BOSTON – The University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team was picked fourth in the Hockey East preseason Coaches Poll, which was announced on Tuesday afternoon at the league’s annual media day at Legends Restaurant at the TD Banknorth Garden.
    The Wildcats garnered 67 votes in the poll, behind conference rival Maine who was picked third with 75 points and in front of Vermont in fifth place with 57 total points. UNH finished fourth last season in the conference standings and was picked second in the 05-06 preseason coaches poll.
    UNH finished the 05-06 season with a 20-13-6 record and a 14-7-6 record in conference play. The ‘Cats qualified for the NCAA tournament for the fifth straight season last year and return 75% of the scoring from last season’s team, including four of the top six scorers from the 05-06 roster.

2006-07 HOCKEY EAST PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL

Team (1st Place Votes)    Pts.
1.    Boston College (8)     89
2.    Boston University        78
3.    Maine (2)                      75
4.    New Hampshire          67
5.    Vermont                        57
6.    Providence                  52
7.    Massachusetts            37
8.    Northeastern               35
9.    UMass Lowell             32
10.    Merrimack                 18