Last year’s regular season champion, Mercyhurst is the top pick in this year’s preseason poll for the 12th straight season. The Lakers collected five first place votes for 25 total points. Mercyhurst won both the 2012-13 regular season and tournament crown, while advancing to the NCAA Frozen Four. Syracuse is the coaches second place selection with 19 points, while Robert Morris was chosen third by the coaches garnering 18 points and one first place vote. RIT was chosen to finish fourth for the second straight season with 13 points. Lindenwood comes in fifth with nine points, and Penn State is picked to finish sixth with six points.
RIT returns 14 skaters, including 10 forwards and goaltender Ali Binnington (Oakville, Ontario/Mississauga Chiefs) from last year’s inaugural Division I season. The Tigers enjoyed an excellent season, finishing 16-16-5 overall, while finishing tied for third in league play with a 7-8-5 mark. RIT advanced to the CHA Semifinals, falling 2-1 in overtime to Syracuse.
“It is not surprising that the three established teams are ahead (of us) in the poll,” said RIT Head Coach Scott McDonald. “We have a lot of work to do to consistently be in the top three. We have a young, but talented team this year, and will look to improve on last year’s standings.”
The 2014 College Hockey America playoffs begin with a best-of-three series for the third through sixth place finishers from Feb. 28 – March 2. The top two teams get a first round bye. The CHA Tournament Semifinals and Championship will be held on March 7-8 at the home of the regular season champion.
RIT opens the season with an exhibition contest against the Toronto Junior Aeros on Sept. 27, then begin the regular season on the road at 2013 NCAA Tournament participant Clarkson on Sept. 28. RIT will play four regular season games (two home, two away) against each CHA foe during the 2013-14 season. RIT plays its final 12 and regular season
2013-14 College Hockey America Preseason Coaches Poll
1) Mercyhurst (5) – 25 points
2) Syracuse – 19 points
3) Robert Morris (1) – 18 points
4) RIT – 13 points
5) Lindenwood – 9 points
6) Penn State – 6 points
