The Herald's college hockey conference-by-conference preview

Oct. 4—GRAND FORKS — This is the Herald's annual look at all six college hockey conferences and the independents. It lists the Herald's predictions and some players to watch.Herald predicted finish1. Denver2. North Dakota3. St. Cloud State4. Colorado College5. Arizona State6. Minnesota Duluth7. Western Michigan8. Omaha9. MiamiHerald award predictionsPlayer of the Year: Zeev Buium, D, DenverForward of the Year: Jack Devine, DenverOffensive Defenseman of the Year: BuiumDefensive Defenseman of the Year: Bennett Zmolek, NoDakDefensive Forward of the Year: Dylan James, NoDakGoaltender of the Year: Kaidan Mbereko, Colorado CollegeRookie of the Year: Hampton Slukynsky, G, Western MichiganFive things to know1. The NCHC is expanding to a nine-team league for the first time this season with the addition of Arizona State. It won't stay that way for long. In 2026-27, St. Thomas will join to put the league at 10 teams.2. There was only one coaching change in the NCHC. Miami fired Chris Bergeron and...