Men’s Hockey Selected Fourth in Hockey East Preseason Coaches’ Poll; Hockey East Television Package Released

BOSTON – The University of New Hampshire men's hockey team was voted fourth 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 racked up 64 points, including one first place vote, to give them the fourth place standing. New Hampshire has been picked third in the last two preseason polls and finished in the top three in Hockey East five of the last six seasons, including three regular-season titles in that span.

UNH returns with a depth of young talent from the 2011-12 squad including members of last season's All-Rookie team Casey DeSmith (Rochester, N.H.) and Trevor van Riemsdyk (Middletown, N.J.).

Additionally, the 'Cats will be on six times in the Hockey East television package including a pair of games on NESN, two nationally televised games on CBS Sports Network and a debut on NBC Sports, nationally. UNH will be releasing its schedule with WBIN-TV at a later date.

New Hampshire opens the 2012-13 campaign Saturday, Oct. 6 in an exhibition matchup against St. Francis Xavier University. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Whittemore Center.

2012-2013 Hockey East Preseason Coaches Poll

Rk.         Team (FPV)         Pts

1.            Boston College (9)            90

2.            UMass-Lowell            74

3.            Boston University            73

4.            New Hampshire (1)            63                       

5.            Maine            56

6.            Northeastern            44

            Providence            44           

8.            Merrimack            38                       

9.            Massachusetts            35           

10.            Vermont            23          

2012-13 NBC Sports Network Schedule
Fri. 3/8 -- Maine at New Hampshire -- 7:30pm

2012-13 CBS Sports Network Schedule
Sun. 2/10 -- Providence at New Hampshire -- 4pm
Sat. 2/23 -- New Hampshire at Vermont -- 4pm

2012-13 Hockey East on NESN
Fri. 1/11 -- New Hampshire at Boston College -- 7:00pm (pre at 6:30)
Fri. 2/22 -- New Hampshire at Vermont -- 7:00pm (pre at 6:30)

2012-13 Cox Communications
Fri. 2/8 -- New Hampshire at Providence -- 7 p.m.

2012-13 Potential Additional Broadcasts
Saturday, March 2 Flex Game (To Be Announced) 4:00pm NESN
Saturday, March 9 Flex Game (To Be Announced) 4:00pm NESN
Friday, March 15 Hockey East Quarterfinal Game #1 7:00pm NBCSN
Saturday, March 16 Hockey East Quarterfinal Game #2 4:00pm NESN
Sunday, March 17 Hockey East Quarterfinal Game #3 4:30pm NESN
Friday, March 22 Hockey East Semifinal Game #1 5:00pm NESN, NBCSN
                          Hockey East Semifinal Game # 2 8:00pm NESN, NBCSN
Saturday, March 23 Hockey East Championship Game 7:00pm NESN, NBCSN