by Tyler Kuehl/CHN Reporter (@TJKu29)
5 Things to Watch
Does Denver Have Enough to Go Back-to-Back?
Since the NCHC began play in 2013-14, no team has ever won back-to-back tournament championships. The defending NCHC and NCAA champion Denver Pioneers are attempting to change that narrative this year.
There are several key players expected to be big-time players once again. Jack Devine and Zeev Buium, the two that hit the 50-point mark in 2023-24, are back, and are early Hobey Baker favorites. Carter King is coming off a career-best campaign and is only expected to get better heading into his senior season. Matt Davis, who provided heroics during the Frozen Four, is back between the pipes.
While there is always the threat of North Dakota, along with dark horse programs like Colorado College and St. Cloud State, Denver has the tools to remain at the top of the class in arguably the best conference in the country.
Can Western Michigan’s Offense Rebound…Again?
You might not realize it, but the Broncos have made it to the national tournament three years in a row. Pat Ferschweiler’s group has been powered by high-end offensive weapons since he took the head coaching job in 2021. However, he’s had pivotal turnover each year with players graduating or turning pro. In 2022, he lost Ethen Frank and Drew Worrad. In 2023, the Hobey Baker Line of Max Sasson, Jason Polin and Ryan McAllister all moved on. Then, last year’s leading scorers, Dylan Wendt and Luke Grainger, both left Kalamazoo.
Now, the pressure is on the returning class and newcomers to fill the hole. Alex Bump is expected to take another step after an impressive rookie season, with Matteo Constantini hopefully excelling in a bigger role. They also have a talented freshman class, highlighted by Winnipeg Jets prospect Zach Nehring. Whether this team can possess four 30-point scorers for the third year in a row is to be foreseen.
Is Colorado College the Real Deal?
If you were to say three years ago that Colorado College would be a contender for the conference championship, you might’ve been called crazy. Yet, thanks to excellent recruiting from Kris Mayotte and his staff, the Tigers are projected to be up near the top of the NCHC. According to the preseason coaches poll, CC is projected to finish third in the conference. A lot of…
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