Men’s Hockey Selected Third in Hockey East Preseason Coaches’ Poll

BOSTON – The University of New Hampshire men's hockey team was picked to finish third in the Hockey East Preseason Coaches' Poll, which was announced Tuesday afternoon at the league's annual media day at Legends Restaurant at the TD Garden.

The Wildcats garnered 72 points in the poll, which was good enough for a third place preseason standing. UNH was picked third last season and finished second in the league's regular-season standings. New Hampshire has finished in the top three in Hockey East each of the last five seasons, including three regular-season titles in that span.

UNH returns a depth of talent from the 2010-11 squad including six of the top 10 scorers and seems primed to once again compete for a Hockey East and national championship in 2011-12.

New Hampshire opens the 2011-12 campaign Saturday, Oct. 1 in an exhibition matchup against University of New Brunswick. Game time is 4 p.m. at the Whittemore Center.

2011-2012 Hockey East Preseason Coaches Poll
Rk.            Team (FPV)            Pts
1.            Boston College (7)            88
2.            Boston University (3)            83
3.            New Hampshire            72          
4.            Maine            64
5.            Merrimack            61
6.            Vermont            44
7.            Massachusetts            42
8.            Northeastern            33                      
9.            UMass-Lowell            27
10.            Providence            26