Ay-Ziggy-Zoomba.com

Now that we have an actual schedule, let's see how we feel about this year's team. The link below will take you to a page to pick the teams' record against each opponent, the second page will let you pick the standings for the final WCHA season. I'll wait a few days before posting the results. Entries are anonymous so even Drew can play along. I am under the impression the two games with Adrian are not exhibitions. If that's not the case I'm sure someone will let me know.

2020-21 Preseason Picks

My take: though we lost our best player, we return a lot of firepower. I like our goaltending and defense; very interested to see how Malmstrom fits in. Scoring goals should not be a problem, especially with Gould now being eligible. This has to be the year for us to finally win some hardware.

I think Tech is strongest opponent followed by Mankato. We get Tech at home and Mankato on the road over back-to-back weekends. Dryden McKay will no longer be able to pad his stats by standing around for 45-50 minutes a night watching the play at the other end. Tech has a good sophomore and junior class and will be even tougher to beat next year. I have Huntsville sucking worse than Anchorage but can be convinced to swap them.

Results are in from our quick poll. The group has our Falcons in the top spot followed closely by Mankato. Tech and Bemidji fight for 3/4 while the rest of the field pretty much stands alone. I put the WCHA Media Poll results at the bottom (we were picked 3rd).

As for the season games, we're looking at a 22 win season on average with the games breaking down thusly:

BG, Bemidji, and Mankato will battle it out for the top spot. I just hope this entire season gets played...if I were a betting man though, I'd say the odds are against it.

Everyone continues to swoon over Mankato. I know they're good, but WOW did they lose a lot last year. How can they possibly reload enough to cover the loss of nearly 40% of their scoring (only one player returns who scored more than 10 goals last year). And no way McKay's numbers are as good this year as the previous 2 years. FFS, he spent nearly 2 periods standing around in his crease watching play at the other end (I ran the numbers, it was about 36 minutes a game on average). I think Driscoll has a better year.

I've changed my mind. I think it's us and Bemidji with Tech and Mankato fighting it out for 3/4.

From College Hockey Inc:

Most Returning Goals, 2020-21 Roster
96 – Bowling Green
96 – North Dakota
93 – Minnesota
90 – Minnesota Duluth
86 – Michigan Tech
84 – Denver
84 – Providence
83 – Arizona State

UAA announced no hockey this year.