The start of the NCAA hockey season is upon us, and there's a strong possibility that the reigning champions can do it again.

The University of Denver Pioneers weren't exactly a surprise champion last season, but in losing their top four leading scorers over the summer, they find themselves on much different ground than they were for much of last year.

And while the much-hyped Michigan Wolverines could take a step back this year due to pure attrition (when you lose multiple NHL-ready players, it's going to set you back), they are still one of the most skilled and formidable teams in the country. But the Wolverines' minor decline opens a door for the Minnesota Golden Gophers to become an even bigger national-title threat once again.

This just goes to highlight a trend that really emerged last