College Hockey America coaches have tabbed Bemidji State as the favorite in the second CHA preseason poll.
Bemidji received two first place votes and 22 overall points in the balloting of the six league coaches.
Placing second was Alabama-Hunstville. The Chargers also received two first-place votes and finished with 21 overall points.
Right behind UAH was Niagara. Last year’s NCAA quarterfinalist was given two first place votes and finished with 20 overall points.
Air Force and Wayne State received 11 points each and tied for fourth place while Findlay received 5 points and finished sixth in the poll.
The CHA coaches also announced their preseason All-CHA team. Up front were Dwayne Blais of Alabama-Huntsville, who was also named the preseason player of the year in the CHA, Brian Gornick of Air Force and John Heffernan of Niagara. On defense was Brant Somerville of Findlay and Timo Makela of Niagara. Marc Kielkucki of Air Force was named the goaltender.
CHA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Bemidji State (2) 22
2. Alabama-Huntsville (2) 21
3. Niagara (2) 20
4. Air Force 11
Wayne State 11
6. Findlay 5
Preseason All-CHA Team
F Dwayne Blais, Sr., Alabama-Huntsville
F Brian Gornick, Jr., Air Force
F John Heffernan, Jr., Niagara
D Brant Somerville, Jr. Findlay
D Timo Makela, Sr., Niagara
G Marc Kielkucki, Sr., Air Force
Preseason Player of the Year
Dwayne Blais, Sr., F, Alabama-Huntsville
