With Media Day tomorrow here is the annual thread:
first the NCHC predictions and comments: (prediction from first to worst)
1)UMD
Bringing in some top notch forwards with Isaac Howard to go along side Dominic James and Blake Biondi plus they add to their defense with Miami transfer Derek Daschke. -- I just have a feeling that this could be a very good year for UMD
2) UND
Lots of talent up front with Riese Gaber and other forwards bringing in MSU transfer Drew DeRidder backstops a very good defensive unit
3) DU
They may slip a little but there still is loads of talent on the roster: carter Mazur is back and their freshman class looks really good on paper
4) St cloud
Goaltending may be an issue here: I'm not sold on Dominic Basse
5) CC
second-year coach Kris Mayotte has this team on the rise. Bryan Yoon comes back on the blue line and there is a lot to like about this team.
6) Western
Lots of turnover on the roster so they have some work to do this year.
7) UNO
I feel that the window of opportunity closed last year and the Mavericks are entering the mike kemp 2.0 era.
Not much talent not much scoring (especially 5 on 5) and this could be a long year. Don't be fooled with some wins against another weak non-conference schedule.
8) Miami: Ludvig Persson is back but needs help. like the mavericks scoring is an issue with them. either they score in bunches or they don't score at all.
Elsewhere:
In Hockey east I think BU will be much better with pandolfo I'm picking them first. Also UMass and Northeastern should be in the mix
ECAC: I think it's a two horse race between Quinnipiac and Harvard
Big10: Have to favor Minnesota here -- boatload of talent
WCHA: Mankato with Hastings group of 30 year olds are head and shoulders above the rest.
Atlantic: Probably have to pic AIC again: they have turned into a solid program. -- Watch out for Canisius.