After a pair of NCHC teams — North Dakota and Denver — reached the NCAA Frozen Four last season, expectations remain sky-high for a league that, despite its relative infancy, is arguably the most competitive in the country.
Of course, North Dakota — the back-to-back winner of the Penrose Cup as regular season champion — will get plenty of attention all season long as the reigning national champions. St. Cloud State, meanwhile, is the reigning NCHC tournament champion.
Colorado College
Head Coach: Mike Haviland
2015-16 record: 6-29-1 overall, 4-19-1 NCHC (8th)
Changes: Change is exactly what the Colorado College program is hoping for, following back-to-back six-win seasons under head coach Mike Haviland.