Middlebury, which captured the first NESCAC men’s championship last year, is the coaches’ preseason favorite to win the 2000-2001 conference title. Middlebury edged Williams 3-2 in overtime in last year’s NESCAC championship game.
The Panthers garnered four first-place and four second-place votes to finish with 60 points in the preseason poll. Three other teams received first-place votes, including Williams, the coaches’ choice to place second this season, finishing with 56 points in the poll.
Hamilton (45 points), Colby (43), and Amherst (39) rounded out the top five. Hamilton received one first-place vote, and Amherst received two first-place votes.
The poll was based on an eight-point system (i.e., eight for first, seven for second, etc.). Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.
2000-01 NESCAC Men’s Ice Hockey Coaches’ Poll
1. Middlebury (4) 60
2. Williams (2) 56
3. Hamilton (1) 45
4. Colby 43
5. Amherst (2) 39
6. Bowdoin 34
7. Trinity 21
8. Wesleyan 17
9. Conn. College 9
