Miami hockey picked 3rd in CCHA polls
By John Boyle, Staff Writer
Updated 12:56 AM Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Miami University hockey team might be ranked No. 1 in the country, according to one preseason poll, but the RedHawks are predicted to finish third in their own conference.
The RedHawks on Wednesday, Sept. 30, were picked to finish third in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association in separate coaches and media polls. Michigan and Notre Dame were 1-2 in both polls.
“Polls are polls,” Miami coach Rico Blasi said via teleconference. “We’re thankful that we’re in the top half of our league. ... It’s a new year. We’re just one of 58 Division I hockey teams vying for the same prize.”
Miami is ranked No. 1 nationally in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine preseason poll. Michigan is No. 4 and Notre Dame is No. 5.
The RedHawks, who return 17 letterwinners from a team that reached the national championship game, host Windsor on Saturday night in exhibition play. Miami opens the regular season Oct. 9-10 with a home series against St. Cloud State.
CCHA Coaches Poll
1. Michigan (5) 114
2. Notre Dame (4) 111
3. Miami (2) 104
4. Ohio State 90
5. Northern Michigan 85
6. Nebraska-Omaha 63
7. Alaska 61
8. Ferris State 50
9. Michigan State 46
10. Lake Superior State 29
11. Western Michigan 28
12. Bowling Green 11
CCHA Media Poll
1. Michigan (24) 731
2. Notre Dame (20) 712
3. Miami (20) 707
4. Ohio State (1) 547
5. Northern Michigan 502
6. Alaska 386
7. Nebraska-Omaha 377
8. Michigan State (1) 332
9. Ferris State 314
