HAVERHILL, Mass. – The Niagara men’s hockey team has been slated to finish in second place in the Atlantic Hockey Association, according to the AHA Preseason Poll announced on Tuesday at the Blue Cross Arena.

The Purple Eagles, who will begin their third season in the AHA, finished with three first place votes and totaled 101 points.  Air Force (112) took top honors, with Mercyhurst (89) rounding out the top three. 

"Until someone dethrones Air Force, it is their league," head coach David Burkholder said.  "I feel having the team experience a true playoff series and then advancing to Blue Cross Arena before falling an overtime goal from playing in the championship game will only help this year's team.  It is a new year and as always, our season goal is a trip to the NCAA tournament."  

Bentley and R.I.T were tied for fourth with 87 points each, while Holy Cross (74) was placed in sixth.  Connecticut (65), Robert Morris (61), Canisius (38), Army (30), American International (20) and Sacred Heart (19) followed the Crusaders. 

Last season saw the Purple Eagles amass 17 wins after playing one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the program’s history including Frozen Four participant Union, Minnesota, Michigan and Cornell.  Niagara advanced to the 2012 AHA Tournament semifinals after winning its best-of-three quarterfinals series against Robert Morris at Dwyer Arena. 

"Last year we had a second semester of winning and those feelings and experiences go a long way in regards to team and individual confidence," added Burkholder.  "This year's team showed up to camp with just that."  

Niagara returns to the ice for the start of the 2012-13 regular season when it hosts Bowling Green on Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. 

There are several fan friendly ticket options available. For more information, contact the Niagara Athletic Ticket Office at 716-286-TIXX (8499), email tickets@purpleeagles.com or visit www.PurpleEagles.com/Tickets.