River Falls, Wis.- The University of Wisconsin-River Falls men's hockey team kicks off the 2017-18 season this weekend with a pair of road games. The Falcons travel to Concordia University (Wis.) on Friday for a 7 p.m. faceoff before visiting Milwaukee School of Engineering for a 4 p.m. tilt on Saturday, Oct. 28.
 
The Falcons have eight letter winners back from last year's squad, including junior forwards Joe Drapluk, who had eight goals and four assists, and junior forward Eddie Matsushima, who registered 4 goals and 6 assists. Sophomore goalie Zach Quinn led the WIAC with a 1.89 goals-against-average and added 497 saves and 10 victories, including three shutouts, in the 2016-17 season.
 
Coach Steve Freeman returns for his 22^nd season at UW-River Falls. His career record stands at 368-192-48.
 
The Falcons were picked to finish third in the WIAC in the preseason poll voted on by WIAC head coaches and sports Information directors.
 
2017-18 Preseason Predictions
                                                          2016-17 Record
1.  UW-Eau Claire                             18-7-3 overall, 5-3 WIAC
2.  UW-Stevens Point                        21-5-3, 7-1
3.  UW-River Falls                             12-13-2, 3-4-1
4.  UW-Stout                                      12-13-2, 3-5
5.  UW-Superior                                 8-19-2, 1-6-1
 
The Falcons are currently receiving votes in the USCHO.com preseason poll.