Preseason Power Rankings: Previewing teams ranked No. 32-29

In-depth looks at Omaha, St. Cloud State, Dartmouth, and St. Thomas

Continuing my preseason power rankings, looking at the teams I have ranked No. 36-33. Today’s newsletter (#591) has storylines, analysis, and a bold prediction for each of the following teams:

• Omaha (NCHC)

• St. Thomas (CCHA)

• Dartmouth (ECAC)

• St. Cloud State (NCHC)

Remember, you’ll be able to keep track of ALL of our rankings by using this page:

The page will be updated with national and league-by-league rankings as more teams are released.

(32) St. Thomas

Storylines

• The Tommies are a full Division I member this season, which makes them fully eligible for postseason participation for the first time.

• St. Thomas posted its first winning season last year (19-14-5), and advanced to the CCHA Championship where the Tommies fell to Minnesota State.

Analysis

St. Thomas boasts some of the top talent in the CCHA, and that alone could be enough to carry the Tommies to a league championship this season. My rankings slot a few conference rivals slightly ahead, thanks to greater depth across the lineup, but it would hardly be a shock if the Tommies finished on top — just as the coaches projected in their preseason poll. With defenseman Chase Cheslock anchoring the blue line and forward Lucas Wahlin driving the offense, the foundation is there.