Defending national champion Minnesota was picked by WCHA head coaches to finish first in the conference this season in the annual coaches’ poll released on Wednesday.
Minnesota garnered six first-place votes, while North Dakota and Wisconsin each tallied one first-place vote apiece.
In addition, Wisconsin senior forward Brianna Decker, the 2012 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner and reigning WCHA player of the year, was chosen preseason player of the year. Minnesota freshman forward Hannah Brandt was the unanimous choice as preseason rookie of the year.
| School (First-place votes) | Total points |
|---|---|
| 1. Minnesota (6) | 48 |
| 2 (tie). North Dakota (1) | 40 |
| 2 (tie). Wisconsin (1) | 40 |
| 4. Minnesota-Duluth | 32 |
| 5. Ohio State | 24 |
| 6. Bemidji State | 19 |
| 7. Minnesota State | 12 |
| 8. St. Cloud State | 9 |
