By @MichaelCaples –
According to the preseason poll from the conference’s coaches, it might a rough year in the Big Ten for Michigan’s teams.
The Wolverines and the Spartans will have to work to change that perception when the puck drops this weekend; both Michigan and Michigan State are holding exhibition openers against Canadian universities on Sunday.
Michigan is ranked No. 3 in the preseason poll, while Michigan State is ranked No. 6.
The full B1G rankings:
1. Minnesota
2. Ohio State
3. Michigan
4. Penn State
5. Wisconsin
6. Michigan State
The preseason watch list features plenty of Michigan names, as well:
Alex Kile – Michigan (Troy native)
Mason Appleton – Michigan State (Green Bay, Wisc., native)
Nick Schilkey – Ohio State (Marysville native)
Eric Schierhorn – Minnesota (Muskegon Lumberjacks alum)
Luke Kunin – Wisconsin (NTDP alum)
Mason Jobst – Ohio State (Muskegon Lumberjacks alum)