NCHC Releases First Preseason Media Poll

Just as the Big Ten did earlier today, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference released its inaugural preseason poll at its first-ever NCHC Media Day at the Target Center in Mineapolis. A 16 member media panel made up of two members from each institution’s market tabbed Miami University as the NCHC’s top team to start the season. St. Cloud State is picked third while Minnesota-Duluth is ranked sixth.

Miami, which finished 25-12-5 last season and advanced to the NCAA tournament’s Midwest Regional final, led the poll with seven first-place votes and 115 overall points. The RedHawks finished just ahead of North Dakota which was second with 109 points followed by St. Cloud State’s 99. The Huskies, who return 22 lettermen from last season’s co-WCHA and NCAA Midwest Regional championship teams, received four first-place votes.

Denver was fourth in the preseason poll (66 points), followed by Western Michigan (61), Minnesota-Duluth (43), Colorado College (42) and Nebraska Omaha (41).

The NCHC begins its inaugural season on October 18, 2013, with a double-header featuring North Dakota at Miami and Colorado College hosting Minnesota Duluth. Games times are to be announced.

Place Team (1st-place votes) Points

1. Miami (7) 115

2. North Dakota (5) 109

3. St. Cloud State (4) 99

4. Denver 66

5. Western Michigan 61

6. Minnesota Duluth 43

7. Colorado College 42

8. Nebraska Omaha 41