UTICA, NY – The Utica College men’s hockey team is ranked No. 14 in the USCHO.com Preseason National Poll released Monday by the highly popular college hockey website.
Local fans will have their first chance to see the newly renovated Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium on Friday when the Pioneers host Fredonia for season-opening action at 7 p.m.
On Oct. 11th the Pioneers were the top predicted choice to finish first among nine teams in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference standings for the 2017-18 season, according to the UCHC Men’s Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
Over the weekend the Pioneers rallied from a 3-1 third period deficit and tied NCAA quarterfinalist and host Endicott College 3-3 in an exhibition match on Saturday afternoon. Utica’s Justin Derlago (Winnipeg, Manitoba/Selkirk (MJHL)) posted a three point night, including the game-tying goal with 3:28 left in the third period, to help the Pioneers grind out a tie.
Utica advanced to its third conference tournament title game in the last four years last season and they have now appeared in five conference tournament championship games in the program’s 16-year history. The Pioneers have won three conference regular season titles in the last five seasons. UC finished the year ranked No. 14 in the final D3hockey.com National Poll and No. 15 in the final USCHO.com National Poll. After earning hosting rights to the ECAC West Conference Tournament the Pioneers won their quarterfinal matchup 4-3 against Neumann before falling in the conference championship game against Hobart College, 2-1, in overtime.
The Pioneers started the season 8-0 last year, marking the best start in program-history. They finished the regular season with a program-best 12-2 ledger in conference play. UC dominated in conference play last year, outscoring their opponents 57-28. Utica’s 18 wins last year were the second most wins in a single season in program-history. The last time Utica won over 18 games in a single season was back in 2013 when the Pioneers won 21 and advanced to the NCAA Division III Championship Semifinals in Lake Placid, NY.
