PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Little East Conference (LEC) announced the results of its first-ever Men’s Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches’ Poll Friday, which saw Plymouth State University named the favorite to take home the inaugural LEC title by the league’s 10 head coaches.
 
The Panthers totaled 76 points while claiming a league-best six first-place votes. Plymouth State posted an overall record of 19-7-0 last season while finishing atop the MASCAC standings with a 16-2-0 league record. The Panthers were upset in the opening round of the conference tournament, ending a dominant run of five consecutive MASCAC tournament titles for the Panthers, who won that league seven times over the past 13 seasons, while claiming the regular season crown 11 times during that span.
 
Norwich University took second in the LEC preseason poll with 73 points and two first-place votes. The Cadets were posted a 15-10-3 overall record a year ago while finishing runner-up in the New England Hockey Conference (NECH) regular season standings and championship tournament.
 
Babson College placed third in the preseason poll with 70 points and secured the remaining two first-place votes. The Beavers posted an overall mark of 13-11-2 and were third in the final 2024-25 NEHC standings at 11-8-1.
 
University of Massachusetts Boston (53 points) edged out New England College (47 points) for fourth in the preseason ranking. The University of Southern Maine and Vermont State University Castleton tied for the sixth and final projected LEC tournament spot with 36 points each. The complete 2025 LEC Men’s Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches’ Poll is below.
 
Additionally, Babson, New England College and Norwich enter the 2025-26 campaign among those receiving votes in the recently released USCHO.com Division III Preseason Poll.
 
Institution - Points (First Place Votes)
1. Plymouth State - 76 (6)
2. Norwich - 73 (2)
3. Babson - 70 (2)
4. UMass Boston - 53
5. New England College - 47
T6. Southern Maine - 36
T6. VTSU Castleton - 36
8. UMass Dartmouth - 30
9. Keene State - 20
10. Western Connecticut - 9
 
NOTE: Head coaches are not permitted to vote for their own team.