Wisconsin men’s hockey predicted to finish third in Big Ten

Wisconsin men’s hockey, coming off of a second-place Big Ten finish in 2016-17, was predicted to finish third in the conference in 2017-18 on Monday in the preseason coaches poll.

Minnesota and conference newcomer Notre Dame were predicted to finish first and second by the coaches. Last year’s Big Ten tournament winner Penn State was chosen to finish fourth.

Forwards Trent Frederic and Cameron Hughes, along with graduate transfer goaltender Kyle Hayton, were named to the Big Ten preseason watch list.

As a freshman last season, Frederic finished second in points for the Badgers, grabbing 15 goals and 18 assists in 30 games. Last year’s Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Frederic was one of only two unanimous selections to the watch list.

Senior team captain Hughes led Wisconsin with 25 assists last season, finishing just behind Frederic with 32 total points. Hayton played in 35 games last season for St. Lawrence, finishing with a 2.29 goals against average and .929 save percentage. Hayton was named the ECAC’s top goaltender last season.