If polls counted for anything, the University of Michigan hockey season would be off to a fine start.

The Wolverines finished atop the Central Collegiate Hockey Association in preseason media and coaches polls this week, and will start the preseason ranked No. 4 in the nation in the USA Today/USA Hockey poll.

But Michigan coach Red Berenson summed up the value of such polls in one word: “Meaningless.”

Michigan has yet to participate in a full practice. The official start of practice isn’t until Saturday, when Michigan also opens the preseason against the U.S. National Team Development Program’s Under-18 team.

When the Wolverines take the ice at 7:35 p.m. Saturday at Yost Ice Arena, it will be the first chance for Michigan’s coaches to get an extended look at their seven freshman - a group that must perform well for the high preseason rankings to come to fruition.

“I like what I’ve seen from our freshmen - particularly (A.J.) Treais, (Kevin) Lynch and (Chris) Brown,” Berenson said. “We know those players a little better than the other four. I think they’ll be ready - they’re three kids who played in (the NTDP) last year, so I know they’ll be excited for this game.”

Brown (Phoenix) and Lynch (Columbus), both forwards, were selected in June’s NHL draft, and Treais, also a forward, scored 49 points last year for the NTDP. They lead a solid freshman class, which also includes defenseman Lee Moffie, forward Jeff Rohrkemper, forward Lindsay Sparks and goalie Patrick Summers.

Until now, Michigan’s freshmen have had just two hours a week on the ice with coaches, so they’re eager to make good impressions this weekend in two preseason games.

“I want to show them I can jump in and make an impact right away, feel comfortable out there, make some plays and hopefully help the team,” Lynch said.

While Berenson doesn’t yet know how much his freshmen will play, he said they’ll get opportunities to prove themselves.

“We’re looking for players that can step up and be a difference maker,” he said.

Michigan’s newcomers are ready for the challenge, Brown said.

“We got recruited here to come for a reason," Brown said. "The biggest thing is to come in, try to make an impact as soon as you can, and get in the coaches’ eyes.”

Brown and his incoming classmates will face tough competition for ice time, but he said they’re excited to finally get the opportunity.

“I’ve always wanted to play for Michigan since I was a little kid,” Brown said, adding he’s ready “to put on the jersey, get out there and show everyone what I can bring to the table and what all the other freshmen can bring to the table.”

James Briggs covers sports for AnnArbor.com. Contact him at 734.623.2557 or jamesbriggs@annarbor.com.