Rankings, Predictions, Etc.

A number of preseason polls and individual ballots have been released this week. Here's a rundown of those and a few other recent tidbits:

• The North Dakota men are ranked fourth nationally in the first USA Today/USA Hockey poll of the season, while they came in second in the WCHA Preseason Media Poll. Rocco Grimaldi was also tabbed as the preseason Rookie of the Year by the WCHA media. Following is a list of media poll voters who were willing to divulge their selections: Jack Hittinger (Bemidji Pioneer), Brad Schlossman (Grand Forks Herald), Bruce Ciskie (Red Rock Radio - Duluth), Chris Dilks (Western College Hockey Blog), Shane Frederick (Mankato Free Press), Joe Paisley (Paisley Hockey), Kevin Pates (Duluth News-Tribune).
• The North Dakota women have been picked to finish second in the league according to the WCHA Preseason Coach's Poll.
• In light of the now infamous UND team party, Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News urges collegians to play with caution.
• Former Sioux Ryan Johnson was recently featured in a St. Louis Blues Where Are They Now Q&A.
• Former Sioux Mike Commodore finds himself in some pretty elite company on this hairy list.