COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – In the Inaugural National Collegiate Hockey Conference preseason poll, Miami University was picked to win the conference, as announced today at the NCHC Media Day at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. The poll was voted on by a total of 16 media members who regularly cover NCHC teams, two from each institution’s market.

Miami received a total of 115 points, including a league-best seven first-place votes. The RedHawks posted a 25-12-5 record last season and reached the NCAA Midwest Regional final. Miami returns 17 lettermen from last season’s team. North Dakota was second in the poll with 109 points and five first-place votes. UND was 22 13-7 overall last season, reaching the NCAA West Regional final. UND returns 18 lettermen from last season’s squad. St. Cloud State, after reaching the NCAA Frozen Four for the first time in school history last season, was third in the poll with 99 points and four first-place votes. The Huskies return 22 lettermen from last season’s team the finished 25-16-1 overall.

Denver was fourth in the preseason poll (66 points), followed by Western Michigan (61), Minnesota Duluth (43), Colorado College (42) and Nebraska Omaha (41).

Place Team (1st-place votes) Points

1. Miami (7) 115

2. North Dakota (5) 109

3. St. Cloud State (4) 99

4. Denver 66

5. Western Michigan 61

6. Minnesota Duluth 43

7. Colorado College 42

8. Nebraska Omaha 41

The NCHC, which includes member institutions Colorado College, Denver, Miami, Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Omaha, North Dakota, St. Cloud State and Western Michigan, begins its inaugural season on October 18, 2013, with a double-header featuring North Dakota at Miami and Colorado College hosting Minnesota Duluth. Games times are to be announced.

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