Next on the pod: Nathan Davis ... er ... Smith!

CCHA Preseason Player of the Year and MSU junior forward Nathan Smith joins me on the Maverick Hockey Live Podcast this week to talk about the upcoming season, his preseason award, roller hockey and his decision to return for another year of college hockey. Take a listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Mavericks dominate CCHA preseason picks

As I continue to consider the logistics of a Substack page/newsletter, possibly with a paid subscription. (for now, sign up here), the new CCHA came out with its preseason awards and predictions on Monday.

Minnesota State, which won the last four straight WCHA championships, is the favorite to win the first CCHA regular season title, per the league's head coaches, five of whom gave the Mavericks their first-place vote. Here are the results:

1. Minnesota State (5) 67 points

2. Bemidji State (1) 63 

3. Michigan Tech (2) 55

4. Northern Michigan 54

5. Bowling Green 46

6. Lake Superior State 45

7. Ferris State 32

8. St. Thomas 30

Mavericks junior forward Nathan Smith, who came on strong in the NCAA tournament, was picked as the conference's Preseason Player of the Year, a bit of a surprise, as senior goalie Dryden McKay was the WCHA's top player last season, as well as a Hobey Baker and Richter Award finalist. Smith, a second-team All-WCHA selection last season, had 25 points, including nine goals a year ago and was the WCHA's top power-play point scorer (13).

Smith and McKay were among four MSU players to make the CCHA's Preseason All-Conference Team, joining senior forward Julian Napravnik and sophomore defenseman Akito Hirose. Northern Michigan forward Joseph Nardi and Michigan Tech defenseman Colin Swoyer were the other selections.

Finally, Bowling Green forward Austen Swankler was named CCHA Preseason Rookie of the Year.

A new season, a new venture

Hello! 

We're only a couple of weeks away from the start of the 2021-22 hockey season, and I'm excited to say that I'm still hanging around the sport!

After taking a bit of a stab at it last spring before the playoffs, I'm proud to announce that I'll be hosting the Maverick Hockey Live Podcast this season. This will be a weekly feature as part of a bunch of content Minnesota State hockey is rolling out this year.

I recorded the first episode this week, and it was released today. I talked to a couple of super-senior, fifth-year players, both defensemen — one you all know well and one you might not. Jack McNeely is returning to the Mavericks with his extra year of eligibility granted due to the pandemic, and Benton Maas comes to MSU for his extra season after four years at New Hampshire. Each offered a different perspective as to why he is at Minnesota State for a fifth year of college hockey (McNeely isn't alone; teammate Reggie Lutz is also back with the Mavs for a fifth season). 

Give it a listen here (or go to Apple Podcasts or other podcast apps and subscribe):

I'm considering some other areas to involve myself in covering some college hockey this season. One consideration is to start a Substack page, possibly with a paid subscription. For now, get in on the ground floor with that by signing up here.