University of Minnesota Athletics
Men's Hockey Picked Fifth in Preseason WCHA Coaches Poll
9/29/2004 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Intra-state rival Minnesota-Duluth was picked to win the WCHA in 2004-05 with 79 points and seven first-place votes. North Dakota (66 points), Wisconsin (64) and Colorado College (61) each received one first-place vote each to finish 2-3-4 in the poll. Rounding out the poll are Minnesota (51), Denver (45), St. Cloud State (30), Minnesota State (27), Michigan Tech (17) and Alaska Anchorage (10).
Wisconsin goaltender Bernd Brckler was named the WCHA Preseason Player of the Year with five votes. Forward Chris Conner of Michigan Tech received four votes, while Colorado College forward Brett Sterling picked up the final tally. North Dakota forward Travis Zajac received eight votes for WCHA Preseason Rookie of the Year. Golden Gopher freshman forward Kris Chucko earned two votes.
Minnesota returns 16 letterwinners from last year's team that posted a 27-14-3 overall record and a fourth-place finish in the WCHA with a 15-12-1 conference mark. The Golden Gophers will look to replace 55 percent of their goals and 45 percent of their assists after the loss of their top four scorers. Junior forward Gino Guyer returns as Minnesota's top returning scorer after scoring 11 goals and 21 assists last season, while junior Chris Harrington, UM's second returning scorer, looks to continue Minnesota's recent tradition of elite offensive defensemen. In addition, the Maroon and Gold welcomes a 10-member corps of freshman to its roster in 2004-05.
The Golden Gophers open the 2004-05 season on Thursday, Oct. 7, with an exhibition game at Mariucci Arena against the University of Calgary. Minnesota's regular season begins Oct. 9 at the Xcel Energy Center with the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game against defending NCAA champion Denver.
34th Annual Grand Forks Herald WCHA Coaches Poll
1. Minnesota-Duluth, 79 (7)
2. North Dakota, 66 (1)
3. Wisconsin, 64 (1)
4. Colorado College, 61 (1)
5. Minnesota, 51
6. Denver, 45
7. St. Cloud State, 30
8. Minnesota State, 27
9. Michigan Tech, 17
10. Alaska Anchorage, 10
(Points figured on 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis. Coaches do not vote for own teams.)
WCHA Preseason Player of the Year
1. Bernd Brckler, Sr., G, Wisconsin (5)
2. Chris Conner, Jr., F, Michigan Tech (4)
3. Brett Sterling, Jr., F, Colorado College (1)
WCHA Preseason Rookie of the Year
1. Travis Zajac, F, North Dakota (8)
2. Kris Chucko, F, Minnesota (2)
