The 2018-19 Atlantic Hockey Association Preseason Coaches Poll was announced Tuesday morning, with the two-time defending Atlantic Hockey Tournament champion Air Force Academy sitting at its top for the second straight year. The Falcons earned 97 points total and 7 first place votes. Only 5 points behind them is Canisius with 92, with the Golden Griffins receiving the other 4 first place votes.
Spots three through six are separated by only 11 points, starting with Robert Morris’ 66, followed by last year’s regular season champion Mercyhurst, then American International College and Army West Point. Rochester Institute of Technology was picked 7th, The College of the Holy Cross 8th, and Bentley 9th. Sacred Heart and Niagara round out the poll.
The final poll results are:
1. Air Force – 97 points (7 first place votes)
2. Canisius – 92 points (4 first place votes)
3. Robert Morris – 66 points
4. Mercyhurst – 65 points
5. AIC – 60 points
6. Army – 55 points
7. RIT – 49 points
8. Holy Cross – 40 points
9. Bentley – 31 points
10. Sacred Heart – 29 points
11. Niagara – 21 points
