USCHO Fan Forum
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
-
The USCHO Fan Forum has migrated to a new plaform, xenForo. Most of the function of the forum should work in familiar ways. Please note that you can switch between light and dark modes by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right of the main menu bar. We are hoping that this new platform will prove to be faster and more reliable. Please feel free to explore its features.
2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
- Thread starter Fighting Sioux 23
- Start date
Fighting Sioux 23
New member
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
Thank you. Plus, it allows where if you do miss a week to tabulate using another poster from your region. Ideally, I'd like to have somewhere in the vicinity of 10-15 voters, with a good representation from each conference and east/west split.
Good idea. I can probably do that, but may miss a week or 2,3,6.
Then you can tabulate your top 10 from this thread (you sneaky one you).... BRILLIANT!
Thank you. Plus, it allows where if you do miss a week to tabulate using another poster from your region. Ideally, I'd like to have somewhere in the vicinity of 10-15 voters, with a good representation from each conference and east/west split.Glad once again to be reading the pre-season banter. For those in the know, of which I am not, I haven't heard any mention of UNH in this thread.
Driftryder
Gopher Hockey
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
Nice work as always FS23, I'm afraid I may be a little biased in voting as I always think the Gophers are in the top ten.
But I will enjoy reading through the thread weekly, I will just bow out of attempting to vote.
Nice work as always FS23, I'm afraid I may be a little biased in voting as I always think the Gophers are in the top ten.
But I will enjoy reading through the thread weekly, I will just bow out of attempting to vote.
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
My rankings are similar to fishcore12. These are the 16 teams I think make the NCAA Tournament.
I have followed college hockey since 1990, and in my opinion, this appears to be the least amount of talent in college that I have witnessed. With 25-30 players turning pro each summer now, combined with the annual summer CHL defections, there are few teams with important Sr. classes.
1. Denver (Brittain returns in winter to lead Denver in NCAA's)
2. Notre Dame (Tynan and Lee will lead ND to the Frozen. Is goalie Johnson good enough?)
3. Boston University (return some talent, may not reach potential though)
4. Colorado College (Schwartz should win Hobey)
5. Miami (Strong D and G, freshman will be key to achieve this level. High number of seniors will be valuable in March.)
6. North Dakota
7. Boston College
8. Nebraska Omaha
9. Union
10. Michigan
11. Minnesota-Duluth
12. Yale
13. New Hampshire
14. Western Michigan
15. Alaska Fairbanks
16. RIT
Bubble: Minnesota, Merrimack, St. Cloud, Wisconsin
My rankings are similar to fishcore12. These are the 16 teams I think make the NCAA Tournament.
I have followed college hockey since 1990, and in my opinion, this appears to be the least amount of talent in college that I have witnessed. With 25-30 players turning pro each summer now, combined with the annual summer CHL defections, there are few teams with important Sr. classes.
1. Denver (Brittain returns in winter to lead Denver in NCAA's)
2. Notre Dame (Tynan and Lee will lead ND to the Frozen. Is goalie Johnson good enough?)
3. Boston University (return some talent, may not reach potential though)
4. Colorado College (Schwartz should win Hobey)
5. Miami (Strong D and G, freshman will be key to achieve this level. High number of seniors will be valuable in March.)
6. North Dakota
7. Boston College
8. Nebraska Omaha
9. Union
10. Michigan
11. Minnesota-Duluth
12. Yale
13. New Hampshire
14. Western Michigan
15. Alaska Fairbanks
16. RIT
Bubble: Minnesota, Merrimack, St. Cloud, Wisconsin
Fighting Sioux 23
New member
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
Sorry jdr1, but that's a bit too biased...I like it though
So far, here are those who I have as voters for the preaseason poll:
Fighting Sioux 23 (west)
manurespreader (west)
fishcore12 (east)
OnionMan (east)
alnike (west)
If I have your region incorrect (i.e. east/west) please let me know. With that being said, I would really like to get 3 more westerners and 4 more easterners for a total of 12. For the purposes of determining region, if you are predominately a fan of a team in the CCHA or WCHA, then you are from the west. If you are a fan of a team in the ECAC, Hockey East or Atlantic Hockey, then you are from the east.
Also, don't feel as though you are committed to being a voter for the entire year. I've pretty much scrapped that idea in favor of a "vote when you can" approach. I fully anticipate that the voters will differ somewhat from week to week, but I would like to keep a consistent east/west split if at all possible.
Sorry jdr1, but that's a bit too biased...I like it though
So far, here are those who I have as voters for the preaseason poll:
Fighting Sioux 23 (west)
manurespreader (west)
fishcore12 (east)
OnionMan (east)
alnike (west)
If I have your region incorrect (i.e. east/west) please let me know. With that being said, I would really like to get 3 more westerners and 4 more easterners for a total of 12. For the purposes of determining region, if you are predominately a fan of a team in the CCHA or WCHA, then you are from the west. If you are a fan of a team in the ECAC, Hockey East or Atlantic Hockey, then you are from the east.
Also, don't feel as though you are committed to being a voter for the entire year. I've pretty much scrapped that idea in favor of a "vote when you can" approach. I fully anticipate that the voters will differ somewhat from week to week, but I would like to keep a consistent east/west split if at all possible.
SCSU Euro
New member
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
1. Notre D. - I think everyone else has made their case enough
2. DU - Brittain may be out for a while, but I think you have to factor one of the best goalies in the country as he will be back, and Murray isn't a sieve, just needs some experience. Plus, they could always pull like an '03-ish Gophers and just go beat teams 7-5.
3. BU - Did they seriously lose one F, one D and a 3rd string goalie?!?
4. Miami - Initially had them at 2, but they weren't a balanced team scoring so the loss of Camper, Miele and Cannone REALLY hurts. Those highly-touted freshmen need to come up big fast.
5. CC - Truthfully I'm not sold on Howe yet, but ala DU, this team is so loaded with offensive firepower they may win a lot of shootouts. And how long do the Schwartzs stay? This could already be a last hurrah for them.
6. Mich - Well the #1 recruiting class in the land better come through, bc they were decimated by losses, maybe none bigger than Hunwick but luckily for them Bryce Hogan wasn't too shabby in his ice time last year.
7. Union - I'm surprised as you that I put in an EZAC team as high as 7 but Kinkaid is a threat to steal a game every night and they're a balanced team with good chemistry.
8. BC - Like Michigan, a team that lost a lot and are going to have to rely on talent over experience.
9. UNO - Blais lost basically his top line and that's tough to rebound from but Faulkner is a solider goaltender returning and the Megna brothers are gonna be something SPECTACULAR to watch.
10. UMD - I may get flack for being an SCSU fan to put the defending champion Bulldogs this low, but to be fair, I have them as the 4th best WCHA team which is where they finished before going on the run. Losing Faulk, Fontaine and M. Conn. hurts, and honestly, I think the reason I keep them in the top 10 is bc they return their goalie tandem and J.T. Brown is every bit as electrifying as the much more known J. Conn.
Wish I could say more about the WCHA, but after looking at their incoming freshmen classes, I'm not as impressed as I normally am. Agree with FS23... UND will be a team that will struggle pre-Christmas break. Come March and April, probably one of the last teams you'll wanna see, especially when Rocco gets the pace and flow of NCAA hockey.
1. Notre D. - I think everyone else has made their case enough
2. DU - Brittain may be out for a while, but I think you have to factor one of the best goalies in the country as he will be back, and Murray isn't a sieve, just needs some experience. Plus, they could always pull like an '03-ish Gophers and just go beat teams 7-5.
3. BU - Did they seriously lose one F, one D and a 3rd string goalie?!?
4. Miami - Initially had them at 2, but they weren't a balanced team scoring so the loss of Camper, Miele and Cannone REALLY hurts. Those highly-touted freshmen need to come up big fast.
5. CC - Truthfully I'm not sold on Howe yet, but ala DU, this team is so loaded with offensive firepower they may win a lot of shootouts. And how long do the Schwartzs stay? This could already be a last hurrah for them.
6. Mich - Well the #1 recruiting class in the land better come through, bc they were decimated by losses, maybe none bigger than Hunwick but luckily for them Bryce Hogan wasn't too shabby in his ice time last year.
7. Union - I'm surprised as you that I put in an EZAC team as high as 7 but Kinkaid is a threat to steal a game every night and they're a balanced team with good chemistry.
8. BC - Like Michigan, a team that lost a lot and are going to have to rely on talent over experience.
9. UNO - Blais lost basically his top line and that's tough to rebound from but Faulkner is a solider goaltender returning and the Megna brothers are gonna be something SPECTACULAR to watch.
10. UMD - I may get flack for being an SCSU fan to put the defending champion Bulldogs this low, but to be fair, I have them as the 4th best WCHA team which is where they finished before going on the run. Losing Faulk, Fontaine and M. Conn. hurts, and honestly, I think the reason I keep them in the top 10 is bc they return their goalie tandem and J.T. Brown is every bit as electrifying as the much more known J. Conn.
Wish I could say more about the WCHA, but after looking at their incoming freshmen classes, I'm not as impressed as I normally am. Agree with FS23... UND will be a team that will struggle pre-Christmas break. Come March and April, probably one of the last teams you'll wanna see, especially when Rocco gets the pace and flow of NCAA hockey.
Ralph Baer
Let's Go 'Tute!
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
I think that moves them back to #26.
Kinkaid turned pro.
I think that moves them back to #26.
FlagDUDE08
Banned
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
According to that poll, they're #29 now.
Kinkaid turned pro.
I think that moves them back to #26.
According to that poll, they're #29 now.
SCSU Euro
New member
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
Figured I'd miss somebody, but coulda sworn I read he was coming back. Ok, move them down to ten and everybody else up one.
Kinkaid turned pro.
I think that moves them back to #26.
Figured I'd miss somebody, but coulda sworn I read he was coming back. Ok, move them down to ten and everybody else up one.
fishcore12
Alleged Kool-Aid Drinker....OH YEAH
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
Im only voting if I can get a sweet varsity jacket that says official rankings voter. Im usually good for a sunday morning hungover voting post.
Sorry jdr1, but that's a bit too biased...I like it though
So far, here are those who I have as voters for the preaseason poll:
Fighting Sioux 23 (west)
manurespreader (west)
fishcore12 (east)
OnionMan (east)
alnike (west)
If I have your region incorrect (i.e. east/west) please let me know. With that being said, I would really like to get 3 more westerners and 4 more easterners for a total of 12. For the purposes of determining region, if you are predominately a fan of a team in the CCHA or WCHA, then you are from the west. If you are a fan of a team in the ECAC, Hockey East or Atlantic Hockey, then you are from the east.
Also, don't feel as though you are committed to being a voter for the entire year. I've pretty much scrapped that idea in favor of a "vote when you can" approach. I fully anticipate that the voters will differ somewhat from week to week, but I would like to keep a consistent east/west split if at all possible.
Im only voting if I can get a sweet varsity jacket that says official rankings voter.
Im usually good for a sunday morning hungover voting post.
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
They also went basically .500 after Thanksgiving. BU could be very good this year, but most sensible BU fans are in a "Wait-and-see" mode.
They also went basically .500 after Thanksgiving. BU could be very good this year, but most sensible BU fans are in a "Wait-and-see" mode.
Fighting Sioux 23
New member
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
I agree with this. On paper, they should contend for a national title, but they have to prove that they can play at that kind of level. I ranked them 5th, and the top team out of Hockey East, but we should know a whole lot more about BU in 6-8 weeks.
Also, I only have 2 "easterners" voting for the preseason poll so far. It would be greatly appreciated if fans of a team from the ECAC, Hockey East or Atlantic Hockey would put up their top 10.
I agree with this. On paper, they should contend for a national title, but they have to prove that they can play at that kind of level. I ranked them 5th, and the top team out of Hockey East, but we should know a whole lot more about BU in 6-8 weeks.
Also, I only have 2 "easterners" voting for the preseason poll so far. It would be greatly appreciated if fans of a team from the ECAC, Hockey East or Atlantic Hockey would put up their top 10.
Nick Papagiorgio
Holding court
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
Another great topic from FS23.
Not going to rank them because frankly I don't feel completely comfortable with ranking the Western teams as I just don't watch them close enough.
A few thoughts... Stick to the obvious when ranking these teams. The ECAC stinks, so I cross them off the list quickly. What wins games? Goalies and coaches. If you have both, you're in great shape. If you don't, forget it.
No real juggernauts this year IMO like we saw with BC and UND last year (and it didn't work out for either of them... WHAMMY!)
- BU is being overrated by a lot of folks early this year including a lot of media outlets. Maybe more talent on paper than anyone in HE but they need a whole lot of gelling to get it done.
- UNH underrated yet again. NEVER underrate these guys (unless you're going to be ranking teams in March).
- BC an interesting team. Some have they very high, which they could be by the end. Others have them floating on the fringe of top 10 or just inside top 10. Goaltending question marks but not a total question mark. Could have two very good goalies by the time the puck drops. Gaudreau could have tipped this freshman class into a great class and he may change the course of BC's season if he does well. Watch their bottom 3 D though. That's the worry. Could be the best team in the league by the 2nd half of the season if not right at the start. Won't win the RS title, though.
- Maine. Like I said, no goaltending + no coaching = no chance. Always a team that could beat someone on any given night with what they have on offense but... it is what it is in Orono.
- Merrimack. Never underestimate the power of the 23 year old freshmen that Merrimack recruits in droves (or something like that). Cannata is best goalie in the league by far IMO. I think Dacosta was great and really put them into a higher gear but they have a good thing going with all these overaged players and the system. Keep an eye on them. Not an elite team but will be in the hunt for home ice all season long (probably a UNH vs. MC 4x5 matchup in the HE QFs, where will they play?).
On to Western teams:
- Miami - blah. UNH of the West. Very good team, put them up there high in the rankings, and then when March or April rolls around watch Captain Blasi take the wheel of the failboat.
- North Dakota - another team that is always good and don't bet against them to get things figured out.
- Notre Dame - Coaching, good experience with the FF last year. Tough team. Like them a lot in the CCHA.
- Colorado College - Howe to me is the real deal. I felt confident that was the case going into last year's NCAAs after watching him in some of the televised games I had a chance to see. He was awesome vs. BC. Jaden Schwartz has some great numbers while missing a chunk of the season. A full season of Schwartz could be frightening for the opposition.
- UNO - Potential. And they have Blais. Keep an eye on them.
- Denver - Not sure what to think to be honest. Their fans are as collar up as it gets West of the Mississippi. Always a good team, though. Will they be great?
It's tough to break through the same old programs.
Another great topic from FS23.
Not going to rank them because frankly I don't feel completely comfortable with ranking the Western teams as I just don't watch them close enough.
A few thoughts... Stick to the obvious when ranking these teams. The ECAC stinks, so I cross them off the list quickly. What wins games? Goalies and coaches. If you have both, you're in great shape. If you don't, forget it.
No real juggernauts this year IMO like we saw with BC and UND last year (and it didn't work out for either of them... WHAMMY!)
- BU is being overrated by a lot of folks early this year including a lot of media outlets. Maybe more talent on paper than anyone in HE but they need a whole lot of gelling to get it done.
- UNH underrated yet again. NEVER underrate these guys (unless you're going to be ranking teams in March).
- BC an interesting team. Some have they very high, which they could be by the end. Others have them floating on the fringe of top 10 or just inside top 10. Goaltending question marks but not a total question mark. Could have two very good goalies by the time the puck drops. Gaudreau could have tipped this freshman class into a great class and he may change the course of BC's season if he does well. Watch their bottom 3 D though. That's the worry. Could be the best team in the league by the 2nd half of the season if not right at the start. Won't win the RS title, though.
- Maine. Like I said, no goaltending + no coaching = no chance. Always a team that could beat someone on any given night with what they have on offense but... it is what it is in Orono.
- Merrimack. Never underestimate the power of the 23 year old freshmen that Merrimack recruits in droves (or something like that). Cannata is best goalie in the league by far IMO. I think Dacosta was great and really put them into a higher gear but they have a good thing going with all these overaged players and the system. Keep an eye on them. Not an elite team but will be in the hunt for home ice all season long (probably a UNH vs. MC 4x5 matchup in the HE QFs, where will they play?).
On to Western teams:
- Miami - blah. UNH of the West. Very good team, put them up there high in the rankings, and then when March or April rolls around watch Captain Blasi take the wheel of the failboat.
- North Dakota - another team that is always good and don't bet against them to get things figured out.
- Notre Dame - Coaching, good experience with the FF last year. Tough team. Like them a lot in the CCHA.
- Colorado College - Howe to me is the real deal. I felt confident that was the case going into last year's NCAAs after watching him in some of the televised games I had a chance to see. He was awesome vs. BC. Jaden Schwartz has some great numbers while missing a chunk of the season. A full season of Schwartz could be frightening for the opposition.
- UNO - Potential. And they have Blais. Keep an eye on them.
- Denver - Not sure what to think to be honest. Their fans are as collar up as it gets West of the Mississippi. Always a good team, though. Will they be great?
It's tough to break through the same old programs.
Last edited:
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
Nice.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QeIgDyRwHRc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Nice.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QeIgDyRwHRc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Re: 2011-2012 NCAA Preseason Rankings
Mack is not deep but extremely talented.
Look for them to now be a permanent fixture in the league's top 6.
They recruit very well.
Mack is not deep but extremely talented.
Look for them to now be a permanent fixture in the league's top 6.
They recruit very well.