North Dakota will win the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and the University of Denver will be fourth, according to both annual preseason polls released Wednesday. Colorado College is tabbed for sixth in the Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald coaches poll and seventh in the media poll conducted by a radio station in Duluth, Minn.
CC’s prized recruit, forward Jaden Schwartz, was the choice for freshman of the year in both polls. Schwartz was a first-round NHL draft selection by the St. Louis Blues after leading the United States Hockey League in scoring with 83 points in 60 games.
The Tigers open their season Saturday night with an exhibition against the University of Lethbridge. DU also opens Saturday with an exhibition against the U.S. under-18 team, and plays Lethbridge on Sunday night. The Pioneers open the regular season Oct. 8 at Vermont.
Phinney wins world cycling time trial title.
Taylor Phinney of Boulder won his fifth world cycling title, edging Luke Durbridge of Australia by 1.9 seconds in the U23 time trial at the International Cycling Union’s Road World Championships in Geelong, Australia.
Phinney, 20, covered the 31.6-kilometer course in 42 minutes, 50.29 seconds, rebounding from a 15-second deficit at the halfway mark to track down Durbridge, 19.
Phinney “was a favorite, and there was pressure. For someone 20 years of age, it is impressive how well he deals with it,” said Pat Jonker, USA Cycling’s U23 team director. “His ability to deal with pressure and expectations really sets him apart. He’s been working really hard.”
Fort Lewis’ Hollenga garners SI honor.
Fort Lewis College women’s soccer player Hayley Hollenga will be in this week’s Sports Illustrated, appearing in the long-running “Faces in the Crowd” feature listing top amateur athletes.
Hollenga, a junior from Air Academy High School, received the recognition for scoring four game-winning goals in a five-game span, including three “golden goals” that ended overtime matches. Hollenga is the first Skyhawk ever featured in Faces in the Crowd.
