Minnesota has been chosen to finish atop the WCHA women’s standings with six first-place votes in the league’s preseason coaches’ poll.
The Gophers have advanced to the NCAA championship game the past three seasons, winning twice.
Wisconsin, which finished second in the poll, garnered the other two first-place votes from the league’s head coaches.
| Team (First-place votes) | Total Points |
|---|---|
| 1. Minnesota (6) | 48 |
| 2. Wisconsin (2) | 44 |
| 3. Minnesota-Duluth | 34 |
| 4. North Dakota | 33 |
| 5. Ohio State | 26 |
| 6. Minnesota State | 17 |
| 7. Bemidji State | 13 |
| 8. St. Cloud State | 9 |
In addition, Minnesota junior Hannah Brandt was a unanimous choice for preseason player of the year, while Wisconsin forward Annie Pankowski earned six votes for preseason rookie of the year, with Badgers’ forward Baylee Wellhausen and Minnesota forward Cara Piazza each getting a vote.
