CCHA announces preseason rankings and new goaltender rules

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) has announced preseason rankings and significant rule updates for the upcoming season. In the preseason coaches poll, the Bowling Green Falcons were voted to finish in second place, while the media poll placed them fourth.

Individual honors for Bowling Green include Breck McKinley and Ben Doran being named to the Preseason All-CCHA Team by coaches, and Mazden Leslie being named Preseason Rookie of the Year by the media and Co-Rookie of the Year by coaches.

Regarding gameplay, the CCHA is implementing a “trapezoid rule” to encourage higher scoring. Under this rule, goaltenders are restricted to playing the puck within a designated trapezoid shape behind the goal line; playing the puck outside this area will result in a two-minute minor penalty. This change aims to increase scoring potential in a conference that has historically recorded some of the lowest scoring averages in NCAA college hockey.