2023 Preseason Ice Hockey Polls Released by CHSAA: Class 4A & 5A Rankings

Colorado High School Ice Hockey Preseason Polls

The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has released its preseason ice hockey polls. This marks the start of the winter sports season. CHSAA will provide a coaches poll before the season. During the season, CHSAA will publish the Seedings Index as weekly rankings, once there are enough games to create a ranking.

Class 4A Preseason Poll

1. Standley Lake
2. Steamboat Springs
3. Cheyenne Mountain
4. Durango
5. Summit
6. Glenwood Springs
7. Pine Creek
8. Crested Butte
9. Colorado Academy
10. Kent Denver

Also receiving votes: Pueblo County, District 11, Battle Mountain, Liberty.

Class 5A Preseason Poll

1. Valor Christian
2. Cherry Creek
3. Poudre School District
4. Monarch
5. Regis Jesuit
6. Denver East
7. Ralston Valley
8. Heritage
9. Castle View
10. Chaparral

Also receiving votes: Chatfield, Lewis-Palmer, Mountain Vista, Resurrection Christian, Grandview.

How do preseason rankings impact team performance in high school ice hockey?

Interview with Colorado High School Ice Hockey Specialist: Preseason Prognostications

NewsDirectory3.com recently sat down with Coach Alex Thompson, a veteran ice hockey coach and analyst in Colorado, to discuss the CHSAA’s preseason polls and the outlook for the upcoming high school ice hockey season.

NewsDirectory3.com: Coach Thompson, thank you for joining us today. The CHSAA has released its preseason polls for high school ice hockey. What are your thoughts on the rankings for Class 4A and 5A?

Coach Thompson: It’s great to see the excitement building for the upcoming season. The polls give us a snapshot of what to expect, and it’s always interesting to see how teams stack up against each other at this stage. For Class 4A, I’m not surprised to see Standley Lake at the top. They had a strong finish last season, and they bring back a solid core of players. Steamboat Springs and Cheyenne Mountain also look like formidable contenders early on.

NewsDirectory3.com: What do you think contributed to Standley Lake’s top ranking?

Coach Thompson: Standley Lake has a good mix of skill and experience. They’ve got key players returning who know how to perform under pressure. Not to mention, their coaching staff has been effective in developing talent. That combination usually translates into success in high school hockey.

NewsDirectory3.com: In Class 5A, Valor Christian leads the pack. What sets them apart this year?

Coach Thompson: Valor Christian has consistently shown strength in their program, and this year is no different. They have a well-balanced team with skillful forwards, solid defensemen, and a reliable goalie. Their ability to perform as a cohesive unit will be essential in maintaining that top spot, especially against strong teams like Cherry Creek and Poudre School District.

NewsDirectory3.com: The landscape seems competitive in both classes with teams like Monarch and Regis Jesuit also in the mix. How do you see those teams impacting the rankings as the season progresses?

Coach Thompson: Absolutely, the competition is fierce. Monarch has a lot of returning players who meshed well last season, and Regis Jesuit is known for its strong physical play, which can be a game-changer. I expect both teams to climb the rankings once we get more games under our belt, especially if they can find their rhythm early on.

NewsDirectory3.com: The CHSAA will start publishing weekly rankings through its Seedings Index once there are enough games played. How do you believe this will affect team morale and strategies?

Coach Thompson: Weekly rankings can significantly influence team morale; they can motivate teams to improve and showcase their skills each game. Coaches will likely adjust their strategies based on their opponents’ rankings, which can make matchups even more intense. It’s all about how teams respond to the pressure of being ranked or unranked as the season unfolds.

NewsDirectory3.com: what should fans look out for in the upcoming season?

Coach Thompson: Fans should keep an eye on the rivalries and how those play out throughout the season. High school hockey in Colorado is incredibly passionate; rivalries can lead to thrilling games, and that’s where we see the true spirit of competition. Also, watch for standout individual performances; you never know which young player might emerge as the season’s breakout star.

NewsDirectory3.com: Thank you, Coach Thompson, for sharing your insights. We look forward to an exciting ice hockey season ahead!

Coach Thompson: Thank you for having me. I can’t wait to see how everything plays out!