No. |
Team |
Of
Note |
1. |
 Colorado
College |
2004-05
record: 31-9-3
Key returnees: F Marty Sertich; F Brett Sterling;
F Mark Stuart
Key losses: G Curtis McElhinney; D Richard
Petiot; F Scott Polaski |
| The
Tigers lose one forward (the gritty Polaski), one defenseman
(the gritty Petiot) and one goaltender (All-American McElhinny).
Plenty of talent returns, however, led by Hobey Hat Trick finalists
Marty Sertich and Brett Sterling and All-American defenseman
Mark Stuart. In goal, Los Angeles Kings draft pick Matt Zaba
is a capable replacement for McElhinney. |
2. |
 Denver |
2004-05
record: 32-9-2
Key returnees: D Matt Carle; F Gabe Gauthier;
G Peter Mannino
Key losses: F Jeff Drummond; F Luke Fulghum;
D Matt Laatsch |
| We
downplayed the Pioneers after they won the 2004 title, and look
where it got us. The defending champs' losses are significant,
but national coach of the year George Gwozdecky welcomes back
no fewer than five All-America candidates and two likely Hobey
Baker Award finalists, forward Gabe Gauthier and defenseman
Matt Carle. |
3. |
 Cornell |
2004-05
record: 27-5-3
Key returnees: F Shane Hynes; G David McKee;
F Matt Moulson
Key losses: D Charlie Cook; F Mike Knoepfli;
F Mike Iggulden |
| Forty-five
years after the original M & M Boys ran roughshod over the
American League, the Big Red tandem of Matt Moulson and David
McKee will key Cornell's bid to win the ECACHL regular season
and postseason championships for the second straight year. Of
the five seniors the Big Red graduate, defenseman Charlie Cook
will be the toughest to replace. |
4. |
 Minnesota |
2004-05
record: 28-15-1
Key returnees: D Alex Goligoski; F Danny Irmen;
F Ryan Potulny
Key losses: F Garrett Smaagaard; D Judd Stevens;
F Barry Tallackson |
| It's
not as much about what the Gophers lose from this year's team
as it is about what they'll bring into the fold in the fall.
Goaltender Jeff Frazee, forward Blake Wheeler,
and incomparable Phil Kessel — possibly the best U.S.-born
player ever — join Danny Irmen, Ryan Potulny, Kris Chucko
and Co. in the maroon and gold. |
5. |
 Wisconsin |
2004-05
record: 23-14-4
Key returnees: F Robbie Earl; D Tom Gilbert;
F Joe Pavelski
Key losses: G Bernd Brückler |
| Everyone's
back for the Badgers, save goaltender Bernd Brückler. Of
course, Bruckler saved the Badgers on many occasions. Returnee
Brian Elliot and newcomer Shane Connelly are the candidates
to fill the net. Speaking of filling the net, shouldn't a team
that has Robbie Earl, Joe Pavelski, Ryan MacMurchy and Jake
Dowell average more than 3.10 goals per game? |
6. |
 New
Hampshire |
2004-05
record: 26-11-5
Key returnees: F Brett Hemingway; F Jacob Micflikier;
D Brian Yandle
Key losses: F Preston Callander; F Sean Collins;
D Tyson Teplitsky |
| The
Wildcats' biggest weapon, year after year, is the improvement
they see in their returning players. This year, it was Jacob
Micflikier, Brett Hemingway and Daniel Winnik stepping forward
to make UNH the most dangerous offensive team in the East. Kevin
Regan proved to be among the nation's best freshman goaltenders,
and you can expect the likes of Mike Radja, Matt Fornataro and
Craig Switzer to improve and help fill the shoes of the departing
seniors. |
7. |
 Ohio
State |
2004-05
record: 27-11-4
Key returnees: G Dave Caruso; F Tom Fritsche;
F Rod Pelley
Key losses: F JB Bittner |
| The
Buckeyes have made three straight NCAA Tournament appearances,
and that string will likely grow to four in 2006. In fact, next
year's squad could be the best in coach John Markell's 11-year
tenure in Columbus. Nine OSU skaters scored 20 or more points
last season; eight of them return, as does underrated goaltender
Dave Caruso. |
8. |
 North
Dakota |
2004-05
record: 25-15-5
Key returnees: F Brady Murray; F Drew Stafford;
F Travis Zajac
Key losses: D Nick Fuher; F Colby Genoway;
D Andy Schneider |
| Perhaps
the most encouraging sign of the Fighting Sioux's run to the
NCAA championship game was the emergence of the team's topflight
young talent. Forwards Travis Zajac, Drew Stafford and Rastislav
Spirko and goaltender Jordan Parise were brilliant down the
stretch. With a healthy Brady Murray and the addition of newcomers
such as U.S Junior National Team member Brian Lee, North Dakota
shouldn't skip a beat. |
9. |
 UMass
Lowell |
2004-05
record: 20-12-4
Key returnees: F Elias Godoy; D Cleve Kinley;
F Ben Walter
Key losses: D Peter Tormey |
| Yes,
we thought the River Hawks would be around this spot in 2004-05.
And no, they didn't make it this far, although they were a team
to be reckoned with in the second half. Assuming they have learned
how to win — and all evidence outside of Orono, Maine,
suggests that they have — this team, which loses only
one regular, will challenge for the Hockey East title. Forwards
Elias Godoy and Ben Walter, along with defenseman Cleve Kinley,
are All-America candidates. |
10. |
 Michigan |
2004-05
record: 31-8-3
Key returnees: F T.J. Hensick; G Al Montoya;
F Jeff Tambellini
Key losses: F Milan Gajic; F Eric Nystrom;
D Eric Werner |
| Sure,
the Wolverines lose 10 seniors from a team that won the CCHA's
regular-season and playoff championships. And while that's a
lot of bodies to replace, none of 'em are named Hensick, Hunwick,
Montoya or Tambellini. Throw in guys who would star on lesser
teams (Andrew Ebbett, Chad Kolarik, Kevin Porter) and heralded
newcomers such as forward Andrew Cogliano and defenseman Jack
Johnson ... the Wolves will be fine. |
| Poised
for a Breakout: Vermont, Nebraska-Omaha |
