BLOG 8: No major surprises in CCHA preseason polls

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris' Bob Daniels speaks to reporters at CCHA Media Day held in Grand Rapids (Courtesy Photo)

GRAND RAPIDS – Most of us are always a little curious to see how preseason polls play out – whether the polls are picked by coaches or the media.

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association actually features two preseason polls – one from the media and one from coaches. This year, at CCHA Media Day conducted in Van Andel Arena, the coaches and media had a difference of opinion as to who was going to emerge as winner of the CCHA. Actually, the difference of opinion was relatively minor. The coaches selected Notre Dame first while the media ran with Michigan at the top of its poll.

In the two preseason polls, the top six teams were solid (Michigan, Notre Dame, Miami, Michigan State, Miami, Northern Michigan and Ferris State). The coaches had the Fighting Irish, Wolverines, RedHawks, Wildcats, Spartans and Bulldogs. The order for the media was U-M, UND, MSU, Miami, NMU and Ferris.

There were two surprises for me. Northern being picked ahead of Michigan State (in the Coaches Poll) and Miami being ranked as high as it was in both polls (considering the personnel losses) was a bit of a surprise for me. Northern played some young kids last year and those guys got some much-needed seasoning and should be ready for this campaign. Historically, Miami has been a program that has reloaded in the past and, with a spectacular new facility, their recruiting efforts can only be enhanced. Also, the RedHawks have two of the better players returning to the ice in talented forwards Justin Mercier, a senior, Carter Camper, a sophomore.

This year’s race should be a fun one for the CCHA championship this season.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com