MINNEAPOLIS - The University of Denver hockey team has been picked to finish fourth in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference this season by the media, the conference office released Thursday in advance of its Media Day.

A day ago, senior assistant captain Joey LaLeggia (Burnaby, British Columbia) was named to the Preseason All-NCHC Team. The reigning NCHC Defenseman of the Year had a defensemen-high 25 points and an NCHC-best 12 goals among blueliners last season.

North Dakota was picked to finish first, receiving 12 of the 25 first place votes. Ahead of the Pioneers, Miami was picked to finish second (nine first place votes) and St. Cloud State was picked third (four first place votes).

The conference also announced its national television schedule this week. Denver will have three regular season games on CBS Sports Network, including both contests at rival Colorado College Feb. 6 and Feb. 20. The Crimson and Gold's matchup at St. Cloud State on March 6 will also be broadcast nationally.

Season tickets to the Pioneers hockey team's 2014-15 campaign are currently available for purchase. Select mini-plans are also available. Information on all DU Hockey ticketing options can be obtained by calling the Daniel L. Ritchie Center Box Office at (303) 871-2336.

NCHC Preseason Poll

1. North Dakota - 181 points (12)

2. Miami - 167 (9)

3. St. Cloud State - 151 (4)

4. Denver - 117 (0)

5. Minnesota Duluth - 112 (0)

6. Omaha - 73 (0)

7. Western Michigan - 67 (0)

8. Colorado College - 32 (0)

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