Full Release

ST. PAUL, MN – The UW-Stevens Point Men's Hockey Team is ranked No.4 in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association's (NCHA) preseason coaches poll. The Pointers did not receive a first place vote in the poll. UW-Stout is picked first, accumulating five first place votes.

The Pointers finished with a 6-7-1 record in NCHA play last season and a 15-10-2 record overall. UW-Stout finished No. 2 in the NCHA with a 10-2-2 record. The Pointers lost both of their games against UW-Stout last year by a combined four goals.

The Pointers are led this season by reigning team scoring champion Jon Madden (Brighton, MI). Madden led the Pointers in goals with 17 and in assists with 14 as a freshman. Those numbers were good enough to land him All-NCHA and USCHO.com Rookie All-West honors.

Joining Madden this season as a top scoring threat for the Pointers is Luke Nesper (Eagle River). Nesper scored 11 goals and recorded 13 assists last season as a freshman.

Leading the way for the Pointer defense is Garrett Suter (Madison). Suter scored six goals and recorded 12 assists as a defenseman last season. Suter joined Madden as a member of the All-NCHA team last season.

The Pointers return to action Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 for a two game series with the College of St. Scholastica. Both games start at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in K.B. Willett Arena. The Pointers and St. Scholastica split their season series last year 1-1.