Minnesota State has been chosen among the CCHA head coaches to win the MacNaughton Cup, which will be awarded to the regular-season champion annually.
The Mavericks captured five first-place votes and totaled 67 of a possible 70 points.
2021-22 CCHA Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Minnesota State – 67 (5)
2. Bemidji State – 63 (1)
3. Michigan Tech – 55 (2)
4. Northern Michigan – 54
5. Bowling Green State – 46
6. Lake Superior State – 45
7. Ferris State – 32
8. St. Thomas – 30
In addition, Minnesota State junior forward Nathan Smith has been selected as the preseason player of the year and incoming Bowling Green freshman Austen Swankler has been tabbed the preseason rookie of the year.
The CCHA also announced the preseason all-conference team as selected by the eight head coaches of the conference.
2021-22 CCHA Preseason All-Conference Team
Forward: Julian Napravnik, Sr., Minnesota State
Forward: Nathan Smith, Jr., Minnesota State
Forward: Joseph Nardi, Sr., Northern Michigan
Defense: Akito Hirose, So., Minnesota State
Defense: Colin Swoyer, Sr., Michigan Tech
Goaltender: Dryden McKay, Sr., Minnesota State
