In Season 8, Episode 1 of the Chasing McNaughton Podcast, host Tim Braun and co-host Nathan Cima break down the CCHA preseason landscape, with a heavy focus on Michigan Tech's roster turnover and conference-wide predictions.
Michigan Tech's losses: The departure of Jack Anderson leaves a hole at center, and the guys debate who fills his role—including Giovanni Morneau, Tristan Delisle or Tom Leppa—and how the forward lines shake out with Matthew Van Blaricom, Hoah Reinhart and others.
Preseason All-Conference debate: The guys argue over the CCHA's preseason all-conference selections, questioning how a largely unproven transfer from Boston College (Will Skahan) earned a defenseman nod over returning standouts like Breck McKinley (Bowling Green), Hayden Hennon (Augustana), Owen Baumgartner (Augustana) and Hudson Thornton (Bemidji State). The guys thought Max Koskipirtti would be the clear favorite for defensive forward.
Preseason poll controversy: Minnesota State received more first-place media votes than Michigan Tech despite significant roster losses (Evan Murr, Mason Wheeler, Alex Tracy), sparking discussion about voter fatigue and whether the Huskies are the rightful frontrunners.
League-wide preview: The guys did a team-by-team breakdown of the CCHA bottom half, which included discussion on Northern Michigan's goaltending concerns and portal losses, Ferris State's reliance on Nathan Leek, Lake State's major roster overhaul, and Bemidji State's talent-versus-mess question.
Tech's new defense: The guys talk about the new defensemen in Tech’s lineup including freshmen Austin Moline (a Philadelphia Flyers draft pick) and Morgan Brady, and former USports skater Lucas Brenton. The guys gave their analysis of how these players will fit alongside returners Luke Shipley, Tyler Miller and Reid Andresen.
Goaltending: Owen Bartoszkiewicz is the clear starter but hasn't proven elite. The guys debate whether he's truly the best goalie in the conference and discuss getting backup Joey Costanzo meaningful reps against lower-tier opponents.
Special teams projections: Nathan walks through both power play units in detail, keyed around Connor Roulette and Giovanni Morneau on the half walls, with extensive discussion of handedness, positioning, and how Isaac Gordon's production could determine whether Tech wins the McNaughton.
