Badger Hockey Tops Preseason WCHA Poll
October 03, 2006 | Men's Hockey
The WCHA coaches have chosen Wisconsin as co-favorites to win the WCHA this season, according to the 36th annual Grand Forks Herald WCHA preseason coaches' poll. Wisconsin and Minnesota tied for first place in the voting, while North Dakota is picked third, Denver, fourth and St. Cloud State, fifth.
After winning the team's first national title in 16 years, the Badgers received three first-place votes, while the defending WCHA champion Gophers received five. North Dakota earned the other two first-place votes.
Between Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota, 14 of last year's top scorers and playmakers in the league have left for the NHL or have graduated.
UW All-American goaltender and returning Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist Brian Elliott was picked as the preseason player of the year. Elliott captured six of 10 votes, with North Dakota's Jonathan Toews and T.J. Oshie splitting the remaining four votes.
Minnesota's Erik Johnson was picked as Rookie of the Year, with teammate Kyle Okposo chosen second, and Minnesota Duluth goaltender Alex Stalock taking third place in the voting.
Wisconsin opens its season on Friday night at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wis. The Badgers face host Northern Michigan at 7 p.m., with the teams meeting a second time on Saturday. The games can be heard live at WIBA 1310-AM in Madison, Wis., and at UWBADGERS.COM.
