Hockey, in the form of regular-season college men’s games, is less than three weeks away.
The first major poll was released Monday by USA Today-USA Hockey Magazine with Boston College and Minnesota tied for No. 1, and Minnesota Duluth at No. 12. The complete poll is here.
And the WCHA prognostication season is two days away with the release of the 2012-13 league media pre-season poll.
Media types are Tweeting away on how they see the final season of the WCHA as we now it — Twelve good teams in an excellent league
My final season in the world of newspaper puckdom looks a little like this:
1. Minnesota, 2. North Dakota, 3. Colorado College, 4. Denver, 5. Minnesota Duluth, 6. Wisconsin, 7. Michigan Tech, 8. Nebraska-Omaha, 9. Minnesota State Mankato, 10. Bemidji State, 11. St. Cloud State, 12. Alaska Anchorage.
All-WCHA
F — Mark Zengerle, Wisconsin; Nick Bjugstad, Minnesota; Rylan Schwartz, Colorado College.
D — Joey LaLeggia, Denver; Wade Bergman, Minnesota Duluth
G — Josh Thorimbert, Colorado College
Player of year — Nick Bjugstad, Minnesota
Rookie of year — Andy Welinski, Minnesota Duluth
And from other pundits:
Bruce Ciskie, of Duluth’s Red Rock Radio right here.
Former Colorado College beat writer Joe Paisley of Paisley Hockey here.
Insider Chris Dilks of Western College Hockey here.
“My final season in the world of newspaper puckdom”
Is this going to be your last year covering UMD hockey for the DNT?
Hey UMDpuckhead and News Tribune followers: Rink and Run’s schedule calls for working through the 2013 Grandma’s Marathon on June 22 and then hitting the retirement trail. So about nine months remaining in a 35-year stint in Duluth. Plenty of hockey yet to see this winter
Congratulations on your coming retirement. I think I speak for all UMD fans/Rink and Run followers when I say we’ll miss your dedication and great coverage of the team, and we wish you nothing but the best in the future. Of course, we’re happy to have you around this year, too.
Looking forward to an entertaining final season of the 12-team WCHA
You’re not old enough to retire…..
Kevin,
This is the first I have heard of your retirement. I will be sure to enjoy your work over these next several months, and I hope you savor your time on the ice and on the trail. Duluth, and those who read its paper, are blessed by your work.
-psh
Thanks for all of the kind words. Am certainly looking forward to excellent 2012-13 with the WCHA, as we know it, going out in a blaze of glory
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