In case you missed our State of the Program pieces detailing each WCHA team over the past several weeks, we’re condensing it all down for both the fashionably late and the time-crunchers lusting for a fresh season of WCHA hockey.

Over the summer, FloHockey and the WCHA reached a multiyear partnership, allowing FloHockey to bring WCHA hockey to streamers everywhere, every weekend, live and on demand.

Before the season kicks off this weekend, gear up for opening night match-ups, who to watch, and what to expect this year.

Alabama Huntsville Chargers

2017-18: 12-23-2

Outlook: Head coach Mike Corbett led the Chargers to their best record during his five years with the team, but there’s still a climb to consistency. Some roster turnover creates a loss of leadership, but also a path for youth to earn big minutes and build confidence as Corbett continues to lead the team forward.

Player to Watch: Freshman Jack Jeffers. Jeffers finished fifth in scoring in the Ontario Junior Hockey League with 79 points (23 goals, 56 assists) in 54 games. He’s quick, elusive, and offensive-thinking with an ability to make those around him better.

Opening Weekend: Oct. 6 and 7 at Miami. 

Alaska Nanooks

2017-18: 11-22-3

Outlook: On their third coach in as many years, the Nanooks appear to be on the verge of real change. Erik Largen takes the helm with a resume of success and an understanding of his players as an assistant the past two years. He’ll need to focus on his players’ development before expecting a drastic turnaround on paper.

Player to Watch: Sophomore Steven Jandric. Jandric’s 23 points (4 G, 19 A) as a freshman placed him second in team scoring last year. He will take on a larger offensive role and his passing should help elevate his teammate play.

Opening Weekend: Oct. 6 and 7 at Arizona State.

Alaska Anchorage Seawolves

2017-18: 4-26-4

Outlook: Another WCHA program with a new coach. New bench boss Matt Curley will be tasked with putting the Seawolves’ four straight 20-loss seasons in the rearview mirror. That may not come in 2018-19, as the team will be without four of their top six scorers and workhorse netminder Olivier Mantha, who played in 31 games last season.

Player to Watch: Freshman Tanner Schachle. Schachle posted 51 points (24 G, 27 A) for the NAHL’s Fairbanks Ice Dogs last year, finishing 16th overall in league scoring. Schachle brings a 6-foot-3 frame that should help ease growing pains.

Opening Weekend: Oct. 6 and 7 versus Colorado College.

Bemidji State Beavers

2017-18: 16-14-8

Outlook: The Beavers enter 2018-19 without Michael Bitzer, their netminder who played in 138 games over the past four seasons. Head coach Tom Serratore enters his 18th season with the Beavers and has proven to be up for any task. He’ll rely on his strong defense to help offset the growing pains expected in the crease. 

Player to Watch: Junior Adam Brady. After not seeing any action as a freshman in 2016-17, Brady put up eight goals and 26 points in his sophomore season playing all 38 games and finishing second on the team in scoring.

Opening Weekend: Oct. 12 and 13 home-and-home with No. 11 North Dakota.

Bowling Green Falcons

2017-18: 23-12-6

Outlook: The Falcons return with their entire core save Mitch McLain. The strong lineup will look to end a 28-year NCAA tournament drought and has the tools to do it. Four Falcons who reached the 30-point plateau last season return for a deep lineup backstopped by strong goaltending led by Ryan Bednard.

Player to Watch: Junior Alec Rauhauser. Rauhauser led the Falcons with 39 points (9 G, 30 A) in 41 games, finishing second in defensive scoring in the entire NCAA last year. Rauhauser is a potent mix of offensive ability and defensive proficiency. 

Opening Weekend: Oct. 6 at Mercyhurst, Oct. 9 at No. 19 Western Michigan.

Ferris State Bulldogs

2017-18: 14-23-1

Outlook: Bob Daniels enters his 27th season at Ferris State and believes his defense is among the deepest it’s been during his tenure. Now it’s time for his blue line to show it as the Bulldogs aim to return to their winning culture. A bounce-back campaign from goalie Justin Kapelmaster would go a long way.

Player to Watch: Freshman Cooper Zech. One of the defensemen Daniels is excited about, Zech’s 69 points (11 G, 58 A) were five off from the BCHL lead last season. He finished fifth in league scoring and first in assists.

Opening Weekend: Oct. 12 and 13 home-and-home with No. 19 Western Michigan.

Lake Superior State Lakers

2017-18: 10-22-4

Outlook: The Lakers have watched their win totals drop in each of the last three seasons on the backbone of an inconsistent offense and shaky goaltending. Head coach Damon Whitten enters his fifth season with the team and has a trio of freshmen bringing offensive firepower as the forward ranks ache for reinforcements.

Player to Watch: Sophomore Max Humitz. Humitz led the Lakers with 13 goals last season while his 23 points are tops among returning players. With an even larger role and increased confidence, the Lakers’ offense will flow through Humitz in 2018-19. 

Opening Weekend: Oct. 6 and 7 at Merrimack.

Michigan Tech Huskies

2017-18: 22-17-5

Outlook: Head coach Joe Shawhan enters his second season with the Huskies, taking over a deep team from Mel Pearson last year, who left for the University of Michigan. Ranked No. 18, Shawhan’s team remains deep, even with a few key departures. Should the freshmen tap into their potential quickly, the Huskies will have some bite.

Player to Watch: Senior Jake Lucchini. Lucchini has an outside shot at the Hobey Baker Award this season as he looks to build his offensive numbers for the third straight year. He could flirt with 25 goals and 50-plus points in 2018-19.

Opening Weekend: Oct. 12 and 13 versus No. 1 Minnesota Duluth.

Minnesota State Mavericks

2017-18: 29-10-1

Outlook: Entering the season ranked No. 10, the Mavericks have some holes to fill with the loss of its two leading scorers. But the offense remains deep, as does the blue line, which plays beyond its youthful appearance. The X-Factor will be replacing netminder Connor LaCouvee’s consistent game.

Player to Watch: Sophomore Jake Jaremko. Jaremko posted a huge freshman season with 39 points (15 G, 24 A) in 40 games as the WCHA Rookie of the Year. Expect him to lead the Mavericks to their third NCAA tournament in five years.

Opening Weekend: Oct. 12 and 13 versus No. 8 Boston University.

Northern Michigan Wildcats

2017-18: 25-15-3

Outlook: The Wildcats come in ranked No. 20 to start the season after head coach Grant Potulny turned the entire program around after five-straight losing seasons. The Wildcats’ offense was electric and even with some notable turnover, four of the top five scorers return, including NCAA top defensive scorer from 2018-19, Philip Beaulieu.

Player to Watch: Senior Adam Rockwood. Rockwood posted eights goals and 48 points in 2017-18, his 40 assists led the entire NCAA. He’ll compete for the scoring title in 2018-19 after finishing eighth last year.

Opening Weekend: Oct. 12 and 13 at Michigan State.

Tune in to FloHockey for live-streamed broadcasts including the WCHA and more all season long.

Have a question or a comment for Jacob Messing? You can find him on Twitter @Jacob_Messing.