Defending Western Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season champion Minnesota and defending NCAA champion Wisconsin tied for first in the WCHA preseason coaches poll, which was released Tuesday.
The Gophers had five first-place votes to the Badgers’ three.
North Dakota was picked to finish third, followed by the University of Denver and St. Cloud State. The final five were Minnesota-Duluth, Colorado College, Michigan Tech, Minnesota State and Alaska-Anchorage. The WCHA is looking for its sixth consecutive NCAA title. Minnesota won it in 2002 and 2003, Denver in 2004 and 2005, and Wisconsin in April.
“I see nothing but a similar and a very, very competitive league, and another exciting race for the MacNaughton Cup,” WCHA commissioner Bruce McLeod said. “Nationally, pretty similar situation. Tough act to follow, winning our fifth national championship in a row.
“Accomplishing that in this age is a fantastic feat. We really have the target on our backs, but we’re getting used to it. The WCHA will be knocking on that national championship door again.”
WCHA PRESEASON COACHES POLL
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. Minnesota (5) 74
(tie) Wisconsin (3) 74
3. North Dakota (2) 66
4. Denver 55
5. St. Cloud State 48
6. Minnesota-Duluth 45
7. Colorado College 37
8. Michigan Tech 19
9. Minnesota State 18
10. Alaska-Anchorage 14
