The MCHA needs its own thread and I expect that it will have a couple of interesting stories to tell this season. I am expecting to see a bit more parity this year between the top four or five teams. Unlike past seasons, it is a bit more difficult to predict where in the standings the teams will separate from or bunch up with one another. A couple of random inital thoughts.
1. Adrian - rebuilding or reloading? How will the goaltending situation work out? As expected, a solid looking crop of freshmen coming in (at least on paper). Will chemistry be an issue early? The UWSP weekend should be great hockey. The Bulldogs still have a big psychological edge.
2. MSOE - the favorite? a worthy favorite? They bring back a ton and have room to move forward. The Raiders always seem to find good kids so I am sure this class will have some gems. I am not wild about their NC schedule at all. Are they looking to join the MIAC?
3. Marian - they return more than Adrian but less than MSOE. I expect they will continue to be dangerous. Will their NC success continue? SNC at home on the big sheet should be interesting. Hull will be missed.
4. Lawrence - moving up or holding steady at 4th-ish? I suspect they are more likely to move up in the standings than down. How is the goaltending situation going to play out? A big recruiting class for a small school. Gustavus at home could be interesting.
5. Northland - continued improvement? NC success? If they can continue to avoid the transfer exodus they should hold steady or be better.
6. Finlandia - moving back up after the coaching change? A full year to recruit should certainly help. Why only four NC games? The Lions are almost guaranteed to be better this year.
7. Lake - the late coaching change certainly doesn't help the cause, but it looks like they were able to land more than a handful of kids. Can the freshmen contribute from day one? Lake is starting to feel like a forever young squad. East coast trip should be interesting. Nice coaching hire.
8. Concordia - every year I expect them to be more competitive within the conference. Is this the year? I have no clue what is going on with recruiting. Is a coaching change in the works?????
1. Adrian - rebuilding or reloading? How will the goaltending situation work out? As expected, a solid looking crop of freshmen coming in (at least on paper). Will chemistry be an issue early? The UWSP weekend should be great hockey. The Bulldogs still have a big psychological edge.
2. MSOE - the favorite? a worthy favorite? They bring back a ton and have room to move forward. The Raiders always seem to find good kids so I am sure this class will have some gems. I am not wild about their NC schedule at all. Are they looking to join the MIAC?
3. Marian - they return more than Adrian but less than MSOE. I expect they will continue to be dangerous. Will their NC success continue? SNC at home on the big sheet should be interesting. Hull will be missed.
4. Lawrence - moving up or holding steady at 4th-ish? I suspect they are more likely to move up in the standings than down. How is the goaltending situation going to play out? A big recruiting class for a small school. Gustavus at home could be interesting.
5. Northland - continued improvement? NC success? If they can continue to avoid the transfer exodus they should hold steady or be better.
6. Finlandia - moving back up after the coaching change? A full year to recruit should certainly help. Why only four NC games? The Lions are almost guaranteed to be better this year.
7. Lake - the late coaching change certainly doesn't help the cause, but it looks like they were able to land more than a handful of kids. Can the freshmen contribute from day one? Lake is starting to feel like a forever young squad. East coast trip should be interesting. Nice coaching hire.
8. Concordia - every year I expect them to be more competitive within the conference. Is this the year? I have no clue what is going on with recruiting. Is a coaching change in the works?????
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