Men's Hockey selected fifth in MCHA Coaches' Preseason Poll

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Concordia University Wisconsin's men's hockey program received its highest preseason selection ever when it was chosen to finish in fifth place in a vote by the head coaches of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association, the league office announced.

Coaches predicted Adrian College would repeat as regular season champions for the fifth-straight season after the Bulldogs ended the 2011-12 campaign with a 20-6-1 record. They received seven first-place votes and 49 total points.

MSOE was second with one first-place vote after receiving 42 points. The Red Raiders won the 2012 Harris Cup and an invitation to the NCAA Division III Tournament with a 3-2 overtime victory in the championship game last year. Lawrence University and Marian University were third and fourth with 34 and 28 points, respectively.

CUW received 23 points and was predicted to finish in fifth place. In March, head coach Jasen Wise was hired to direct a program that struggled during its first five seasons. Last year, the Falcons finished 2-20-3 overall and 2-16-2 in MCHA play.

Lake Forest College, Finlandia University and Northland College rounded out the preseason poll.

The MCHA enters its 15th season this fall, getting regular season play underway Oct. 20 with Marian University hosting the University of Wisconsin-Stout and Finlandia University playing Elliot Lake in an exhibition contest.

MCHA Preseason Coaches' Poll
Adrian College – 49 points (7)
MSOE – 42 (1)
Lawrence University – 34
Marian University – 28
Concordia University Wisconsin – 23
Lake Forest College – 22
Finlandia University – 20
Northland College – 8

() first place votes
voted by the conference's eight head coaches