CCHA Preseason Poll: St. Thomas Dominates Coaches Vote – Is This the Year for the Tommies?
Can St. Thomas continue their dominance in the CCHA? The Tommies have been picked to win the conference for the second consecutive year, according to the CCHA Preseason Coaches Poll. This follows their impressive 2022-2023 season where they won the CCHA regular season title and the CCHA Tournament. Editor Note: The CCHA Preseason Poll was released today.
This is a must-read for any hockey fan. The poll offers a glimpse into the expectations for the upcoming CCHA season. It reveals which teams are considered favorites and which teams are considered contenders. This information can be valuable for betting purposes, for fantasy hockey leagues, and for simply staying up-to-date on college hockey.
Analysis:
The poll was conducted among the CCHA's 11 head coaches, with each coach ranking the teams in the conference from 1st to 11th. St. Thomas received the most first-place votes, securing the top spot. The poll also reveals several other interesting insights into the conference's landscape.
CCHA Preseason Coaches Poll Key Takeaways
| Team | 1st Place Votes | Points |
|---|---|---|
| St. Thomas | 7 | 109 |
| Michigan Tech | 2 | 96 |
| Minnesota State | 1 | 92 |
| Bemidji State | 0 | 76 |
| Northern Michigan | 1 | 63 |
| Lake Superior State | 0 | 58 |
| Ferris State | 0 | 54 |
| Bowling Green | 0 | 48 |
| Alaska | 0 | 41 |
| Alabama Huntsville | 0 | 34 |
| Long Island University | 0 | 23 |
CCHA Preseason Predictions
St. Thomas: The Tommies are looking to build on their success from last season. They return several key players, including star forward Evan Wantz and defenseman Joe Miller, both key figures in last year's championship run. Their roster boasts experience and talent, making them the clear favorites to repeat.
Michigan Tech: The Huskies finished second in the CCHA last season and will be looking to close the gap with St. Thomas. With a strong roster returning, including forward Brett Sweeney and defenseman Logan Pietila, they are a serious contender for the conference title.
Minnesota State: The Mavericks, led by the experienced Jake Jaremko, are a perennial powerhouse. The team consistently competes for the conference title and will be a tough opponent for any team in the CCHA.
Other Contenders:
- Bemidji State: The Beavers are a young team with a lot of potential. They will look to compete for a playoff spot.
- Northern Michigan: The Wildcats are a team on the rise, with talented players such as forward Joseph Nardi, and will be looking to make a run in the CCHA tournament.
Conclusion:
The CCHA Preseason Coaches Poll provides a valuable snapshot of the upcoming season. It highlights the top contenders for the conference title and gives an indication of the teams to watch out for. It also indicates that the conference is poised for an exciting season with several teams competing for a championship. The poll offers a great starting point for any hockey fan looking to keep up with the CCHA this season.
