Women’s Picks: September 30

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September 29, 2011

Last season, I had a great time writing a weekly picks column, and I finished with an excellent record of 193-60-24 (.740) on the season. Let’s see if I can better that this year (a tough challenge). Also joining me in weekly prognostications will be new USCHO Women’s D-I columnist Arlan Marttila, who I want to welcome to the USCHO fold. So, let’s dive in and see how we can start our season off.

Friday-Saturday, September 30-October 1

Quinnipiac at Mercyhurst
Candace: Are the Bobcats ready to take the next step up the women’s ladder? This is a tough series to call. Quinnipiac is led by goal-scoring sensation Kelly Babstock and goaltender Victoria Vigilanti. Merychurst has been one of the powers in game, but graduated their terrorizing trio of Meghan Agosta, Vicki Bendus, and Jesse Scanzano, who led the team in scoring. I’m going to call a split. Mercyhurst 4-2, Quinnipiac 3-2
Arlan: The Lakers demonstrate that the cupboard is not bare, but the Bobcats can play as well. Mercyhurst 3-1, 2-2 tie

North Dakota at Boston University
Candace: The showcase series of the weekend, IMO. BU advanced to the title game last year before falling to Wisconsin, while the Sioux, led by twin sisters Jocelyne Lamoureux and Monique Lamoureux-Kolls, fell just short of the tournament while scoring big wins over rivals in the WCHA. I’m thinking split, something the Sioux did a lot of last season. Boston University 3-2, North Dakota 2-1
Arlan: The Terriers draw first blood, but increased depth pays dividends for North Dakota. Boston University 4-2, North Dakota 5-4

Providence at Bemidji State
Candace: Bemdiji was a somewhat dangerous squad last year, but it took them a while to get going, while Providence spent much of the season hovering in the top 10. I’m calling a Friars sweep. Providence 3-1, 2-1
Arlan: Sanford Center is a tough place to visit, but the Midwest-rich Friars salvage a split. Bemidji State 2-1, Providence 3-0

Friday, September 30

Syracuse vs. St. Cloud State
Candace: Woeful St. Cloud State got just one win last year. This year they figure to do better, but Syracuse, despite losing some big players, figures to be too strong at the start of the season. Syracuse 2-1
Arlan: Orange have more pop than SCSU. Syracuse 3-1

Union at Minnesota
Candace: The Gophers, led by Amanda Kessel and Sarah Erickson, could turn this into a blowout. Minnesota 5-0
Arlan: Gallagher keeps Dutchwomen close in her return to Gopher State. Minnesota 3-0

Saturday, October 1
Union vs. St. Cloud State
Candace: I’m thinking that the Huskies are going to top Union, which struggles in a much weaker conference. St. Cloud 3-1
Arlan: The Huskies’ first win comes much quicker this year. St. Cloud 2-1

Syracuse at Minnesota
Candace: Syracuse had some good wins last year, but a squad like the Gophers has too much firepower and too much defensive strength. Minnesota 4-1
Arlan: Deep Gophers prove to be a tough matchup in weekend’s second game. Minnesota 5-2

2011-2012 Women’s D-I Season Preview

By Arlan Marttila

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September 29, 2011

D-I Women’s Conference Previews

Long before the NCAA or the conference tournaments are contested, teams will embark on the marathon courses of league play. The following is a quick peek at what each will likely offer.

CHA
In the NCAA era, no team has embodied a sure thing like the Mercyhurst Lakers, winners of all nine previous CHA campaigns. The league has experienced a tumultuous offseason, with the Wayne State women’s team following their men’s program and former conference member Findlay into oblivion. With the feline reinforcements – the Lindenwood Lady Lions and the Penn State Nittany Lions – still beyond the horizon, what can we expect from the four-team CHA of 2011-2012?

Mercyhurst Lakers
Projected Finish: 1st
Previous Season: 1st, 16-0-0, 32 points
Key Departures: Meghan Agosta, Vicki Bendus, Melissa Lacroix, Jesse Scanzano, Cassea Schols, Samantha Watt, associate head coach Paul Colontino
Arrivals: Shelby Bram, Hailey Brown, Gina Buquet, Molly Byrne, Kristine Grenier, Vaila Higson, Caroline Luczak, Amanda Makela, Jill Szandzik, assistant coach Delaney Collins
Key Players: Christine Bestland (18-24-42), Bailey Bram (15-27-42), Hillary Pattenden (2.04 GAA .905 save percentage)
Prognosis: A lot can be said about the firepower that the Lakers lost to graduation, but the fact remains that they are still the most talented team in their conference, and five returning players exceeded 20 points last season. Coach Mike Sisti has demonstrated that he can win without an explosive offense if need be, but the Mercyhurst roster looks to offer more than enough goals to overcome the league challenge.

Syracuse Orange
Projected Finish: 2nd
Previous Season: 3rd, 7-6-3, 17 points
Key Departures: Isabel Menard, Ashley Cockell, Stefanie Marty, Julie Rising
Arrivals: Jordyn Burns, Shiann Darkangelo, Nicole Ferrara, Kaillie Goodnough, Casey Hirsch, Julie Knerr, Allie LaCombe, assistant coach Alison Domenico
Key Players: Akane Hosoyamada (2-16-18), Kallie Billadeau (2.08 GAA, .908 save percentage)
Prognosis: A team that only averaged 2.44 goals per game lost its top four goal scorers, so offense figures to be in short supply. However, with new regimes in place at Niagara and Robert Morris, and more sizzle in the incoming class than the competition, Paul Flanagan figures to be able to slip his charges into second place.

Robert Morris Colonials
Projected Finish: 3rd
Previous Season: 4th, 2-9-5, 9 points
Key Departures: head coach Nate Handrahan, Daneca Butterfield, Sara O’Malley
Arrivals: Chelsea Burdzy, Maddie Collias, Katie Fergus, Taylor Sakundiak, Katelyn Scott, Erin Staniewski, Courtney Vinet, Rebecaa Vint, head coach Paul Colontino, volunteer assistant Brianne McLaughlin
Key Players: Thea Imbrogno (12-17-29), Brianna Delany (11-18-29), Dayna Newsom (5-16-21)
Prognosis: The Colonials figure to be better positioned than Niagara, returning more experience in net and a little more proven offense. Colontino’s experience with the league should allow RMU to get out of the basement and perhaps make a run at second.

Niagara Purple Eagles
Projected Finish: 4th
Previous Season: 2nd, 8-6-2, 18 points
Key Departures: head coach Chris MacKenzie, Jenni Bauer
Arrivals: Erin Burns, Kalli Funk, Kelsey Gunn, Amy Helfrich, Delaney Middlebrook, Kayla Raniwsky, Abby Ryplanksi
Key Players: Jessica Hitchcock (6-10-16), Jenna Hendrikx (11-3-14), Kristen Richards (7-7-14)
Prognosis: Josh Sciba ascends to the head coaching position, inheriting a team that neither allowed, nor scored, many goals – 1.48 and 2.33 goals per game respectively. His immediate challenges figure to be selecting a goalie to succeed graduated Jenni Bauer and discovering a little more pop at the other end.

ECAC
A better question than who will win the ECAC title is “Who finishes second?” Cornell ran away with the crown a year ago, and figures to do so once again, as the Big Red are loaded throughout their roster. The next few spots will likely come down to the final weekend before everything is sorted out.

Cornell Big Red
Projected Finish: 1st
Previous Season: 1st, 20-1-1, 41 points
Key Departures: Hayley Hughes, Karlee Overguard, Amber Overguard
Arrivals: Erin Barley-Maloney, Emily Fulton, Monika Leck, Katelyn Pippy, Jillian Saulnier
Key Players: Rebecca Johnston (26-24-50), Brianne Jenner (23-27-50), Laura Fortino (9-32-41),
Prognosis: The big surprise last season was not that Cornell went unchallenged for the title, but that they didn’t sweep their conference games, so dominating were the Big Red through January. That will likely be the only drama associated with their ECAC race once more.

Quinnipiac Bobcats
Projected Finish: 2nd
Previous Season: 5th, 12-9-1, 25 points
Key Departures: Kelley Davies
Arrivals: Nicole Kosta, Breann Frykas, Morgan Fritz-Ward, Anna Borgfeldt, Chelsea Laden
Key Players: Victoria Vigilanti (1.68 GAA, .932 save percentage), Kelly Babstock (30-29-59)
Prognosis: The Bobcats continued their upward progression in coach Rick Seeley’s third season, finishing with 22 wins, the first 20-win season in their 10-year history. Back-to-back Rookies of the Year Vigilanti and Babstock have solidified the defense and sparked the offense respectively. Most of this young team returns, suggesting a top-four league finish is there for the taking.

Dartmouth Big Green
Projected Finish: 3rd
Previous Season: 3rd, 15-7-0, 30 points
Key Departures: Amanda Trunzo, Katie Horner, Alyssa Boehm
Arrivals: Morgan Illikainen, Sam Zeiss, Abbie Lund, Karlee Odland, Katie Milligan
Key Players: Sasha Nanji (14-16-30), Camille Dumais (18-20-38), Lindsay Holdcroft (2.34 GAA, .902 save percentage)
Prognosis: After slumping to ninth and missing the playoffs two years ago, the Big Green rebounded to their accustomed form and garnered an NCAA bid. The scorers of 91 of their 112 goals are back, along with both goaltenders, so look for Dartmouth to be hosting once more come ECAC playoff time.

Clarkson Golden Knights
Projected Finish: 4th
Previous Season: 6th, 10-8-4, 24 points
Key Departures: Melissa Waldie, Lauren Dahm, Daris Tendler
Arrivals: Jenna Boss, Taylor Gedig, Emily Horn, Christine Lambert, Daniella Matteucci, Jennifer Shields
Key Players: Jamie-Lee Rattray (7-18-25), Juana Baribeau (10-11-21), Erica Howe (1.87 GAA, .928 save percentage
Prognosis: A young Golden Knights squad struggled out of the gate last season, but showed signs of improvement later in the year. Expect this edition to be more ready for prime time and move back up the standings.

Harvard Crimson
Projected Finish: 5th
Previous Season: 2nd, 14-5-3, 31 points
Key Departures: Kate Buesser, Liza Ryabkina, Leanna Coskren, Katharine Chute
Arrivals: Sarah Edney, Hillary Crowe, Samantha Reber, Michelle Picard, Tiana Press, assistant coach Jeff Pellegrini
Key Players: Jillian Dempsey (14-14-28), Josephine Pucci (12-13-25), Marissa Gedman (5-12-17)
Prognosis: The Crimson add some good players, but they graduated 44 percent of the goals and 43 percent of the points from last season, so there are definitely holes to fill. Harvard will need improvement in net to stay in the hunt while waiting for the offense to come around.

St. Lawrence Saints
Projected Finish: 6th
Previous Season: 7th, 11-11-0, 22 points
Key Departures: Maxie Weisz, Lauren Brozowski, Kirsten Roach
Arrivals: Amanda Boulier, Jessica Hon, Margo Lund, Jessa McAuliffe, Jacqueline Wand, Ellie Williams, Carmen MacDonald
Key Players: Kelly Sabatine (15-19-34), Brooke Fernandez (7-19-26), Vanessa Emond (14-11-25)
Prognosis: Weisz played roughly two-thirds of the minutes in goal last season; she has now graduated, so identifying her replacement will be crucial. The producers on offense are back, so some ascension in the standings is indicated.

Princeton Tigers
Projected Finish: 7th
Previous Season: 4th, 13-8-1, 27 points
Key Departures: Sasha Sherry, Laura Martindale, assistant coaches Amy Bourbeau and Jessica Link
Arrivals: Ashley Holt, Brianna Leahy, Brianne Mahoney, Ali Pankowski, assistant coaches Cara Morey and John Zdunkiewicz
Key Players: Rachel Weber (1.77 GAA, .931 save percentage), Olivia Mucha (9-12-21), Sally Butler (9-10-19)
Prognosis: The Tigers neither allow many goals nor score many of their own. Although their primary goaltender and top forwards are all back, they lost both their best offensive and defensive performers on the blue line. Historically, veteran D have proven problematic to replace in the short term.

Rensselaer Engineers
Projected Finish: 8th
Previous Season: Three-way tie for 8th, 8-12-2, 18 points
Key Departures: Sonja van der Bliek, Kendra Dunlop, Sydney O’Keefe
Arrivals: Eleeza Cox, Taylor Mahoney, Alicia Miksic, Kelly O’Brien, Brianna Piper, Kathryn Schilter, Ali Svoboda, Mariana Walsh
Key Players: Taylor Horton (12-11-23), Jordan Smelker (10-10-20), Alisa Harrison (8-11-19)
Prognosis: The Engineers must improve on last season’s 2.77 GAA, and a big part of that will be determining who is between the pipes. With the announcement that junior Shannon Ramelot is out with an injury, that figures to be one of three newcomers: Piper, O’Brien, or Miksic. On the other end, RPI would benefit from a number of players upping their point total from a year ago in order to extend the season beyond the league quarterfinals.

Colgate Red Raiders
Projected Finish: 9th
Previous Season: Three-way tie for 8th, 8-12-2, 18 points
Key Departures: Jessi Waters, Jordan Brickner, Jacquie Colborne
Arrivals: Susan Allen, Brittney Brooks, Katie Case, Dockus Casey, Taylor Craig, Miriam Drubel, Lauren Fritzgerald, Melissa Kueber
Key Players: Brittany Phillips (15-18-33), Jenna Klynstra (13-14-27), Kimberly Sass (2.88 GAA, .899 save percentage)
Prognosis: Colgate appears to be stuck in a bit of a rut. In each of their 10 D-I seasons, all but the first under coach Scott Wiley, they’ve reached double-digit wins, but never as many as 20. Primary goaltender Sass is back, along with the scorers of 89 percent of their goals. That could indicate improvement, but neither the offensive nor defensive numbers were great last season, and Colgate will be integrating eight rookies into the lineup, so look for the Red Raiders to be battling for the final ECAC playoff spot once more.

Yale Bulldogs
Projected Finish: 10th
Previous Season: Three-way tie for 8th, 8-12-2, 18 points
Key Departures: Jackee Snikeris, Bray Ketchum, Samantha MacLean, assistant coach Paul Nemetz-Carlson
Arrivals: Stephanie Mock, Lynn Kennedy, Madi Murray, Kelsey Summers, Jaimie Leonoff, assistant coach Eddie Ardito
Key Players: Jackie Raines (9-10-19), Jenna Ciotti (9-6-15), Aleca Hughes (10-3-13)
Prognosis: Replacing Snikeris and her .941 save percentage figures to present a challenge. Optimistically, 84 percent of the goal scoring is back, but that translates into only 44 goals. The teams above them look to have a bit more potential.

Brown Bears
Projected Finish: 11th
Previous Season: 11th, 1-17-4, 6 points
Key Departures: head coach Digit Murphy, Erica Kromm, Erica Farrer
Arrivals: head coach Amy Bourbeau, Shannon Flatley, Kaitlyn Keon, Brittany Moorehead, Sarah Robson, Lauren Vella, Janice Yang
Key Players: Alena Polenska (10-7-17), Laurie Jolin (10-7-17), Katie Jamieson (3.26 GAA, .907 save percentage)
Prognosis: Once a national power, Brown has been stuck in a downward spiral in recent years. Digit Murphy has been replaced by Amy Bourbeau as the Bears look to improve on just a single conference win in each of the last two seasons.

Union Dutchwomen
Projected Finish: 12th
Previous Season: 12th, 1-19-2, 4 points
Key Departures: Callee Heywood, Perri Maduri, Marissa Gentile
Arrivals: Shenae Lundberg, Alex Tancrell-Fontaine, Kelly McGrath, Christine Valente, Camille Corbin, Bryanne Panchuk, Talia Menard
Key Players: Kate Gallagher (3.08 GAA, .916 save percentage), Lauren Hoffman (4-7-11)
Prognosis: Union was once dreadful. Under coach Claudia Asano, their last-place finishes have been much more respectable. To ever escape the cellar, however, they’ll have to compile more than last season’s 18 goals in the ECAC slate.

Hockey East
Top to bottom, the conference looks to be its toughest ever. For years, New Hampshire had strong squads, but the rest of the league lagged behind. Ironically, with Hockey East on an upswing last season, the Wildcats plummeted to seventh and missed the postseason. Boston University has emerged as the new HEA ruler.

Boston University Terriers
Projected Finish: 1st
Previous Season: 1st, 15-3-3, 33 points
Key Departures: Catherine Ward, Jillian Kirchner, Holly Lorms
Arrivals: Isabel Menard, Sarah Bayersdorfer, Caroline Campbell, Shannon Stoneburgh, Kayla Tutino
Key Players: Marie-Philip Poulin (24-23-47), Jenn Wakefield (32-22-54), Kerrin Sperry (1.63 GAA, .929 save percentage)
Prognosis: Olympian Ward will be missed on the blue line, no doubt, as will the other seniors that were instrumental in the rise of the program to its first NCAA tournament two years ago and the national championship game last year. With the emergence of Sperry in net, Menard and the other additions should help maintain the Terriers as the team to beat.

Providence Friars
Projected Finish: 2nd
Previous Season: 3rd, 12-8-1, 25 points
Key Departures: Alyse Ruff, Amber Yung, Jean O’Neill
Arrivals: Hillary Drake, Haley Frade, Beth Hanrahan, Suzie Lundeen, Allison Micheletti, Brooke Simpson, Victoria Virtue
Key Players: Genevieve Lacasse (1.83 GAA, .941 save percentage), Kate Bacon (16-14-30), Jennifer Friedman (7-16-23)
Prognosis: The Friars have been a model of consistency for as long as Hockey East has existed, never finishing lower than fourth, and usually finishing higher. The presence of Lacasse is the biggest reason to expect the trend to continue this year. To improve on their third-place finish of a year ago, they will need to up their goal scoring in league games, where they had only 53 compared to 102 overall. Luckily, scorers of 85 percent of the goals return.

Boston College Eagles
Projected Finish: 3rd
Previous Season: 2nd, 13-4-4, 30 points
Key Departures: Molly Schaus, Kelly Stack, Katelyn Kurth
Arrivals: Alex Carpenter, Emily Field, Erin Kickham, Kate Leary, Megan Miller, Emily Pfalzer, Jackie Young
Key Players: Mary Restuccia (11-28-39), Danielle Welch (10-15-25), Taylor Wasylk (15-9-24)
Prognosis: The Eagles won the Hockey East tournament and advanced to the Frozen Four last season, and have added a great class. What they will miss is the leadership of their seniors, particularly Olympians Schaus and Stack. Expect Carpenter to be a great player during her BC career, but look for the 2011-2012 Eagles to follow a recent pattern of regression the year after an NCAA appearance.

Northeastern Huskies
Projected Finish: 4th
Previous Season: 5th, 6-10-5, 17 points
Key Departures: Alyssa Wohlfeiler, Lori Antflick, Julia Marty, Kristi Kehoe, Leah Sulyma
Arrivals: Kendall Coyne, Chloe Desjardins, Ann Doherty, Ayla Frank, Leanne Gallant, Chelsey Goldberg, Chelsiea Goll, Colleen Murphy, Lucie Povova
Key Players: Florence Schelling (2.02 GAA, .930 save percentage), Rachel Llanes (12-19-31), Katie McSorley (15-6-21)
Prognosis: With Schelling guarding the cage and Coyne arriving to spark the offense, great things are possible for Northeastern. If they unfold just right, NU could easily wind up second. Conversely, the wrong player could suffer an ill-timed injury, and the Huskies could miss the playoffs. Let’s go with the middle of that range.

New Hampshire Wildcats
Projected Finish: 5th
Previous Season: Tie for 6th, 7-13-1, 15 points
Key Departures: Courtney Birchard, Courtney Sheary, Kayley Herman
Arrivals: Brynja Bogan, Casey Stathopoulos, Heather Kashman, Jenna Lascelle, Jess Ryan, Caroline Broderick, Kayla Mork, Moe Bradley, Jenn Gilligan
Key Players: Lindsey Minton (1.84 GAA, .926 save percentage), Kristina Lavoie (9-11-20), Arielle O’Neill (11-8-19)
Prognosis: When a team has made the NCAA tournament five years in a row and then has a losing season, one wonders if it is an aberration or the start of a decline. Goaltending, which proved to be the Wildcats’ Achilles’ heel at times during their glory years, was ironically very strong as they struggled. While I don’t see the national tournament on UNH’s 2012 horizon, a slight recovery is suggested.

Maine Black Bears
Projected Finish: 6th
Previous Season: Tie for 6th, 6-12-3, 15 points
Key Departures: Jennie Gallo, Jordan Colliton
Arrivals: Jessica Hall, Brittany Huneke, Katy Massey, Megan Menotti, Jennifer More, Tori Pasquariello, Nikola Tomigova, Megan Treacy, assistant coach Tyler Bilton
Key Players: Brittany Ott (2.49 GAA, .921 save percentage), Myriam Croussette (14-12-26), Brittany Dougherty (14-12-26)
Prognosis: Coach Maria Lewis managed to breathe some new life into the Black Bears in her first year in Orono, getting them out of the Hockey East cellar and into the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Maine had some impressive results, posting wins against BU, BC, and Quinnipiac. Yet they were outscored nearly three to two collectively if their Sacred Heart games are excluded. A little belief can go far however, so I expect Lewis to find a way to work Maine into the postseason once more.

Connecticut Huskies
Projected Finish: 7th
Previous Season: 4th, 9-9-3, 21 points
Key Departures: Jennifer Chaisson, Brittany Murphy, Jody Sydor
Arrivals: Christie Brauer, Kayla Campero, Rachel Farrel, Caitlin Hewes, Sarah MacDonnell, Silvana Moccia, Emily Snodgrass, Maggie Walsh
Key Players: Alexandra Garcia (2.60 GAA, .921 save percentage), Taylor Gross (12-11-23), Sami Evelyn (5-14-19)
Prognosis: This seems like a bad pick even as I make it. They finished fourth last season, and the coaches slotted them fifth. The Huskies return an excellent goalie in senior Alexandra Garcia, and most of their offense is back. However, they went 1-6-2 down the stretch, and I just don’t get the feeling that they are heading in the right direction. Five players with eligibility remaining from last year’s roster are gone, and it remains to be seen if that was coincidental or an indication of a deeper problem, and if so, whether any discontentment remains.

Vermont Catamounts
Projected Finish: 8th
Previous Season: 8th, 4-3-14, 12 points
Key Departures: Celest Doucet, Peggy Wakeham, Saleah Morrison
Arrivals: Krystal Bauman, Megan Bergland, Meghan Huertas, Kaitlyn LaGue, Delia McNally, Klara Myren, Amanda Pelkey, Gina Repaci, Greer Vogl, Brittany Zuback
Key Players: Roxanne Douville (1.91 GAA, .931 save percentage), Erin Wente (8-4-12), Chelsea Rapin (5-6-11)
Prognosis: Vermont has an excellent recruiting class and should be improved. They’ll be in good shape in goal, but they only return four players who had at least five points, and nobody with more than 12. It can take time for a team with 10 rookies to gel, and somebody has to finish last, so I’ll say that their young talent is still a year away from making a climb.

WCHA
The easy pick is Wisconsin; that’s likely the smart pick as well. The Badgers won by more than six games over the Bulldogs and Gophers last time, they have most of their cogs back, and they will be formidable once more, but so will Minnesota-Duluth, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Although they take a backseat to the Badgers and Bulldogs at tournament time, the Gophers own as many regular-season titles as UMD and UW combined, and they’ll claim another come February.

Minnesota Golden Gophers
Projected Finish: 1st
Previous Season: Tie for 2nd, 18-8-2, 57 points
Key Departures: Terra Rasmussen, Laura May, assistant coach Natalie Darwitz
Arrivals: Stephanie Anderson, Rachael Bona, Meghan Lorence, Rachel Ramsey, Shyler Sletta
Key Players: Noora Räty (1.77 GAA, .941 save percentage), Amanda Kessel (19-31-50), Sarah Erickson (21-22-43)
Prognosis: Coach Brad Frost says this is his best team, and he won league titles in half of his first four seasons, albeit with nothing to spare. The scorers of 127 of the team’s 132 goals are back, as is the entire blue line and All-American goaltender Räty. The major concerns are her health, given primary backup Alyssa Grogan is still sidelined, and an inability to post a winning record against any of the league’s upper-division teams.

Wisconsin Badgers
Projected Finish: 2nd
Previous Season: 1st, 24-2-2, 76 points
Key Departures: Meghan Duggan, Mallory Deluce, Geena Prough, assistant coach Tracey DeKeyser
Arrivals: Jordan Brickner, Ilana Friedman, Katy Josephs, Karley Sylvester, Blayre Turnbull, Katarina Zgraja, associate head coach Dan Koch
Key Players: Hilary Knight (47-34-81), Brianna Decker (34-46-80), Brooke Ammerman (17-28-45)
Prognosis: It is hard to bet against any roster possessing the talent of Wisconsin, especially up front. At times however, they are less invincible in their own end than their previous championship squads. Along with the challenge of replacing the ultimate leader in Kazmaier winner Duggan, I see them coming up one or two points short in the standings. The Badgers will still be the favorite come the postseason.

North Dakota Fighting Sioux
Projected Finish: 3rd
Previous Season: 4th, 16-10-2, 50 points
Key Departures: Stephanie Roy
Arrivals: Shelby Amsley-Benzie, Michelle Bonapace-Potvin, Andrea Dalen, Josefine Jakobsen, Leah Jensen, Josie Johnson, Shannon Kaiser, Michelle Karvinen, Layla Marvin, Monique Weber, Tori Williams
Key Players: Jocelyn Lamoureux (28-29-57), Monique Lamoureux-Kolls (22-32-54), Alyssa Wiebe (13-21-34)
Prognosis: The best team in the history of the WCHA from a city other than Duluth, Madison, or Minneapolis, UND is a legitimate NCAA title hopeful. They have more options in net, are much deeper up front, and the addition of Karvinen gives them another international star. If the Sioux can reduce the goals allowed, the league crown is a definite possibility.

Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs
Projected Finish: 4th
Previous Season: Tie for 2nd, 18-7-3, 57 points
Key Departures: Kim Martin, Elin Holmlov, Jocelyne Larocque, Laura Fridfinnson, Tara Gray, assistant coach Maria Rooth
Arrivals: Zoe Hickel, Shara Jasper, Brigette Lacquette, Jenna McParland, Emma Stauber, Paige Turner, Tea Villila, assistant coach Steve Macdonald
Key Players: Haley Irwin (18-30-48), Jessica Wong (15-23-38), Jennifer Harss (1.85 GAA, .931 save percentage)
Prognosis: UMD teams of late tend to be weighted to every second class; the trend continues, as much of the strength of this edition is in the junior and incoming classes. The rookies will need to come up to speed rapidly, as the outgoing seniors were vital to the most recent Bulldogs’ titles. Coach Shannon Miller may have them ready to pursue a Frozen Four title in Duluth come March, but being able to conquer the WCHA during the regular season looks to be a challenge that arrives too soon.

Ohio State Buckeyes
Projected Finish: 5th
Previous Season: 6th, 8-17-3, 30 points
Key Departures: Shannon Reilly, Teal Bishop, Christina Mancuso, head coach Jackie Barto
Arrivals: Stacy Danczak, Danielle Gagne, Taylor Kuehl, Kari Schmitt, Sara Schmitt, Kayla Sullivan, head coach Nate Handrahan, assistant coaches Scott Spencer and Candice Moxley
Key Players: Laura McIntosh (14-33-47), Natalie Spooner (26-13-39), Hokey Langan (13-18-31)
Prognosis: Handrahan leaves Robert Morris to become the second head coach in Buckeyes history. Inconsistency has plagued OSU over the years, with an upset win followed by a couple of losses in games they were expected to win. The Schmitt sisters bring size to a blue line that has lacked it, and Chelsea Knapp returns after a season lost to injury to bolster the depth in net. The Buckeyes should gain a spot, but home ice in the WCHA quarters looks to be a reach.

Bemidji State Beavers
Projected Finish: 6th
Previous Season: 5th, 11-13-4, 39 points
Key Departures: Erin Cody, Annie Bauerfeld, Erin Johnson, assistant coach Heather Farrell
Arrivals: Kayleigh Chapman, Alexandria Citrowske, Kristin Huber, Rachael Kelly, Kristi King, Natasha Kostenko, Tegan Rose, Whitney Wivoda, assistant coach Amber Fryklund
Key Players: Zuzana Tomcikova (1.84 GAA, .933 save percentage), Emily Erickson (16-11-27), Montana Vichorek (2-14-16)
Prognosis: The additions should make BSU a deeper team; they only had half a dozen players with more than 10 points, and three of those graduated. However, they will miss leading scorer Cody, who was involved in more than half of their goals and in the middle of every big victory. A team with a goaltender of Tomcikova’s caliber always has a chance, and the hard-working Beavers have overachieved in the past.

Minnesota State Mavericks
Projected Finish: 7th
Previous Season: 7th, 7-20-1, 22 points
Key Departures: Nina Tikkinen, Amy Udvig
Arrivals: Erin Krichiver, Shelby Monteyuunas, Kara Powers, Natalie Stolz
Key Players: Kathleen Rogan (12-9-21), Lauren Smith (4-11-15), Alli Altmann (3.16 GAA, .900 save percentage)
Prognosis: Last season’s Mavericks had a couple of basic problems – they allowed far too many goals (122), while not scoring enough of their own (53). Beyond Rogan, there were many disappointing offensive outputs, and the team defense needs tightening. If they don’t improve in one of those areas, they are more likely to be overtaken by St. Cloud State than challenge those above them.

St. Cloud State Huskies
Projected Finish: 8th
Previous Season: 8th, 1-26-1, 5 points
Key Departures: Ashley Nixon, Diana Karouzos, assistant coaches Jason Johnson and Jennifer Kranz
Arrivals: Amanda Arbogast, Julie Friend, Audrey Hanmer, Abby Ness, assistant coaches Jim Fetter and Brita Schroeder
Key Players: Julia Gilbert (6-5-11), Molli Mott (5-5-10), Alex Nelson (5-3-8)
Prognosis: The Huskies top four scorers graduated two seasons ago, so some decline from a third-place finish was to be expected, but not the train wreck that materialized. The young team had a late-season win over Minnesota State and bested Minnesota-Duluth in a shootout, but to find a bright spot beyond that, one had to stare at the lights. The highest-scoring senior being a goaltender suggests that this year’s team can only improve, and the incoming class offers promise as well.

Yale atop ECAC coaches and media polls

USCHO Staff Report

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September 29, 2011

Yale was voted the top team in the ECAC by both the league’s coaches and media for the third consecutive season.

In the coaches poll, defending regular season champion Union finished second in the poll. Cornell is slotted to finish third, Rensselaer ranks fourth, Dartmouth occupies the fifth slot followed by Quinnipiac.

Harvard sits in the No. 7 spot, while Princeton takes the No. 8 position. St. Lawrence was selected in the No. 9 position and Colgate came in tenth.

Clarkson is the No. 11 team in the poll, while Brown comes in at No. 12.

Team (First-place votes)	Points
1. Yale (9)	117
2. Union (2)	107
3. Cornell	97
4. Rensselaer	85
5. Dartmouth	76
6. Quinnipiac (1)	70
7. Harvard	65
8. Princeton	51
9. St. Lawrence	43
10. Colgate	31
11. Clarkson	28
12. Brown	22

In the media poll after Yale, it’s Union at No. 2, Cornell third and Dartmouth fourth.

Rounding out the rest of the poll in order are Rensselaer, Quinnipiac, Princeton, St. Lawrence, Clarkson, Colgate, Brown and Harvard.

Team (First-place votes)	Points
1. Yale (23)	432
2. Union (11)	397
3. Cornell (3)	356
4. Dartmouth (1)	308
5. Rensselaer	281
6. Quinnipiac	239
7. Princeton	205
8. St. Lawrence	173
9. Clarkson	164
10. Colgate	152
11. Brown	134
12. Harvard	129

A record 38 voters participated in the poll, which was conducted by Schenectady Daily Gazette college hockey writer Ken Schott.

The media’s preseason all-conference team is led by Yale forwards Brian O’Neill and Andrew Miller and St. Lawrence’s Greg Carey, defensemen Nick Bailen (RPI) and Danny Biega (Harvard) and goalie James Mello from Dartmouth.

The 2011-12 coaches’ preseason all-league team is made up of Jack Maclellan (Brown), Miller and O’Neill up front, Bailen and Biega on defense and Mello in net.

CHA coaches tab Mercyhurst to repeat as league champs

USCHO Staff Report

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September 28, 2011

Mercyhurst collected nine points and three first-place votes to top the CHA preseason poll of the four league coaches.

Syracuse, last year’s tournament runners-up to Mercyhurst, and Niagara were both chosen second by the coaches. The Purple Eagles and the Orange each collected six points, while Niagara earned the last first place vote by the coaches.

Robert Morris was chosen fourth by the coaches and earned three points.

Team (First-place votes)	Points
1. Mercyhurst (3)	9
2 (tie). Niagara (1)	6
2 (tie). Syracuse	6
4. Robert Morris	3

Minnesota State-Moorhead to spend $1 million a year if D-I happens

USCHO Staff Report

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September 28, 2011

Minnesota State-Moorhead would spend more than $1 million a year in coaching salaries and benefits if it starts men’s and women’s Division I programs, according to an article in the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.

In documents the paper obtained from MSUM through an open records request, the university would pay a head men’s coach $240,000 and a women’s head coach $120,000 in salaries in the program’s first year.

“We’re trying to do this at an extremely high level so that we can we can be successful,” MSUM athletic director Doug Peters said to the Forum.

To start the programs, the university would $37 million in commitments to support an endowment model business plan.

Peters said the next step is to get to 80 percent of the $37 million ($29.6 million) by January 2012. The school announced in July that it had $15 million in soft commitments, about 40 percent of the goal.

“The time is now,” added Peters. “If this community is ever going to get Division I hockey, this is the best opportunity it’s ever going to have.”

CCHA coaches, media agree with Notre Dame at No. 1

USCHO Staff Report

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September 28, 2011

For just the second time in six years, the coaches and media agree on who should own the No. 1 position in the CCHA’s annual preseason polls.

Notre Dame received enough points from the conference’s 11 head coaches and 72 media members to be named the preseason favorite in both polls.

In the coaches poll, the Fighting Irish captured eight first-place votes and two seconds, while Miami took two first-place votes as well as five seconds to come in just nine points behind the favorite. Michigan had the remaining first-place vote to finish third with Western Michigan placing 10 points back at fourth. Alaska collected 63 total points to finish fifth.

The media also voted in favor of Notre Dame, with Miami coming in second and Michigan again rounding out the top three. The Irish picked up 44 of a possible 72 first-place votes, while the RedHawks garnered 16 and the Wolverines received 12 first-place votes. The Broncos and Nanooks finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the media poll as well.

A total of 72 media members ranked the 11 CCHA teams in projected order of finish for the regular season. Points were awarded on an 11-10-9-8, etc., basis.

Complete polls below – coaches poll on top, media poll on bottom.

Team (First-place votes)	Points
1. Notre Dame (8)	108
2. Miami (2)	99
3. Michigan (1)	93
4. Western Michigan	83
5. Alaska	63
6. Northern Michigan	60
7. Ohio State	56
8. Michigan State	51
9. Ferris State	50
10. Lake Superior State	30
11. Bowling Green	22

Team (First-place votes)	Points
1. Notre Dame (44)	819
2. Miami (16)	772
3. Michigan (12)	757
4. Western Michigan	604
5. Alaska	449
6. Michigan State	439
7. (tie) Ferris State	425
7. (tie) Northern Michigan	425
9. Ohio State	386
10. Lake Superior State	298
11. Bowling Green	170

In addition, the CCHA announced its preseason all-conference teams.

Miami junior forward Reilly Smith and Notre Dame sophomore forward T.J. Tynan, last season’s CCHA rookie of the year, topped the voting, with each receiving the maximum of 50 points for a unanimous selection. Notre Dame sophomore forward Anders Lee joins Smith and Tynan as the other forward on the First Team. Michigan State junior defenseman Torey Krug, last season’s CCHA best offensive defenseman, and Michigan sophomore defenseman Jon Merrill each received nine first-place votes, tied for the second-highest total among all players. Miami senior goaltender Cody Reichard also makes his second consecutive appearance on the First Team.

Three players collected at least two first-place votes on the All-Conference Second Team. Alaska senior goaltender Scott Greenham (4), Western Michigan sophomore forward Chase Balisy (3) and Miami senior defenseman Chris Wideman (2) all secured spots on the Second Team. Northern Michigan senior forward Tyler Gron and Michigan senior forward David Wohlberg earned the other two forward spots on the second team. Senior defenseman Will Weber from Miami accompanies Wideman on the blueline as the second defenseman.

Ten to watch: Picking college hockey’s top defensemen for 2011-12

By Jason Karnosky

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September 28, 2011

A solid defense is the cornerstore of every championship hockey team. When the stakes get higher, one-dimensional clubs fall by the wayside in favor of teams with strong blue lines.

The 2010-11 hockey season proved no exception to that rule as two talented clubs, Minnesota-Duluth and Michigan, built from the back line out, met for the national championship.

Here is a look at some choices for the top 10 defenders for the 2011-12 college hockey season:

10. Scott Mathis, Air Force

Air Force's Scott Mathis (Mike Kaplan/Den Mar Services) (Mike Kaplan/Den Mar Services) — Air Force's Scott Mathis is one part of Atlantic Hockey's top shutdown defensive pair (photo: Mike Kaplan/Den Mar Services).

There might not be a deeper corps of defensemen in the college hockey ranks than the group Frank Serratore will coach at Air Force this season. Led by the senior Mathis, the Falcons feature three returning blue liners that finished in the top five in defensive scoring in Atlantic Hockey.

Mathis, Air Force’s captain, offers a two-way blend of physical play and steady offense, as eight goals and 27 points last season can attest. Along with the smooth skating Tim Kirby, the duo represents Atlantic Hockey’s top shutdown pair, and both defenders carry the experience of playing in the 2009 NCAA tournament as freshmen when the Falcons upset Michigan 2-0 in the opening round.

If Air Force is to return to the national stage in 2012, Serratore knows that the Crystal Lake, Ill., native will have played a prominent role.

“Mathis is a focused, serious, calculated player who is all business,” Serratore said. “With Kirby, they are best pair ever to play at Air Force.”

9. Danny Biega, Harvard

Brodie Zuk (Princeton - 19) gets flipped by Danny Biega as he was checked along the boards. (Shelley M. Szwast) — Harvard's Danny Biega made a big jump between his freshman and sophomore seasons (photo: Shelley M. Szwast).

Few defensemen lead their team in scoring, but that is exactly what Biega did a year ago as a sophomore, racking up 11 goals and 30 points in 34 games.

Though it’s hard to underestimate his impact offensively for the Crimson, the more impressive aspect of Biega’s career is the jump the Montreal native made between his freshman and sophomore seasons. Playing in 32 games as a freshman, Biega managed just nine points, while racking up 47 minutes in penalties. Last season, Biega’s offensive production tripled, but his penalty minute total dropped down to a more manageable 34.

That impressive maturation process has Harvard coach Ted Donato optimistic about Biega’s future as a leader of his building club.

“[Danny] really started to make the jump in the playoffs his freshman year and now he has grown into our best defensive player,” Donato said. “He’s a powerful skater with a quick shot release, who is physically dominant on the ice.”

8. Adam Clendening, Boston University

The visiting Merrimack College Warriors tied the Boston University Terriers 1-1 on Friday, November 12, 2010, at Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts. (Melissa Wade) — Adam Clendening is out to get Boston University back to the NCAA tournament (photo: Melissa Wade).

2010-11 marked the first time since 1989 that Boston University missed the NCAA tournament for two consecutive years. But the Terriers are in good hands for a return to the national stage this season thanks to a defense led by one of the nation’s impact sophomores.

Skating on a blue line that featured only two upperclassmen a year ago, the Wheatfield, N.Y., native made an impact on both ends of the ice. Offensively, Clendening contributed 26 points for the Terriers, tops for all Boston University defensemen. Defensively, Clendening utilized his size (6-foot, 195 pounds) and strength to clear out forwards from the front of his team’s net and to take command of a game.

However, it is Clendening’s transition ability that might be his strongest attribute, according to Donato.

“[Adam]’s very clever with the puck and is a guy that makes the right pass all the time,” Donato said. “In the second half of the year he became a real difference maker for Boston University.”

7. Nick Bailen, Rensselaer

Nick Bailen (RPI - 29) looks on during a stop in play. The Rennselaer Engineers visited Princeton's Hobey Baker Rink, defeating the Princeton Tigers 5-2. (Shelley M. Szwast) — Nick Bailen begins his second season at Rensselaer in a leadership role (photo: Shelley M. Szwast).

Few college transfers make a significant impact in their first season with a new team. But this was not the case for the Rensselaer sophomore, who stepped out onto the national stage in a big way in 2010-11.

Bailen’s college hockey career started at Bowling Green, where as freshman the Fredonia, N.Y., native amassed 16 points in 37 games. After sitting out the following year, Bailen came into his own at RPI last season, contributing eight goals and 36 points on an Engineers squad that made its first trip to the NCAA tournament since 1995.

Stepping into a leadership role this season, Rensselaer coach Seth Appert expects even bigger things for his talented defender.

“We had the best new player in our league last year,” Appert said of the then-sophomore Bailen. “With two captains from our defense now graduated, we need Nick to step up and [help] lead our young D corps.”

6. Chris Wideman, Miami

When stories are written about Miami’s defense, they usually start and end with the team’s elite tandem of goaltenders. However, every night Cody Reichard and Connor Knapp’s lives are made a lot easier by the play of Wideman.

Though smaller in size at 5-foot-10, 181 pounds, Wideman makes up for that with a superior skating ability and intelligent decision-making skills with and without the puck. The St. Louis native is also a force on the offensive end, whether it is with a crisp pass on a power play or with a deceptive shot that produced 72 points in Wideman’s first three seasons.

And like all other Miami seniors, Wideman carries a chip on his shoulder from his team’s overtime loss to Boston University in the 2009 NCAA title game. This season represents Wideman’s last chance to capture the trophy that narrowly eluded his grasp three years ago.

“Wideman should be a dominant player this year,” Michigan coach Red Berenson said. “He was a good freshman who has grown into a good 21-year-old defenseman.”

5. Mat Bodie, Union

2010-11 was a historic year for Union, which made a trip to the Division I NCAA tournament for the first time in school history. Led by Bodie, then a freshman, a much improved defense sparked the Dutchmen’s surge to the top of the ECAC Hockey standings.

In a league loaded with elite defensemen, Bodie stood out a year ago by playing a solid two-way game. Offensively, the East St. Paul, Manitoba, native was the catalyst for Union, finishing tied for fifth on the team with 32 points in 40 games, while also sparking the nation’s best power play (29.5 percent success rate). At the defensive end, Bodie helped the Dutchmen lead the ECAC in goals against (1.95).

“Mat Bodie is real budding star in college hockey,” Appert said. “He’s a really talented skater who gets around the ice so fluidly that it makes him quite a weapon.”

4. Torey Krug, Michigan State

Captain Torey Krug celebrates his hat trick with the Spartan's. The Spartan's beat Michigan in overtime, 4-3. (Erica Treais) — Torey Krug uses his skating ability to become an offensive threat from the blue line for Michigan State (photo: Erica Treais).

The ultimate compliment for a player is that when they take the ice an opponent always has to be aware of where they are. According to Berenson, Krug is exactly that type of impact player at Michigan State.

“[Torey]’s really a dynamic player who jumps into the holes and is a real offensive threat,” Berenson said. “He’s gets up and down the ice and is definitely a player to watch.”

Though only 5-foot-9 tall, there may be neither a better skater in college hockey than Krug nor a player that competes harder. Though Krug is always dangerous without the puck, the highly skilled junior is even more of menace with it (11 goals and 28 points in 38 games last season). If there is a drawback in Krug’s game, it is that the Livonia, Mich., native can play so aggressively that it can be a liability at times. However, few players make better decisions at top speed than the Spartans’ elite defender.

3. Brian Dumoulin, Boston College

Brian Dumoulin (BC - 2) - The Boston College Eagles defeated the Northeastern University Huskies 5-4 in their Hockey East Semi-Final on Friday, March 18, 2011, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Melissa Wade) — Brian Dumoulin uses his vision to set up Boston College forwards (photo: Melissa Wade).

When an opposing team’s coach game plans against Boston College, most of the focus gets spent on shutting down the Eagles’ explosive offense. However, every year the Eagles feature a blue line that ranks among the best in Hockey East. The emerging star for Boston College coach Jerry York’s defensive corps is junior Dumoulin, who led all Eagles defenders with 33 points (three goals, 30 assists) last season.

“Brian had an outstanding year last year, and being named a first-team All-American proves that,” York said. “He’s always had great vision as far as moving pucks, but he’s really developed his physical stature to the point where his play without the puck is just that much better.”

The Biddeford, Maine, native is a force at the college ranks due to his imposing size (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), which provides a range with his stick that few college defenders can match. But Dumoulin just has a knack for the game and the skills as a passer to break loose Boston College’s flashy forwards on an odd-man rush. Those skills were evident during the Eagles’ run to the 2010 NCAA championship, when Dumoulin picked up three assists in Boston College’s 7-1 win over Miami in the national semifinals.

2. Jon Merrill, Michigan

Michigan State assistant captain Trevor Nill and University of Michigan's Jon Merrill look for the puck in front of the Wolverine goal. The Spartan's came out with a 2-1 win; Joey Shean scored the game winning goal with less than seven minutes left in the game. (Erica Treais) — Michigan's Jon Merrill draws comparisons to Nicklas Lidstrom (photo: Erica Treais).

If pressed to name one game-changing defenseman in the college ranks, Merrill likely would be at the top of a short list. Last season, the sophomore defender took college hockey by storm, helping the Wolverines come within an overtime goal of winning a 10th national championship.

Despite his imposing size (6-foot-3, 209 pounds), Merrill is a fluid skater who sees the ice extremely well and makes skilled plays with the puck on his stick. Though Merrill is always a threat in the offensive end (25 points to lead all Michigan defenders in 2010-11), the Brighton, Mich., native is even more valuable as a matchup weapon to be utilized against an opposing team’s top forwards.

But the most impressive aspect of Merrill’s game is his temperament and composure on the ice. It is for that reason that Berenson is never afraid to send Merrill over the boards.

“If you have seen Nicklas Lidstrom play, Jon’s a lot like that because he makes the right play with and without the puck most of the time,” Berenson said. “He emerged as our most consistent defenseman by the first weekend last season, and by the NCAA tournament we had Jon playing close to 30 minutes a game against the other team’s top lines.”

1. Justin Schultz, Wisconsin

(Geoffrion) Justin Schultz (Wisconsin - 6) - The University of Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Tigers 8-1 in the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four Semi-Final on Thursday, April 8, 2010, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Melissa Wade) — Justin Schultz (right) led Wisconsin in scoring last season (photo: Melissa Wade).

Power play quarterback, offensive shutdown specialist, penalty killer, transition specialist, extensive ice-time logger and vocal leader on and off the ice — that is the job description for an elite college hockey defenseman. No player in the NCAA ranks better exemplifies those skills than Schultz.

The nation’s top scoring defenseman as a sophomore a year ago (18 goals, 29 assists in 41 games), Schultz is the type of player that can take over a game all by himself. In five-on-five play, Schultz excels thanks to his elite passing ability and his terrific peripheral vision, but the West Kelowna, British Columbia, native provides even more of a threat on the power play, where half of his goals were scored last season.

But what separates Schultz from his peers is his commitment level. A likely NHL force once he turns professional, the Badgers captain made it clear soon after last year’s disappointing season for the team that he wanted one more crack at college hockey to continue his development as a player.

“Justin’s going to play in every situation for us and we’ve seen him really embrace that role,” Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves said. “He has really stepped up as a leader in our training and with how he carries himself on and off the ice.”

Boston College the favorite in Hockey East coaches poll

USCHO Staff Report

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September 27, 2011

Boston College has been picked to finish first in Hockey East, according to the annual preseason coaches poll.

The Eagles earned seven first-place votes with a total of 88 points.

Boston University, with 83 points, was chosen second in the poll and garnered the remaining three first-place votes.

New Hampshire took third, Maine fourth and Merrimack landed at No. 5.

Vermont, Massachusetts, Northeastern, Massachusetts-Lowell and Providence round out the bottom half of the poll.

Team (First-place votes)	Points
1. Boston College (7)	88
2. Boston University (3)	83
3. New Hampshire	72
4. Maine	64
5. Merrimack	61
6. Vermont	44
7. Massachusetts	42
8. Northeastern	33
9. Massachusetts-Lowell	27
10. Providence	26

In addition, Merrimack’s Mike Machnik has been named the 20th recipient of the Joe Concannon Hockey East Media Award. Machnik will start his 19th year in his affiliation with Merrimack this coming season.

Machnik, who has been involved in college hockey since 1985, also helped launch USCHO.com in 1996.

WCHA announces preseason media poll, awards

USCHO Staff Report

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September 27, 2011

Denver has earned the top spot in this year’s 94X WCHA preseason media poll.

Denver received 15 first-place votes to top the poll, ahead of Colorado College, which received seven first-place votes. Third-place North Dakota and No. 4 choice Nebraska-Omaha each received first-place votes.

First-place votes in the poll were worth 12 points, second place 11, and so on. The teams were placed in order based on the voting average.

Defending national champion Minnesota-Duluth placed fifth, followed by Minnesota. St. Cloud State finished seventh, followed by Wisconsin, Alaska-Anchorage, Bemidji State, Minnesota State and Michigan Tech.

Team (First-place votes)	Points
1. Denver (16)	11.35
2. Colorado College (7)	10.54
3. North Dakota (2)	10.31
4. Nebraska-Omaha (1)	8.31
5. Minnesota-Duluth	8.12
6. Minnesota	7.73
7. (tie) Wisconsin	5.54
7. (tie) St. Cloud State	5.54
9. Alaska-Anchorage	3.85
10. Bemidji State	2.92
11. Minnesota State	2.12
12.Michigan Tech	1.69

The media also selected Denver sophomore forward Jason Zucker as the preseason player of the year, North Dakota’s Rocco Grimaldi preseason rookie of the year and preseason coach of the year Scott Owens from CC, as well as the preseason All-WCHA Team.

PRESEASON ALL-WCHA TEAM

Forwards: Jack Connolly, Minnesota-Duluth; Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College (unanimous selection); Jason Zucker, Denver
Others receiving votes: J.T. Brown, Minnesota-Duluth; Rocco Grimaldi, North Dakota; Corban Knight, North Dakota; Danny Kristo, North Dakota; Drew Shore, Denver

Defensemen: Ben Blood, North Dakota; Justin Schultz, Wisconsin (unanimous selection)
Others receiving votes: Gabe Guentzel, Colorado College; Brad Hunt, Bemidji State; Nick Jensen, St. Cloud State; Brady Lamb, Minnesota-Duluth; David Makowski, Denver

Goalie: Aaron Dell, North Dakota
Others receiving votes: John Faulkner, Nebraska-Omaha, Kent Patterson, Minnesota