Waltham, Mass. – Bentley has been voted in a tie for third in the Atlantic Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll that was released today during the conference's media day.

The Falcons received 77 points and one first place vote to come in at third in the poll, tied with Sacred Heart.

AIC topped the poll with 100 points and the other 10 first place votes, and was followed by Niagara in second with 78 points, just ahead of Bentley. RIT rounded out the top five with 66 points.

Bentley has 21 players returning from last season's team that finished second in the Atlantic Hockey regular season, with a 15-9-4 conference record for 34 points and a 17-15-5 overall record. Seven of its top 10 point producers and eight of the top 10 goal scorers return, as do five defensemen and senior goalie Aidan Pelino (Oakville, Ontario), who has 72 career starts.

The returning ranks will be strengthened by a seven player freshmen class, which consists of three forwards, three defensemen and one goalie.

The team will be captained by seniors Ryner Gorowsky (Lino Lakes, Minn.) and Brett Orr (Elkhorn, Manitoba) this season.

The season gets started on Oct. 11-12 at Robert Morris, and the home opener is on Friday, October 18 against New Hampshire.

2019-20 Atlantic Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. AIC – 100 points (10 first place votes)

2. Niagara – 78 points

T-3. Bentley – 77 points (1 first place vote)

T-3. Sacred Heart – 77 points

5. RIT – 66 points

6. Air Force – 60 points

7. Robert Morris – 46 points

8. Army – 38 points

9. Mercyhurst – 25 points

10. Holy Cross – 21 points

11. Canisius – 17 points