CHN Ranks UND's 2014-15 Freshman Class Fifth

CHN has ranked the 2014-15 freshman classes. Most of the rankings I have seen have had UND's  freshman class ranked in fifth. I am surprised that CHN didn't rank Omaha's freshman class in the top 10.

5. North Dakota (NCHC)

Top of the Class: F Nick Schmaltz (2014 CHI 1st)

Incoming: F Austin Poganski (2014 STL 4th), D Tucker Poolman (2013 WPG 5th), F Johnny Simonson, F Trevor Olson, G Cam Johnson

While better at the top of the class, North Dakota falls slightly behind Notre Dame and Minnesota because of depth. In most years, Schmaltz would be regarded as the top prospect entering college hockey. But, he happens to be enrolling the same year as two next-year draft eligibles who both project to be top-5 picks.

He was a player who was highly recruited but has also been scrutinized, despite producing at every level, including 63 points in 55 games last season in the USHL. In the opinion of most scouts, he projects as more of a playmaker and less of a goal-scorer, but his vision is superb and his ability to make quick, and correct, decisions lead to opportunities for his linemates. Joining Schmaltz is Poganski, who projects as more of a straight-line power forward, and defenseman Tucker Poolman, who was named USA Hockey’s Jr. Player of the Year last season. Honorable Mentions Nebraska-Omaha (NCHC): Jake Randolph is the real deal, as UNO’s class comes close to unseating North Dakota as tops in the conference, and a spot in our top 5.

UND Hockey: Dillon Simpson on 2013-14 Preseason All-CHN second team

The University of North Dakota senior defenseman Dillon Simpson made the CHN Preseason All-CHN Team.  

First Team

F John Gaudreau, Jr., Boston College

F Austin Czarnik, Jr., Miami

F Michael Mersch, Sr., Wisconsin

D Shayne Gostisbehere, Jr., Union

D Michael Matheson, Soph., Boston College

G Jon Gillies, Soph., Providence

Second Team

F Kyle Rau, Jr., Minnesota

F Greg Carey, Sr., St. Lawrence

F Ryan Walters, Sr., Nebraska-Omaha

F Matt Leitner, Jr., Minnesota State

D Dillon Simpson, Sr., North Dakota

D Jake McCabe, Jr., Wisconsin

G Connor Hellebuyck, Soph., Massachusetts-Lowell