Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcons Picked 11th in CCHA Preseason Coaches/Media Poll
September 17, 2002 | Ice Hockey
Sept. 17, 2002
Farmington Hills, Mich. - Bowling Green State University was picked 11th in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association media and coaches preseason polls on Tuesday, Sept. 17. The annual media day luncheon was held at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Mich.
The Falcons, guided by first-year head coach and former All-American, Scott Paluch, begin practice next Thursday, Sept. 26, before kicking off its season with a home exhibition game against the University of Windsor (Oct. 1). Fourteen letterwinners return for BGSU, including captain forward D'Arcy McConvey, senior goaltender Tyler Masters, and assistant captains Kevin Bieksa and Tyler Knight. McConvey is the top-returning point scorer from a year ago (11-18--29). BGSU was 9-25-6 in 2001-2002.
"We look at the preseason polls," said Paluch. "Obviously, that is motivation for our team to get back, establish ourselves, and make a statement that we're a player in this fine conference. Part of that is developing a culture of how hard we are going to work on an everyday, every game basis. I think that's the important thing right now that we are going through getting to know each other heading into October."
The 2002-03 CCHA preseason favorite is the reigning regular-season and Mason Cup champion, the University of Michigan The Wolverines, who captured their sixth league title and fifth tournament crown last season, collected 39 first-place votes in the media poll and eight No. 1 hits in the coaches poll. Michigan State University was picked second in balloting, joining Northern Michigan, Ohio State and Nebraska-Omaha among schools to receive first-place votes by the league's media members.
The Wolverines were tabbed to finish in first despite losing All-CCHA second-team forward Mike Cammalleri and 2002 CCHA Best Defensive Defenseman Mike Komisarek to the pros in addition to the loss of veteran goaltender Josh Blackburn to graduation. Under the direction of 19-year head coach Red Berenson, Michigan reloaded with a talented freshman class, while returning 18 players including sophomore forward and 2002 Calgary first-round NHL draft pick Eric Nystrom, All-CCHA second-team honoree John Shouneyia and fellow senior forward Jed Ortmeyer.
Michigan State looks to challenge the Wolverines for the top spot after receiving 22 first-place votes in the media poll and two top votes by league coaches. While facing the loss of 2001 Hobey Baker Award winner Ryan Miller, the Spartans look to spark more offense this season, returning five of their top six scorers. MSU defense will remain potent under the leadership of senior defensemen John-Michael Liles, 2002 CCHA Best Offensive Defenseman, and Brad Fast. Northern Michigan, picked for third place, continues to hold a reputation for being the hardest working team in college hockey returning 19 letterwinners. Ohio State, which accumulated three first-place votes by the media, returns a pair of first-round NHL draft picks in junior forwards R.J. Umberger and Dave Steckel. Nebraska-Omaha will rely on the experience and leadership of senior forward David Brisson and All-CCHA second-team honorees senior defenseman Greg Zanon and junior goalie Dan Ellis.
A CCHA-record 72 media members ranked the 12 CCHA teams in projected order of finish for the regular season. Points were awarded on a 12-11-10-9, etc., basis. League coaches ranked the CCHA teams excluding their own school in the order they predicted the regular season will end. Points in the coaches poll were tallied on a 11-10-9, etc., basis.
Coaches Poll 1. Michigan (8) 117 2. Michigan State (2) 109 3. Northern Michigan (1) 89 4. Ohio State (1) 88 5. Nebraska-Omaha 87 6. Alaska Fairbanks 74 7. Notre Dame 70 8. Western Michigan 49 9. Ferris State 45 10. Miami 27 11. Bowling Green State 21 12. Lake Superior State 16Media Poll 1. Michigan (39) 817 2. Michigan State (22) 771 3. Northern Michigan (7) 630 4. Ohio State (3) 586 5. Nebraska-Omaha (1) 561 6. Alaska Fairbanks 542 7. Notre Dame 440 8. Western Michigan 421 9. Ferris State 312 10. Miami 230 11. Bowling Green State 176 12. Lake Superior State 130
