DANBURY, CONN. - The stage is set for another exciting season of ECAC Men's Hockey, and the league's head coaches have selected the preseason poll and all-league team for the 2025-26 campaign. Quinnipiac University has been tabbed as the preseason favorite in 2025-26.
After a successful 2024-25 campaign, the Bobcats secured the Cleary Cup for the fifth straight season, finishing with a 16-5-1 record in conference play and received an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament for the sixth-straight year. Clarkson, last year's league runner-up with a 15-6-1 record, has claimed second place in the poll. Cornell, the reigning back-to-back champions, followed in third, while Dartmouth and Union round out the top five.
The complete 2025-26 ECAC Men's Hockey Preseason Poll results are as follows:
1. Quinnipiac - 129 points - (9)
2. Clarkson - 118 points - (2)
3. Cornell - 111 points - (1)
4. Dartmouth - 97 points
5. Union - 93 points
6. Harvard - 79 points
7. Colgate - 77 points
8. Princeton - 55 points
9. St. Lawrence - 48 points
10. Brown - 47 points
11. RPI - 42 points
12. Yale 27 points
(*) - First Place Votes
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The ECAC Men's Hockey Preseason All-League team has also been selected, featuring six of the brightest stars in NCAA men’s college hockey, representing six different teams.
Quinnipiac’s Mason Marcellus, a junior from Greely, Ontario, was named to the All-ECAC Second Team during his sophomore year. The former Lincoln Star (USHL) led Quinnipiac in scoring during conference games, with 22 points consisting of 8 goals and 14 assists in 22 matches. His steady production was a crucial part of the Bobcats’ success throughout the 2024-25 season.
Brown’s Ryan St. Louis, the senior forward from Old Greenwich, Connecticut, led the Bears in scoring during ECAC Hockey play, showing his steady offensive contribution. The former Dubuque Fighting Saint (USHL) finished with 17 points on five goals and a team-high 12 assists in 16 conference games. St. Louis was also recognized as an Honorable Mention All-Ivy and a Walter Brown Award semifinalist.
Union’s Brandon Buhr, the senior from Burnaby, British Columbia, had a strong junior season, finishing among the league's top scorers and earning All-ECAC Third Team honors. In 22 ECAC Hockey games, the former Alberni Valley Bulldog (BCHL) scored 19 points with 13 goals and six assists. His goal-scoring ability was a key part of the Union offense.
Dartmouth’s CJ Foley, the junior from Hanover, Massachusetts, was the lone unanimous choice for this season’s Preseason All-ECAC team. At the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, the former Salmon Arm Silverback (BCHL) was named to the All-ECAC First Team and was a Player of the Year Finalist after a dominant junior year. In 22 ECAC Hockey games, Foley led all league defensemen with 24 points on nine goals and 15 assists.
Clarkson’s Tristan Sarsland, the senior from Wayzata, Minnesota, earned a spot on the All-ECAC Second Team after an impressive freshman campaign. The two-way defenseman recorded 18 points with six goals and 12 assists in conference play. The former Fairbanks Ice Dog (NAHL) also showcased his defensive ability, finishing among the league’s leaders with 37 blocked shots.
Harvard’s Ben Charette, the sophomore from Aurora, Ontario, earned the preseason nod after a stellar freshman campaign that landed him on the ECAC All-Rookie Team. In 10 conference appearances, the former Whitecourt Wolverine (AJHL) posted a 2.25 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage, ranking fifth and second in the ECAC, respectively. He also finished second in the league in saves per game with 28.70.
*Unanimous selection requires 11 votes, as coaches cannot vote for their own team or players.
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