The 1986–87 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey season began in October 1986 and concluded with the 1987 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament's championship game on March 28, 1987 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

Notre Dame and Kent State formed the ACHA with two other schools, however, the two other universities didn't play at the Division I level and its standings are not official.

The College Hockey Statistics Bureau (CHSB) / WMEB poll was voted on by media after the season started.

Note: * denotes overtime period(s) [5] The following players led the league in points at the conclusion of the season.

GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes [6] The following goaltenders led the league in goals against average at the end of the regular season while playing at least 33% of their team's total minutes.