Minnesota Duluth was slotted sixth in the NSIC preseason coaches' poll released Monday after finishing fifth overall in the league in 2016.
Minnesota State-Mankato took the top spot with 11 first-place votes, followed by Augustana in second with five first-place votes. Bemidji State, Minot State and St. Cloud State - in that order - also were picked ahead of UMD.
The Bulldogs return more than 90 percent of last year's team, which finished 8-6-5 overall and 6-4-5 in the NSIC. Senior Skye Finley is the top returning offensive threat after posting five goals and four assists as a junior.
UMD begins practice next week before opening the season against Wisconsin-Parkside at 1 p.m. on Aug. 31 at Malosky Stadium.
