NO. ATTLEBORO, Mass. – The Southern New Hampshire University ice hockey team was picked fourth in the Northeast 10 (NE10) Preseason Coaches' Poll, released on Wednesday.
The Penmen (16 points) finished fourth, just two points out of second place. Saint Anselm College was a unanimous choice (coaches cannot vote for their own team), earning 25 points. Defending champ Saint Michael's College (18) and Assumption University (17) were ranked second and third. Post University (9 points) edged out Franklin Pierce University (5 points) for fifth place.
The Penmen finished last season 12-15-2, including 10-8-2 in the Northeast 10. SNHU advanced to the semifinals before falling at Saint Michael's.
Junior Collin Berke (Crofton, Md.) was named the NE10 Goaltender of the Year last season, while senior Brendan Lynch (Nepean, Ontario) earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. Both were First Team All-Conference selections and return for 2025-26, along with sophomore Ryan Kayser (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), a Second Team and All-Rookie Team honoree.
SNHU brings back experience to pair with an 11-member freshman class. The top eight point scorers from last season all return. Lynch (27 points) led the way, followed by senior Ryan Pomposelli (Needham, Mass.), senior Kurt Watson (London, Ontario), Kayser, and junior Stone Devlin (West Falmouth, Mass.). Senior Tyler Murray (Barre, Vt.), junior Anthony Marchant (Norwood, Mass.), and junior Coleman Nee (Arlington, Mass.) each tallied at least two goals and eight points last season.
Junior Sean Guerin (Chicago, Ill.) joins Berke as an experienced goaltender.
SNHU will open the regular season at Framingham State University on Saturday, November 1 at 7:30 p.m. It's the third consecutive season the Penmen have opened against the Rams. Home games will again be played at The Ice Den in Hooksett, N.H. The Penmen will host each NE10 rival for two games and play two on the road.
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2025-26 NE10 Ice Hockey Coaches' Poll
1. Saint Anselm – 25 (5)
2. Saint Michael's - 18
3. Assumption – 17 (1)
4. SNHU - 16
5. Post - 9
6. Franklin Pierce – 5
