2004-05: 43 GP, 26-31—57

Gauthier has skill, as seen by those 26 goals last year, and a flair for the dramatic, as seen by his playoff heroics the past two springs. But the quality his coaches admire most is his ability to play both ends of the ice, making him one of the best all-around forwards in the game.

2004-05: 34 GP, 22-20—42

Moulson has a knack for the net that may be unsurpassed in the college game. If he were in a more wide-open offense, you could expect upwards of 40 goals; as it is, he'll near 30 and help lead the way to an ECACHL title.

2004-05: 43 GP, 27-37—64

Marty Sertich's biggest competition for a second Hobey Baker Award could come from the player to his left, Brett Sterling. Sterling's success also demonstrates many of Sertich's gifts as a playmaker, which made him the nation's top player a year ago.

2004-05: 43 GP, 13-31—44

Carle's showing in Columbus had many figuring he'd be playing in NHL rinks this winter. Instead he bucked the trend and, along with Gauthier, will try to lead Denver to a third straight title.

2004-05: 38 GP, 7-27—34

Miami is hailed as the Cradle of Coaches, and in Greene the RedHawks have an experienced coach on the ice. Like a favorite player-coach of ours, Reg Dunlop, he's got a good game as well, and enters this season as the CCHA's best all-around player.

2004-05: 27-5-3, 1.24 GAA, .947 sv. pct.

McKee's not only the standout player in the ECACHL, but he's clearly the nation's best player at his position – acclaim solidified when some of his peers, like Jimmy Howard and Al Montoya, departed for the pro game.