the one that comes out after the national tournament.”
When Murray first took over, he already saw the potential for the program to reach this level.
“Honestly, yes,” he admitted. “I believed from the start that this program has the potential to reach this level. There’s so much local talent here in Tennessee-it’s really about recruiting the right guys who fit our culture and vision. Once you get three or four elite players who are all-in, it really starts a domino effect.”
That buy-in has built a team that’s as close off the ice as it is dominant on it.
“This is honestly one of my favorite teams I’ve ever been a part of, whether that’s as a player or a coach,” Murray said. “We have so much talent on the ice, but what really makes this group special is who they are off the ice. They truly care about each other. We’ve got some big personalities in this group, and it truly feels like one big family.”
Now, with the nation’s top ranking, MTSU is the team everyone’s chasing-a challenge Murray and his players welcome.
“I always remind the guys that we’re now the team to beat, and that means we’re going to get every opponent’s nest effort every night,” Murray said. “The key is taking it shift by shift and period by period. If our effort matches or surpasses our skill, then the sky’s the limit,”
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Still, the team remains focused on the bigger picture, with their sights already set on the next challenge- the Veterans Cup, taking place November 8–9. The Blue Raiders will open the tournament against in-state rival University of Tennessee’s Ice Vols, a matchup that’s expected to draw plenty of attention.
“It’s an honor to be ranked №1 in the country, but at the end of the day, it’s just the first of the year,” Murray said. We’ll enjoy it for about 24 hours, then get right back to work and focus on preparing for the Veterans Cup. Our goal is to go 2–0 every weekend and let the rest take care of itself.”
Assistant Coach Tom Murphy credits the team’s defensive growth as the foundation of its success.
“The biggest thing I’ve noticed from seeing MTSU games in the past is that our individual defensive play has improved dramatically — not just our defense but the whole team,” Murphy said. “This helps our transition game the most because our systematic breakout and relentless forecheck, combined with our offensive firepower, makes us impossible to prepare and play against.”
Since the third game of the season, MTSU has outscored opponents 66–27, showcasing a balance of discipline, depth, and offensive firepower.
Murphy also praised the young players who have stepped up early in their careers. “At this level of hockey, buying into team culture is what makes a team special,” he said. “With the new young firepower coming in and buying in immediately, versus trying to make it about themselves, it’s made a massive impact. Nashville natives and Jr. Preds alumni Keenan and Chunch have really turned it up and put pressure on our vets in their first year.”
That shared commitment fuels the chemistry and consistency across all four lines.
“We all have one thing in mind this season — winning a national championship,” Murphy said. “You only do this by having winners win attitude, being accountable for each other, and being 100% committed to the goal. Now that the first ranking is out and we’re №1, the idea of winning has become more realistic than ever.”
As for the pressure that comes with being the top-ranked team, Murphy says the focus remains steady: “You honestly try not to focus on it because it can be a bit of a burden. You just have to focus on the task at hand, and that’s winning a national championship.”
And while Murphy keeps the team’s behind-the-scenes moments private, his belief in this group is crystal clear.
“Just know that we have something special here, and everyone involved needs to cherish every moment,” he said. “I’ve coached some successful teams in my career and have won a national title with my U18s. I see a lot of resemblance with this MTSU team. Winners win, losers lose. The winner’s culture is growing here. MTSU is officially a hockey school.”
