Andy Sorensen’s 2011-12 WCHA Preview
In what was arguably the most volatile off-season since the NCAA ended D-II hockey in 1999, the WCHA has verged into three directions; either by joining the Big 10, the NCHC, or by staying put. With the clock already ticking to the decisive 2013-14 season, the conference is saying good bye to eight of 12 conference members and welcoming at least four new members to the fold in Alaska Fairbanks, Ferris State, Lake Superior State, and Northern Michigan.
Even with this much change, there could still be more as the conference is waiting for definitive word from Bowling Green, and rumors abound about several Atlantic Hockey programs ready to increase their scholarships and join the “new” WCHA, along with the elephant in the room known as Alabama-Huntsville. But before we can be look forward to September 2013, we have hockey to be played starting this weekend as every program except St. Cloud and Wisconsin have exhibitions against Canadian collegiate counterparts. So without further ado, here’s how I see the WCHA shaping up this season.
1. Colorado College
The Tigers are my favorite for the MacNaughton Cup this season. They have a good, young core returning, including sophomore Jaden Schwartz, who when healthy, lit the conference on fire with his point scoring abilities. This, combined with the addition of several high power offensive additions from the USHL, notably Charlie Taft, Jordan DiGiandio, and Scott Wasgamz, reminds me very much of a Minnesota-Duluth team who last season won themselves a national championship with their high scoring and sound goaltending. They may not come out of the gate running, but they will be a force to be reckoned with.
2. Denver
The Pios are a very close 2nd for me in the WCHA race. They, like CC, are very deep and can play with one of the best teams in the country. They even have an answer for losing Sam Brittain in Adam Murray, who did well in his time with the USNTDP but has struggled in his time in college. Obviously, the big question for Denver will be how Murray holds up. Even if things go haywire in net, DU won’t suffer mightily with their strengths elsewhere on the ice.
3. North Dakota
Yes, theFighting Sioux lost a lot of talent in Matt Frattin, Ryan Malone, Chay Gennoway, Brett Hextall, and Jason Gregoire all leaving. That doesn’t mean though that it’ll be a down year in Grand Forks; far from it in fact. The Sioux still return several key players including Aaron Dell, who was the surprise of the year between the pipes last season in the WCHA, Derek Forbort, Brock Nelson, and the always physical Ben Blood. Oh yeah, and there’s the recruiting class which includes Rocco Grimaldi who plays a strong offensive game and was a steal for the Florida Panthers in the 2nd round of June’s NHL Entry Draft.
4. Minnesota-Duluth
It’s not often you find the defending national champions ranked 4th in their own conference, but it’s where the Bulldogs sit this season. Like UND, they lost a lot of talent to graduation and the NHL. Unlike UND, they don’t have all the answers (at least not yet).
5. Nebraska-Omaha
The O-Mavs caught some by surprise (including myself, as I had them 10th in last season’s preview) last season. They did hit a couple roadblocks last season with goalie John Faulkner, who was inconsistent to say the least. Faulkner returns between the pipes this season, however, coach Dean Blais has a consistent backup in Ryan Massa, who ranked in the Top 10 for wins last season playing for Fargo of the USHL. If the Mavericks want to reach their potential, whoever’s in goal must play smart, consistent hockey.
6. Minnesota
The Gophers were another that suffered major losses losing, among others, Jay Barriball, Jacob Cepis, and Alex Kangas. Like the situation Omaha’s facing, the Gophers have found their answer in goal with Kent Patterson but was a victim of inconsistent play. To Don Lucia’s credit, I do applaud him for bringing Mike Guentzel back on staff and the Gophers finally get to see USHL standout Seth Ambroz take the ice in maroon and gold. There’s optimism to be had in Minnesota, but it’s cautious.
7. Alaska-Anchorage
The Seawolves showed the rest of the conference that they’re on the up and up last season with their playoff sweep of the Gophers. Even with the loss of Tommy Grant and Craig Parkinson, the Wolves are no longer a cupcake opponent and should be taken seriously every step of the way.
8. Bemidji State
I like this Beaver squad, I really do. They have a lot of returning players coming back and like Anchorage, can’t be taken lightly as evidenced by their upset of Omaha in the first round of the playoffs. They play a tough game and as a home playoff team, I would fear playing both the Beavers and Seawolves.
9. Wisconsin
It’s a good news bad news story in Madison this season. First, the bad news: The Badgers lost a lot of talent to the NHL and graduation. The good news is that Mike Eaves can squeeze talent out of his players like water out of a sponge. Still, I see the Badgers just missing a home playoff spot.
10. St. Cloud State
St. Cloud is a hard team to pinpoint; they had what was thought to be a talented team and bottomed out before surfacing in the 8th position in the final standings. Mike Lee provides much stability in net, but if the rest of the team plays a full season is the question.
11. Michigan Tech
In my non-hockey life, I’m a Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Cubs fan. Like the Vikings and Cubs, the Huskies haven’t been the most successful team recently and fans latch onto any sense of optimism they can. This latest sense is very real, as Tech hired alum and right hand man to college hockey legend Red Berenson, Mel Pearson. While Pearson won’t turn things around in Houghton this season, Tech is taking the right steps towards a successful future.
12. Minnesota State
Where to start with the Mavericks? There’s stability on the blue line and outside of Michael Dorr and Eriah Hayes, too many questions on offense.
All-WCHA Team
Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College
Drew Shore, Denver
Jason Zucker, Denver
Justin Schultz, Wisconsin
Matt Carlson, Bemidji State
Aaron Dell, North Dakota
WCHA Freshman of the Year: Rocco Grimaldi, North Dakota
WCHA Player of the Year: Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College
WCHA Coach of the Year: Scott Owens, Colorado College
How does your preseason ballot rank?
-Andy Sorensen, CHW Blogger
