Media members who cover the CCHA think Michigan will be atop the standings at the end of the 2012-13 season.

The league’s coaches disagree.

The Wolverines are ranked No. 1 in the CCHA preseason media poll, released Wednesday by the league, garnering 50 of 87 first-place votes.

But in the coaches poll, Michigan came in second, garnering two of 11 first-place votes. Notre Dame is ranked first, earning seven first-place votes and 105 total points, compared to Michigan’s 100.

Coaches and media were asked to project the regular-season order of finish.

Michigan is coming off a second-place finish in the CCHA regular season and a runner-up finish in the CCHA tournament. The 2011-12 team lost to Cornell in the NCAA Midwest Regional semifinals

The Wolverines return 20 letterwinners from that squad, including two defensemen who were named to the preseason All-CCHA team Tuesday: Jon Merrill to the first team and Lee Moffie to the second team.

Notre Dame finished eighth in the CCHA standings last year, and also returns 20 letterwinners.

Western Michigan finished second in the media poll, followed by Notre Dame, Ferris State and Miami.

The Broncos were voted third in the coaches poll, followed by Miami and Ferris State.

This season will be the last for the CCHA. The league will disband after 42 seasons, and Michigan will join the newly formed Big Ten hockey league next season.

1. Notre Dame (7) 105
2. Michigan (2) 100
3. Western Michigan (2) 97
4. Miami 78
5. Ferris State 67
6. Ohio State 66
7. Michigan State 56
8. Bowling Green 43
9. Northern Michigan 43
10. Alaska 31
11. Lake Superior 29

1. Michigan (50) 903
2. Western Michigan (25) 825
3. Notre Dame (9) 765
4. Ferris State (3) 626
5. Miami 622
6. Michigan State 528
7. Ohio State 438
8. Northern Michigan 389
9. Bowling Green 264
10. Lake Superior 232
11. Alaska 150

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com.