Houghton, Mich – Michigan Tech was ranked fifth in the CCHA Preseason Coaches Poll released Monday (Sept. 19). Senior goalkeeper Blake Patilla was named to the preseason All-CCHA team.
Minnesota State was selected by the head coaches to win the McNaughton Trophy, awarded for the regular season championship. Last year’s champion and Frozen Four finalist won the 2022 Mason Cup as the winner of the league tournament. The Mavericks collected six first-place votes and a total of 69 points out of 70. Northern Michigan received 61 points, including two first-place votes, while Bowling Green was selected to finish third with 58 points. Bemidji State (51), Michigan Tech (47), Lake Superior State (45), Ferris State (32) and St. Thomas (30) rounded out the voting.
From Howell, Mich., Blake Pietila started 37 games for the Huskies in 2021-22, posting a 21-13-2 record with a 1.91 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. An All-CCHA second-team honoree, he made 779 saves in 2194:52 minutes, tying the school season mark with seven. He ranked fourth nationally in shutouts and seventh in goals-against average and was a semifinalist for the Mike Richter Award as the top goaltender in the nation. He was the CCHA Goalkeeper of the Week four times.
Coming off their 14th NCAA Tournament appearance, coach Joe Shawhan and the Huskies return all-conference honorees Blake Pietila and Arvid Kaderot. NCAA Division 1 forwards Ryan O’Connell, Jack Works and David Jankowski have plenty of game experience, and first-round NHL draft pick Kyle Kukonen will also be an exciting talent on the ice for the Black and Gold.
CCHA Media Day Wednesday (Sept. 21) starting at 11 a.m. with CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia and CCHA Managing Director Kevin Langsett, all eight CCHA head coaches will preview the upcoming season and be available to answer questions. Local, regional and national media can be reached via Zoom.
2022-23 Preseason All-CCHA Team
Forward Brendan Fury, SR, Minnesota State
Forward Louis Boudon, SR, Lake Superior State
Forward AJ Vanderbeck, SR, Northern Michigan
Defense Jake Livingstone, JR, Minnesota State
Defense Jacob Bengtsson, JR, Lake Superior State
Defense Elias Rosen, SR, Bemidji State
Goalie Blake Pietila, SR, Michigan Tech
In the year 2022-23 CCHA Preseason Coaches Poll
Minnesota State – 69 (6)
Northern Michigan – 61 (2)
Bowling Green – 58
Bemidji State – 51
Michigan Tech – 47
Lake Superior State – 45
Ferris State – 32
St. Thomas – 30
