All Minnesota D1 Hockey Teams Top 10 In Final Poll
It was a good year for the State of Hockey in Division 1 Men's Hockey. All teams made it into the top 10 in the nation.
Bemidji was the big surprise coming in at number 10. They made it to the Frozen Four Bracket and beat a top-rated and 4th seeded Wisconsin team to move on to the next round in their region to play for a spot in the Frozen Four. In the latest USCHO poll, they moved up 4 spots to get in the top 10.
The Minnesota Gophers came in at number 7 in the USCHO poll, falling 5 spots after a not-so-great showing being seeded number 3 for the tournament, and then lost to Minnesota State in their bid to go to the Frozen Four.
Minnesota State, whom I just spoke of, came in at number 4 on the USCHO poll, which is appropriate, they made it to the Frozen Four and lost to St. Cloud State and another powerhouse team from the NCHC division. On a night of overtime victories to get them into the Frozen Four, it was UMD Coach Scott Sandelin's kid that scored the goal.
UMD (University Minnesota-Duluth) came in at Number 3 in the final poll. Losing the way they got into the Frozen Four, by an overtime goal. They were called the most dangerous team in the Frozen Four by Barry Melrose of ESPN because they were so well conditioned and any guy could step up and beat you. That is what happened when they beat the number 1 seed in North Dakota. UND was supposed to win the whole thing this year in a walk after winning the NCHC season and playoffs. UMD lived up to their name and made it to a 4th consecutive Frozen Four.
St. Cloud State came in at number 2 for the USCHO poll. Which is also right. These guys lost in the title game to UMASS. They lost in the title game for the NCHC to UND and took second in the NCHC season. So, why not cap off a year of number 2 by finishing in the polls that way. They had a great year and looked like they could beat UMASS, but it wasn't in the cards.
All in all, a great year for Minnesota Division 1 college Men's Hockey. I don't remember all of them finishing in the top 10 before.