Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

[Roben]

Who will take home the McNaughton?

[SCSU Euro]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

Denver... this is an easy one, 'cause there's a consensus frontrunner, even if it turns out to be wrong. More interesting question would've been who's the cellar dwellar?

[vizoroo]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

No mid season departures
No significant injuries
Good Chemistry
Determination
Grit
Pioneer Pride

DU takes the hardware.

[Twitch Boy]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

More interesting question would've been who's the cellar dwellar?

I honestly think it's Tech again. They'll be improved from last season for sure (I figure 7 wins and 5 ties is doable,) but everyone else in the cellar has improved so much as well, particularly UAA (finished 9th with an impressive 23 points and returned almost everybody of note.)

[Dirty]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

I honestly think it's Tech again. They'll be improved from last season for sure (I figure 7 wins and 5 ties is doable,) but everyone else in the cellar has improved so much as well, particularly UAA (finished 9th with an impressive 23 points and returned almost everybody of note.)

I'm going with UND. In Hakstol's five years the Sioux have finished 5th-4th-3rd-2nd-1st. The cycle has to start over so UND will finish 10th this year.

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

I honestly think it's Tech again. They'll be improved from last season for sure (I figure 7 wins and 5 ties is doable,) but everyone else in the cellar has improved so much as well, particularly UAA (finished 9th with an impressive 23 points and returned almost everybody of note.)

On the other hand, I will argue that MTU still has last season fresh on their minds, and could piece together up to ten conference wins. After 08-09, this team should be chomping at the bit to prove they're not going to be the pushover this year.

Granted, Tech is not about to crack the top half of the conference, but I figure 8th place is doable if the team puts their minds to it and we don't run into anymore serious injury trouble. I think there are a few players on the squad ready for breakout seasons, but it'll be up to them to put up the stats.

As for the poll, Denver is the obvious favorite, but that's why they play the games.

[Husckey Domi Nation]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

Who will take home the McNaughton?

I understand Denver and North Dakota are early favorites, but I'm casting my homer vote for St. Cloud.

Goodbye Jase Welostky; Hello Michael General Lee.

[startthebus]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

I understand Denver and North Dakota are early favorites, but I'm casting my homer vote for St. Cloud.

Goodbye Jase Welostky; Hello Michael General Lee.

I second this

[dogs2012]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

Unlike some other people discussing this, I'm not going to automatically pick my own school. While I think UMD is going to have a pretty decent season, I don't see them winning the WCHA. Although I find it pretty ridiculous for some people to say that St. Cloud will be in the running. I mean their goalie became academically ineligible at St. Cloud. If they can find the rink that's a plus. In reality though, St. Cloud could very well pull off a good season, but nobody has the talent Returning that Denver does. UND is also a good argument here, because they always seem to have a great turnover of talent. I'm just glad nobody has said the goofers yet

[Goon]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

I'm going with UND. In Hakstol's five years the Sioux have finished 5th-4th-3rd-2nd-1st. The cycle has to start over so UND will finish 10th this year.

You didn't study math right? I would say at least a top 5 finish.

[Koho]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

I put Denver on top (not my team). I'd put Tech on the bottom, and MN at number 2. STCS, that would be about 5, a ways away from #1. Although given the trend pointed out by Dirty, maybe UND will slip down into #5. So maybe STCS would slip to 6th. If this scenario doesn't happen, I'll go with co-champions of AA and Tech. (At least no one's picked the Favreless Cheesers yet.)

[Goon]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

I put Denver on top (not my team). I'd put Tech on the bottom, and MN at number 2. STCS, that would be about 5, a ways away from #1. Although given the trend pointed out by Dirty, maybe UND will slip down into #5. So maybe STCS would slip to 6th. If this scenario doesn't happen, I'll go with co-champions of AA and Tech. (At least no one's picked the Favreless Cheesers yet.)

I would pencil UAA into the 9th place spot, just a hunch, they aren't going to be as good as some think.

[Fighting Sioux 23]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

1 - Denver
2 - Wisconsin
3 - North Dakota
4 - Minnesota
5 - St. Cloud State
6 - Minnesota - Duluth
7 - Colorado College
8 - Minnesota State - Mankato
9 - Alaska Anchorage
10 - Michigan Tech

Denver has the most talent back as well as a talented incoming freshman class. Wisconsin is very strong on the blue line, but lack the goal production to be considered the front runner early on. North Dakota will be quick, and strong on the blue line, and will have Eidsness to fall back on. Minnesota will be improved, but their success is tied to a streaky Kangas. SCSU has more questions than answers, but if Lee is as good as advertised, this may be too low for them. Duluth I think will surprise some people after some difficult losses this summer. CC got hit hard, and could be in for a rough season. Mankato will be difficult to play as always, but they will struggle. UAA will be strong early and fade after Christmas. Finally, Tech will be better than last year, but I don't see them improving on their place in the standings.

[SCSU Euro]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

I would pencil UAA into the 9th place spot, just a hunch, they aren't going to be as good as some think.

I think MTU, unless they get hit with as many injuries as they did last year, finishes ahead of UAA.

[Sloe Gin]

Re: Who will win the WCHA 09-10?

I think MTU, unless they get hit with as many injuries as they did last year, finishes ahead of UAA.

not a chance in hell. UAA is finishing 8th or better this year.