Led by two first-team All-Big Ten selections and two second-team honorees, the Gophers men's hockey team is picked to win the conference championship in the preseason coaches poll.
Sophomore forward Matthew Knies and junior defenseman Brock Faber earned first-team preseason honors, while senior defenseman Jackson LaCombe and freshman forward Logan Cooley were named to the second team.
Michigan had three players voted to the first team in defenseman Luke Hughes, forward Mackie Samoskevich and goalie Erik Portillo. Notre Dame forward Landon Slaggert completed the first-team selections. Knies and Hughes were unanimous selections to the first team.
Also on the second team are Michigan forward Adam Fantilli, Penn State forward Kevin Wall, Ohio State defenseman Mason Lohrei and Ohio State goalie Jakub Dobes.
Coaches picked Notre Dame to finish second behind the Gophers, followed by Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State.
The Gophers open their season Oct. 1 vs. Lindenwood (Mo.) at 3M Arena at Mariucci.
