November 6, 2009

Fitchburg State Picked Fourth In 2009-10 MASCAC Men's Ice Hockey Coaches' Poll

BUZZARDS BAY, Mass. (November 6, 2009) - The Falcons of Fitchburg State were picked fourth overall in the 2009-10 MASCAC Men's Ice Hockey Pre-Season poll by league's coaches this week.

Beginning this season, the MASCAC will be comprised of seven institutions that sponsor the sport of men's ice hockey, including new affiliate members UMass Dartmouth and Plymouth State. After two seasons of full competition, the MASCAC will be eligible to receive an automatic berth into the NCAA Division III Men's Ice Hockey Championships.

Salem State captured four first place votes to amass 46 points in taking the top spot in the poll, as the defending league champion Vikings outdistanced second place UMass Dartmouth's total of 42 points that included a pair of first place votes. Westfield State is next in third place with 32 points that includes one first place vote, while Fitchburg State and Plymouth State follow in fourth and fifth place with 30 and 24 points, respectively. Worcester State is next in sixth place with 14 points, while Framingham State finished in seventh place in the poll with eight points.

Now in its 39th season of existence, the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference is primarily comprised of eight state member institutions that sponsor 17 championships in NCAA Division III play. Over 2,600 studentathletes participate in intercollegiate athletics at MASCAC members Bridgewater State College, Fitchburg State College, Framingham State College, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State College, Westfield State College and Worcester State College and compete for league titles in the sports of baseball, men's & women's basketball, men's & women's cross country, field hockey, football, men's ice hockey, women's lacrosse, men's & women's soccer, softball, men's & women's indoor and outdoor track & field and women's volleyball.

2009-10 MASCAC Men's Ice Hockey Pre-Season Coaches Poll

1. Salem State (4) 46 points
2. UMass Dartmouth (2) 42 points
3. Westfield State (1) 32 points
4. Fitchburg State 30 points
5. Plymouth State 24 points
6. Worcester State 14 points
7. Framingham State 8 points