Sauer, Wolverines hungry for more

A look at some of the top Division 1 teams from outside New England, with last season's records:

Michigan (33-6-4) - The Wolverines made it to the Frozen Four before being eliminated by Notre Dame in the NCAA semifinals. Look for senior captain Mark Mitera to lead them to another strong season. The standout defenseman will have help from sophomore forward Aaron Palushaj. The anchor of the squad will be senior goaltender Billy Sauer. Last season, Sauer set school records for lowest goals-against average (1.95) and save percentage (.924).

Colorado College (28-12-1) - The Tigers are the WCHA's defending champions and look to make a national splash yet again. Coach Scott Owens lost three of his top six scorers from last season, but he has plenty to work with. Sophomore goaltender Richard Bachman is projected to be one of the top at his position and senior center Chad Rau is expected to lead the offense.

Notre Dame (27-16-4) - The Irish certainly have the talent and experience to return to the NCAA title game. Center Erik Condra (15-23 -38) and goaltender Jordan Pearce (23-15-4, 2.04 GAA) are among coach Jeff Jackson's 13 returning upperclassmen.

North Dakota (28-11-4) - Local fans can get a close look at coach Dave Hakstol's team beginning tonight at the Ice Breaker Invitational at Boston University. The Fighting Sioux have gone to the Frozen Four four consecutive seasons. Although the team will miss goalie J.P. Lamoureux, the squad will give senior Aaron Walski a strong look, in addition to freshmen Graeme Harrington and highly touted Brad Eidsness, who was chosen by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round of the 2007 draft.

Denver (26-14-1) - The Pioneers welcome back 21 letter-winners. Look for key contributions from senior defenseman J.P. Testwuide, who was named captain of this year's edition, as well as forward Tyler Bozak, goalie Marc Cheverie, and freshman forward Joe Colborne, the Bruins' top draft choice this year. Bozak was the team's leading scorer last year with 34 points. Of his 18 goals, five came while the team was shorthanded. Cheverie, a sophomore, is expected to do the bulk of the netminding after playing just five games last year behind senior Peter Mannino.

Miami (33-8-1) - Coach Enrico Blasi has developed his program into a formidable foe, which bowed to BC in the Northeast Regional final. One of the reasons the RedHawks gave other teams fits was the play of goaltender Jeff Zatkoff, who signed with the Los Angeles Kings. Junior goaltender Jon Whitacre is on the roster, but so are two freshmen - Connor Knapp and Cody Reichard. Top scorer Ryan Jones is gone, but the team - led by sophomore Carter Camper (15-26 -41) - is loaded offensively.

Minnesota (19-17-9) - The Golden Gophers' roster took a hit when both of their 15-goal scorers departed. Blake Wheeler turned pro with the Bruins after his junior season and Ben Gordon graduated. In fact, only one of the top five scorers is back - forward Jay Barriball, who had 21 points. There are 12 freshmen on the roster, two of whom are goaltenders, which will make for an interesting puzzle for coach Don Lucia.

Michigan State (25-12-5) - The Spartans also open their season this weekend at the Ice Breaker. Players to keep an eye on are senior goaltender Jeff Lerg, senior forward Tim Crowder, and sophomore defenseman Jeff Petry.

St. Cloud State (19-16-5) - The team should have no trouble scoring, but coach Bob Motzko is hoping for a grittier group than last season. Look for strong contributions from senior forwards John Swanson and Michael Olson, junior forward Ryan Lasch, and junior defenseman Garrett Raboin.