Minnesota
2017 NCAA Tournament Bid
2017 Big Ten Regular Season Champions
23-12-3 Overall 14-5-1-0 Conference
Key Departures: Justin Kloos (F), Mike Szmatula (F), Vinni Lettieri (F), Jake Bischoff (D), Taylor Cammarata (F).
Top Returners: Ryan Lindgren (D), Eric Schierhorn (G), Tyler Sheehy (F), Steve Johnson (D), Leon Bristedt (F), Rem Pitlick (F), Tommy Novak (F), Brent Gates Jr. (F).
Top Newcomers: Mathew Robson (G), Cullen Munson (F), Nate Knoepke (D), Brannon McManus (F), Casey Mittelstadt (F), Scott Reedy (F).
It was a great season for Minnesota until the NCAA Tournament started as Minnesota saw themselves taken out by Big Ten newcomer Notre Dame. Eric Schierhorn was the Big Ten's best goalie for the second season in a row and looks to do so for a third straight year in front of Minnesota defense who returns 5 starters from last seasons team and adds Nate Knoepke coming from the USA Hockey NTDP and could easily plug into a 2nd or 3rd line role for the season. On the frontend they lost 5 of their top forwards to graduation (Justin Kloos, Mike Szmatula, Vinnie Lettieri, Taylor Cammarata, and Connor Reilly) and are hoping a nice crop of recruits can help fill some of those spots. Casey Mittelstadt was the 8th overall pick this past summer and led the USHL in points per game after leaving Eden Prairie High (Minnesota-HS), Cullen Munson averaged nearly a point per game with the Janesville Jets last season (NAHL) and Scott Reedy comes in from the US National U18 Team where he tallied 42 points in 60 games and also skated with the World Junior U18 team. In net they bring in Mathew Robson who had an outstanding season last year leading the Penticton Vees to the 2017 BCHL Championship and leading all goalies in wins going 35-13-0-1 on the season with a .930 Sv% and a 1.94 GAA.
Top Newcomers: Mathew Robson (G), Cullen Munson (F), Nate Knoepke (D), Brannon McManus (F), Casey Mittelstadt (F), Scott Reedy (F).
It was a great season for Minnesota until the NCAA Tournament started as Minnesota saw themselves taken out by Big Ten newcomer Notre Dame. Eric Schierhorn was the Big Ten's best goalie for the second season in a row and looks to do so for a third straight year in front of Minnesota defense who returns 5 starters from last seasons team and adds Nate Knoepke coming from the USA Hockey NTDP and could easily plug into a 2nd or 3rd line role for the season. On the frontend they lost 5 of their top forwards to graduation (Justin Kloos, Mike Szmatula, Vinnie Lettieri, Taylor Cammarata, and Connor Reilly) and are hoping a nice crop of recruits can help fill some of those spots. Casey Mittelstadt was the 8th overall pick this past summer and led the USHL in points per game after leaving Eden Prairie High (Minnesota-HS), Cullen Munson averaged nearly a point per game with the Janesville Jets last season (NAHL) and Scott Reedy comes in from the US National U18 Team where he tallied 42 points in 60 games and also skated with the World Junior U18 team. In net they bring in Mathew Robson who had an outstanding season last year leading the Penticton Vees to the 2017 BCHL Championship and leading all goalies in wins going 35-13-0-1 on the season with a .930 Sv% and a 1.94 GAA.
Wisconsin
Big Ten Tournament Runner up
20-15-1 Overall 12-8-0-0 Conference
20-15-1 Overall 12-8-0-0 Conference
Key Departures: Luke Kunin (F), Grant Besse (F), Corbin McGuire (D).
Top Returners: Trent Frederic (F), Jake Linhart (D), Tim Davison (D), Cameron Hughes (F), Seamus Malone (F), Ryan Wagner (F), Will Johnson (F).
Top Newcomers: Kyle Hatton (G), Joshua Ess (D), Tyler Inamoto (D), Linus Weissbach (F), Wyatt Kalynuk (D), Sean Dhooghe (F).
It was a great season for Wisconsin considering the prior 2 seasons they had only won 12 games total. They finished 2nd in the Big Ten standings and made it all the way to the conference championship before losing in double overtime to Penn State. They return a nice group this season only losing 3 starters to graduation including forward Grant Besse and defenseman Corbin McGuire. Sophomore Luke Kunin who was the team captain will be a huge loss as he signed a contract with the Minnesota Wild. Matt Jurusik also recently departed but Wisconsin brings in transfer Kyle Hatton who has been one of the top goalies in the ECAC the past 3 seasons playing with St. Lawrence. They bring in 3 2017 draft picks on the blueline, 7th rounder Joshua Ess is coming off of a nice career at Lakeville South (Minnesota-HS) where he averaged over a point per game, 5th round pick Tyler Inamoto spent last season with the US National U18 Team, and 7th round pick Wyatt Kalynuk who had 31 points in 60 games last season with the Bloomington Thunder (USHL). For forwards Sean Dhooghe comes in from the US National 18 Team averaging over half a point per game and had 9 points in 7 games in the U18 World Junior Championships. Linus Weissbach played last season with the Tri-City Storm where he made the USHL Third-All Star Team last season with 47 points in 49 games.
It was a great season for Wisconsin considering the prior 2 seasons they had only won 12 games total. They finished 2nd in the Big Ten standings and made it all the way to the conference championship before losing in double overtime to Penn State. They return a nice group this season only losing 3 starters to graduation including forward Grant Besse and defenseman Corbin McGuire. Sophomore Luke Kunin who was the team captain will be a huge loss as he signed a contract with the Minnesota Wild. Matt Jurusik also recently departed but Wisconsin brings in transfer Kyle Hatton who has been one of the top goalies in the ECAC the past 3 seasons playing with St. Lawrence. They bring in 3 2017 draft picks on the blueline, 7th rounder Joshua Ess is coming off of a nice career at Lakeville South (Minnesota-HS) where he averaged over a point per game, 5th round pick Tyler Inamoto spent last season with the US National U18 Team, and 7th round pick Wyatt Kalynuk who had 31 points in 60 games last season with the Bloomington Thunder (USHL). For forwards Sean Dhooghe comes in from the US National 18 Team averaging over half a point per game and had 9 points in 7 games in the U18 World Junior Championships. Linus Weissbach played last season with the Tri-City Storm where he made the USHL Third-All Star Team last season with 47 points in 49 games.
Ohio State
NCAA Tournament Bid
21-12-6 Overall 11-8-1-1 Conference
21-12-6 Overall 11-8-1-1 Conference
Key Departures: Nick Schilkey (F), David Gust (F), Josh Healey (D), Matt Tomkins (G).
Top Returners: Tommy Parran (D), Gordi Myer (D), Mason Jobst (F), Dakota Joshua (F), Matthew Weis (F), Tanner Laczynski (F), Ronnie Hein (F).
Top Newcomers: Grant Gabriele (D), Austin Pooley (F).
Ohio State is coming off of their best season in the last decade clinching a tournament bid for the first time in 8 years. Hoping to gain off of that experience they do return a nice group from last season, however they lose a lot of key pieces from that team including all 3 of their goalies, 2 of their top 3 scorers (Nick Shilkey and David Gust), and 2 of their top defenseman (Josh Healey and Matt Joyaux). They bring in forward Austin Pooley who played last season with the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) averaging over half a point per game and on the backend Grant Gabriele had a nice season with the Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL) tallying 20 points in 34 games. It will be interesting to see which goalie will star the season off as Maine transfer Sean Romeo is the only goalie with prior NCAA experience, but they also bring Tommy Napier who had a decent career in the USHL. Evan Moyse is also a possiblity who was the starter for the Witchita Falls Wildcats last season going 15-9-3 with a .910 Sv%.
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| Evan Moyse makes a glove save on Corpus Christi defenseman Trevor Wilhelm (7). Moyse is hoping to make an impression this season and become the starter for the Buckeyes. |
Penn State
Big Ten Tournament Champions
NCAA Tournament Bid
21-12-6 Overall 11-8-1-1 Conference
Key Departures: David Goodwin (F), Dylan Richard (F), Vince Pedrie (D), Zach Saar (F).
Top Returners: Denis Smirnov (F), Peyton Jones (G), Andrew Sturtz (F), Nate Sucese (F), Chase Berger (F), Trevor Hamilton (D), Erik Autio (D), Kevin Kerr (D), Liam Folkes (F), Kris Myllari (F), Brandon Biro (F).
Top Newcomers: Cole Hults (D), Alex Stevens (D), Alex Limoges (F), Evan Barratt (F).
It was a Milestone season for Penn State as they not only won the Big Ten Tournament for the first time, but they also clinched a NCAA Tournament bid for the first time in program history. They look to strive further this season growing from the experiences of last season and can do so with a nice looking returning group. They lose top defenseman sophomore Vince Pedrie who signed a deal with the New York Rangers and for forwards they will be missing senior forwards David Goodwin, Dylan Richard, and Zach Saar. Peyton Jones returns in net coming of a 23-10-2 freshman campaign, top point producer Denis Smirnov also returns tallying 47 points in his freshman year last season, and top goal scorer Andrew Sturtz looks to build off of his 22 goal season last year. Penn State brings in defenseman Alex Stevens and Cole Hults who both had exception careers in the USHL. For forwards Alex Limoges also played in the USHL and 2017 3rd round pick Evan Barratt coming from the US National U18 Team and a nice World Junior Tournament with the U18 team as well . This definitely will not be a team to sleep on this season, especially with all the high end returning freshman they have, they could be scary for the next couple of years.
Michigan
Michigan is coming off of one of toughest seasons since Red Berenson started coaching in the 80's winning only 13 total games. They lose senior captain Nolan De Jong and forward Alex Kile to graduation and see Kevin Lohan depart as he transfers to Boston College. They do return a big portion of last years team and add on a few key pieces in hopes to turn the program around. Red Berenson also retired this offseason and Mel Pearson looks to help bring Michigan back to the top where its use to being. 2017 1st round pick Joshua Norris was a standout with the US National U18 team averaging a point per game and was a key part to the US World Junior U18 team. Dakota Raabe had a nice year with the Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) where he as well averaged a point per game last season. Quinton Hughes who is projected to be a top 10 pick next season comes in on defense playing last season with the US National U18 team tallying 53 points in 65 games and also was a key part with the US World Junior U18 team, i also forgot to mention he had just turned 17 just as the past season got underway, so yes he should be as advertised. Michael Pastujov, younger brother of current Wolverine Nick Pastujov also joins the team, coming from the US National U18 Team and was also a member of the US World Junior U18 Team.
13-19-3 Overall 6-12-2-2 Conference
Key Departures: Nolan De Jong (D), Alex Kile (F), Kevin Lohan (D).
Top Returners: Jake Slaker (F), Will Lockwood (F), Tony Calderone (F), Sam Piazza (D),
Top Newcomers: Quinton Hughes (D), Jack Becker (F), Joshua Norris (F), Michael Pastujov (F), Dakota Raabe (F).
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| Michigan freshman Dakota Raabe celebrates a goal in the 3rd period last season. He hopes to bring his offensive touch into Ann Arbor this season. |
Michigan State
7-24-4 Overall 3-14-3-1 Conference
Key Departures: Mason Appleton (F), Thomas Ebbing (F).
Top Returners: Taro Hirose (F), Sam Saliba (F), Carson Gatt (D), Patrick Khodorenko (F).
Top Newcomers: Gianluca Esteves (F), Tommy Miller (D), Austin Kamer (F), David Keefer (F), Jake Smith (F).
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| Gianluca Esteves was one of Aston's top forwards last season finishing fourth on the team in points during the regular season and finished first in the post season with 9 points in 12 games. |
Michigan State had yet another rough season last year only winning 1 in every 4 games, something they haven't done since 1978. Danton Cole steps in as Head Coach this season where he looks to help turn around the program and re-establish Michigan State hockey who is not use to being an under .500 team, especially in consecutive years. They lost star forward Mason Appleton who led the team in points, assists, and goals last season as he signed a professional contract with the Winnipeg Jets. They also lose 3 of their other top 7 forwards to graduation so it will be an interesting season this year for the Spartans who are going to have to rely on experience to lead the way this season. They do bring in some nice recruits, Gianluca Esteves comes in from the Aston Rebels (NAHL) who was a member of the Robertson Cup All-Tournament Team, Tommy Miller who was a member of the US National U18 Team and the U18 World Junior team last season, Austin Kamer who was the alternate captain of the Robertson Cup Champions Lone Star Brahamas (NAHL), David Keefer comes from the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) where he tallied 46 points in 59 games last season, and Jake Smith who averaged a point per game last season with the Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL).
Notre Dame
NCAA Tournament Bid
23-12-5 Overall 12-6-4 Conference
Key Departures: Anders Bjork (F), Cal Petersen (G), Connor Hurley (F).
Top Returners: Jake Evans (F), Andrew Oglevie (F), Jordan Gross (D), Bobby Nardella (D), Dennis Gilbert (D), Cam Morrison (F), Dylan Malmquist (F), Andrew Peeke (D), Luke Ripley (D).
Top Newcomers: Dylan St. Cyr (G), Matthew Hellickson (D), Colin Theisen (F).
Notre Dame is entering its first season in the Big Ten coming over from a tough Hockey East conference. They are coming off of a tremendous season that saw them go all the way to the Frozen Four before falling to eventual champions Denver and return everyone expect for 4 players including top forward Anders Bjork who signed with the Boston Bruins and Cal Petersen who signed with the Los Angeles Kings. Connor Hurley also departed as he will transfer to his home state of Minnesota and sit out the 2017-18 season. In net they bring in former Michigan commit Dylan St. Cyr who is coming off of an outstanding season with the US National U18 Team where he had a 33-11-0 record, 2.60 GAA, and a .900 Sv%. St. Cyr also backstopped Team USA to gold at the U18 World Juniors with a 1.96 GAA and a .921 Sv% and could very well be the one of the goalies for Team USA this winter at the World Juniors. Colin Theisen comes in from Dubuque of the USHL where he averaged over a point per game last season and defenseman Matthew Hellickson from the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) who tallied 28 points in 52 games last season.
Preseason Predictions
1. Minnesota
2. Wisconsin
3. Penn State
4. Notre Dame
5. Ohio State
6. Michigan
7. Michigan State
10 Top Big Ten Freshman
G-Dylan St. Cyr (Notre Dame)
F-Colin Theisen (Notre Dame)
D-Quinton Hughes (Michigan)
F-Joshua Norris (Michigan)
F-Casey Mittelstadt (Minnesota)
F-Scott Reedy (Minnesota)
F-Linus Weissbach (Wisconsin)
D-Wyatt Kalynuk (Wisconsin)
D-Cole Hults (Penn State)
F-Evan Barratt (Penn State)
Player of the Year: Tyler Sheehy (Minnesota)
Rookie of the Year: Casey Mittlestadt (Minnesota)
Goalie of the Year: Kyle Hayton (Wisconsin)
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