Today the State University of New York Athletic Conference released its annual preseason poll.
For the second year in a row the Golden Eagles were slighted, picked to be lower than one would expect for a team of such mettle and skill. As a matter of fact, coaches around the division didn't even pick them to make the playoffs.
Here's the press release...
FREDONIA, N.Y. – The Plattsburgh Cardinals, have been ranked first in the State University of New York Athletic Conference’s preseason ice hockey poll. At the vote’s conclusion, Plattsburgh had 71 points, including seven first-place votes.
Plattsburgh was the 2008-09 SUNYAC regular season champion, finishing with a 15-0-1 conference record. They defeated Oswego in the conference finals in a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory. The Cardinals have captured 19 SUNYAC championships and are 2-time NCAA champions.
Oswego is ranked second in the preseason poll with 66 points and two first-place votes. The Lakers finished second in the 2008-09 regular season at 11-4-1. Geneseo, which was third during the regular season in 2008-09 with an 8-7-1 record, finished third in the poll with 56 points.
The conference schedule begins on Oct. 30.
Preseason Standings
1. Plattsburgh 71 (7)
2. Oswego 66 (2)
3. Geneseo 56
4. Potsdam 47
5. Fredonia 45
6. Buffalo State 34
7. Brockport 31
8. Cortland 26
9. Morrisville * 20
* Ineligible for SUNYAC postseason play
