NO. ATTLEBORO, Mass. – The Southern New Hampshire University ice hockey team has been selected fifth in the Northeast 10 (NE10) Preseason Coaches' Poll, released Thursday by the conference office.
The Penmen received 16 points in the voting, one behind fourth-place Franklin Pierce University (17). Assumption University was selected as the preseason favorite with 34 points and four first-place votes, followed by Saint Michael's College (30 points, three first-place votes) and Saint Anselm College (27). Post University (14) and American International College (9) rounded out the seven-team poll.
SNHU enters the 2026-27 season under new head coach Brooks McQuade, who takes over a program that finished 9-17-1 overall and 5-14-1 in Northeast 10 play last season. The Penmen open the season on Saturday, October 31 at Framingham State University (6:50 p.m.) . It will be the fourth consecutive season-opener with the Rams.
The Penmen return several experienced players, including junior defenseman Ryan Kayser (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), who recorded five goals and 10 assists for 15 points last season. Kayser earned Northeast 10 Second Team All-Conference for the second consecutive season.
Sophomore forward Zach Vickerman (Queensville, Ontario) is SNHU's leading returning scorer after registering seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 23 games during his freshman campaign. Sophomore defenseman Aidan Rufa (Massena, N.Y.) added six goals and seven assists for 13 points. Both earned berths on the NE10 All-Rookie Team in 2025-26.
Senior forward Stone Devlin (West Falmouth, Mass.) returns after contributing five goals and five assists for 10 points, while junior forward Kyle Slingerland (Stittsville, Ontario) tallied three goals and six assists for nine points.
Senior Coleman Nee (Arlington, Mass.), who played in all 27 games last season, will again serve as a team captain. Nee recorded two goals and four assists last winter.
In goal, senior Sean Guerin (Chicago, Ill.) returns after appearing in 13 games last season, posting a 3.19 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage. Sophomore Trent Boryszczuk (Novi, Mich.) also returns after making five appearances.
The Penmen welcome six freshmen to the roster as they prepare for their first season under McQuade.
2026-27 Northeast 10 Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll (First-Place Votes)
- Assumption – 34 (4)
- Saint Michael's – 30 (3)
- Saint Anselm – 27
- Franklin Pierce – 17
- Southern New Hampshire – 16
- Post – 14
- American International – 9
For the latest on Southern New Hampshire University athletics, follow the Penmen on
Instagram,
TikTok,
Facebook, and
YouTube. You can also
sign up for text alerts and email newsletters to stay connected with your favorite SNHU teams.
