Minnesota Duluth was picked to finish sixth in the 12-team Western Collegiate Hockey Association, according to the Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald preseason coaches' poll.
Defending WCHA regular-season champion Minnesota was picked to finish first, receiving 11 first-place votes. North Dakota, which won the league's playoff title, was No. 2 in the poll. Denver, St. Cloud State and Wisconsin round out the top five.
After UMD, Colorado College, Nebraska-Omaha, Michigan Tech, Minnesota State-Mankato, Bemidji State and Alaska-Anchorage hold down spots 7-12.
The Superior Telegram and Forks Herald are Forum Communications Co. newspapers.
