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I did this last year, and will do so again this year. Basically, for those interested, please post your top-10 teams. The results were used last year by College Hockey Weekly for their power rankings, and I believe will be used again this year for their rankings, so we as posters have the unique ability to have our voices heard. Anyway, if you wish to have your vote potentially be counted by CHW, please have your vote in by Tuesday, October 2nd, at 12:00pm Eastern Time. Finally, a special thanks goes out to everyone that voted last year, and everyone that intends to vote this year.
My top 10:
1. Western Michigan - The Broncos have everything in place to make a magical run to the title this year. They have arguably the best d-corps in the country, have a top notch coach, solid scoring, and a lights out goalie.
2. Boston College - While the Eagles lost plenty of scoring and leadership along the blueline, Jerry York will certainly have his boys in contention again to win it all.
3. Minnesota - The Gophers may very well have the best offense in the country this season, and have a very strong blueline to boot. Their biggest question mark will be in goal, but with their ability to outscore pretty much anyone, the Gophers should be a force to be reckoned with.
4. North Dakota - North Dakota has had some pre-season distractions, but if they can get their house back in order (pun intended) they feature a blistering offense, and a top-flight blueline. Like Minnesota, UND has a somewhat inexperienced goalie situation, but also like the Gophers have the tools to overcome a shaky night in net.
5. Cornell - The Big Red nearly made it to the Frozen Four last season, but return one of the best goalies in the game in Andy Iles. Moreover, Cornell returns 8 of their top 9 scorers from a season ago, so they should not have too many issues finding the back of the net.
6. St. Cloud State - The Huskies lost goalie Mike Lee early, but Sophomore Ryan Faragher proved that he was up to the task last season when Lee was injured. Consistency will be his biggest issue, but he will have help from arguably the top defensive group in the country. SCSU also returns Ben Hanowski, who should be on anyone's short list for player of the year in the WCHA this season.
7. Massachusetts-Lowell - The Riverhawks surprised many last season with their run to the regional final, but this year they won't sneak up on anyone. Led by standout netminder Doug Carr and super sophomore Scott Wilson, Lowell should be strong enough to make some noise both in Hockey East and Nationally.
8. Notre Dame - The Fighting Irish struggled last season, but look to rebound back to national prominence this season. Led by T.J. Tynan, Notre Dame figures to contend in the CCHA, and could very well find themselves back at the Frozen Four come April.
9. Michigan - The Wolverines return top scorer Alex Guptill, and bring in a solid freshman class (led by Jacob Trouba). While Michigan lost Shawn Hunwick to graduation, the Wolverines should be strong enough defensively and should put up enough goals to keep the crowds happy at Yost.
10. Union - The Dutchmen are coming off their best season in program history, and look to repeat their success this year. The key in doing so will be the play of their All-American netminder Troy Grosenick. As he goes, so go the Dutchmen this season.
Honorable Mention:
BU
Ferris State
Harvard
Miami
Wisconsin
My top 10:
1. Western Michigan - The Broncos have everything in place to make a magical run to the title this year. They have arguably the best d-corps in the country, have a top notch coach, solid scoring, and a lights out goalie.
2. Boston College - While the Eagles lost plenty of scoring and leadership along the blueline, Jerry York will certainly have his boys in contention again to win it all.
3. Minnesota - The Gophers may very well have the best offense in the country this season, and have a very strong blueline to boot. Their biggest question mark will be in goal, but with their ability to outscore pretty much anyone, the Gophers should be a force to be reckoned with.
4. North Dakota - North Dakota has had some pre-season distractions, but if they can get their house back in order (pun intended) they feature a blistering offense, and a top-flight blueline. Like Minnesota, UND has a somewhat inexperienced goalie situation, but also like the Gophers have the tools to overcome a shaky night in net.
5. Cornell - The Big Red nearly made it to the Frozen Four last season, but return one of the best goalies in the game in Andy Iles. Moreover, Cornell returns 8 of their top 9 scorers from a season ago, so they should not have too many issues finding the back of the net.
6. St. Cloud State - The Huskies lost goalie Mike Lee early, but Sophomore Ryan Faragher proved that he was up to the task last season when Lee was injured. Consistency will be his biggest issue, but he will have help from arguably the top defensive group in the country. SCSU also returns Ben Hanowski, who should be on anyone's short list for player of the year in the WCHA this season.
7. Massachusetts-Lowell - The Riverhawks surprised many last season with their run to the regional final, but this year they won't sneak up on anyone. Led by standout netminder Doug Carr and super sophomore Scott Wilson, Lowell should be strong enough to make some noise both in Hockey East and Nationally.
8. Notre Dame - The Fighting Irish struggled last season, but look to rebound back to national prominence this season. Led by T.J. Tynan, Notre Dame figures to contend in the CCHA, and could very well find themselves back at the Frozen Four come April.
9. Michigan - The Wolverines return top scorer Alex Guptill, and bring in a solid freshman class (led by Jacob Trouba). While Michigan lost Shawn Hunwick to graduation, the Wolverines should be strong enough defensively and should put up enough goals to keep the crowds happy at Yost.
10. Union - The Dutchmen are coming off their best season in program history, and look to repeat their success this year. The key in doing so will be the play of their All-American netminder Troy Grosenick. As he goes, so go the Dutchmen this season.
Honorable Mention:
BU
Ferris State
Harvard
Miami
Wisconsin
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