College hockey is back. In the WCHA, so are several of the sport’s top players.
If the topsy-turvy turnover nature that surrounded 2017-18 was an opening for several teams then 2018-19 is a return to the status quo. The year is a bit of a comeback season for the conference. Despite three teams in the eight-team NCAA tournament and two Frozen Four finalists, the year ended empty. For the first time since women’s ice hockey was sponsored by the NCAA in 2000, no WCHA team made the championship game.
It’s also a comeback in the fact that many top collegians are returning after spending a year centralized with their country training for the Olympics. Several teams restock with leaders. Others are getting Olympians as freshmen.
Of the four players given votes for Preseason WCHA Player of the Year, none played college hockey in 2017-18. (Even two of the three nominees for the Preseason Rookie of the Year award delayed their enrollment by a season.) Maddie Rooney gives UMD stability in net. Kelly Pannek, Sarah Potomak and Amy Potomak give Minnesota a top line. The end result is four WCHA teams ranked in the top 9, including one that finished below .500 last season.
Read the full preview, including in-depth looks at the Gophers and all seven WCHA teams here. (subscription required)
No comments:
Post a Comment