Season previews for leagues
Not since the early aughts when the WCHA produced two schools that won back-to-back championships, then added a fifth title with Wisconsin’s win in 2006, has a conference been this dominant (photo: Jim Rosvold).
Certainly for a league like Hockey East, ultimate success is measured in national championships (photo: Vermont Athletics).
For a league that’s had some of the top defensive teams in the country over the last few years, questions on the back end are at the forefront for several ECAC Hockey contenders as the conference enters the new season (photo: Omar Phillips).
As the Big Ten begins its seventh season of play, the league’s overall identity is still difficult to define – ironic, given its very big branding (photo: Michigan Athletics).
Tectonic shifts in membership and realignment forced Atlantic Hockey to remain progressive and innovative in its approach to college hockey, and it’s a reason why the league remains on solid footing as it approaches its third decade (photo: Niagara Athletics).
This should be an exciting year in the WCHA. Minnesota State has won three of the last six WCHA titles. USCHO expects Mankato to go for its fourth title, or at least compete with Bowling Green or one of the Upper Peninsula teams for the McNaughton Cup (photo: BGSU Athletics).
Expect Plattsburgh State to capture the NEWHL going away, though Oswego may push them in individual games.
Defending national champion Norwich is the early favorite in the NEHC, but look for UMass-Boston to put pressure on the Cadets.
In the CHC, Morrisville State will look to three-peat. The Mustangs will need to hold off a strong Endicott team to do so.
The new UCHC will get an autobid starting next season, but for now, this conference is Elmira and everyone else, though a couple of teams could push the Soaring Eagles on occasion, especially William Smith.
Wisconsin-River Falls is the preseason favorite in a conference that has three teams that could come out on top.
Middlebury has been the dominant team in the NESCAC, and looks to be again this season, while Connecticut College and Amherst will be hot on the heels of the Panthers.
Adrian looks to again be at the top of the heap in the women’s NCHA, but they could be pushed hard by St. Scholastica and Lake Forest.
In a conference where only six teams advance to the postseason tournament, every game will be a battle, but Utica will likely end up on top in the UCHC and gain the new autobid for the league.
The SUNYAC is one of the more competitive conferences, and Geneseo and Oswego look to battle it out this season.
Hobart will look to hold off UMass-Boston and Babson in the very competitive NEHC.
Teams in the NE-10 are playing each other more regularly, and the conference will be even more competitive, but expect St. Michael’s to battle familiar foe St. Anselm for the league crown.
After making a run to the national championship last year and falling just short to St. Norbert, Salve Regina is looking to capture the CCC this season.
Fitchburg State broke the hegemony of the MASCAC last year and won the league title, and looks poised to repeat.
St. Norbert was back on top last year, winning the NCHA and then winning the NCAA tournament. They will have a huge fight from Adrian, as well as several other teams in the conference.