Bowling Green hockey picked 2nd by WCHA media, 3rd by coaches

Bowling Green's head coach Chris Bergeron, center, watches his team during a game last season.

BLADE

Bowling Green was picked to finish second in a poll of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s media, the league announced Monday.

The Falcons were picked to finish third in the coaches poll.

Minnesota State, which won the WCHA last season, was picked to win the league in both polls.

The Falcons have not played in the NCAA tournament since 1990. BG begins the season Oct. 6 at Mercyhurst.

Toledo native Gordi Myer returns for an Ohio State team picked to win the Big Ten.

In the Big Ten, the three teams that made the Frozen Four last season were the top three picks. Ohio State was the preseason No. 1 followed by Michigan at No. 2 and Notre Dame third.

In the preseason USCHO.com poll released Monday, Ohio State is ranked third in the country behind No. 1 Minnesota Duluth — the defending national champion — and Notre Dame. Michigan is fourth followed by Providence.

Among WCHA teams, Minnesota State is 10th, Michigan Tech is 18th, Northern Michigan is rated 20th, and Bowling Green is receiving votes.

Contact Nicholas Piotrowicz at npiotrowicz@theblade.com, 419-724-6110 or on Twitter @NickPiotrowicz