Atlantic Hockey America is set to start another exciting and competitive season in 2026-27, which begins on Oct. 2. The parity in the league has arguably never been better and as the coaches discussed on their pre-season media conference, the floor for the league has risen to provide the depth.
That was reflected in the preseason poll for the league with three different teams getting first-place votes and two teams tying for eighth in the nine-team league. It gives this season that feeling that just about anything can happen.
While the league has lost two members in the last two years with AIC reclassifying to Division II and Mercyhurst shuttering its men’s hockey program, commissioner Michelle Morgan stressed that the nine-team structure still positions the conference strongly in the college hockey landscape. The coaches agreed as well, with the idea that there were really no games off over the course of the coming season.
“We know every game is going to be a battle,” said Zach McKelvie, head coach at Army West Point.
Here’s how the coach’s preseason poll shook out in the league with first place votes and total points:
AHA Preseason Coaches' Poll
- Sacred Heart (3) 59
- Bentley (5) 58
- RIT (1) 51
- Holy Cross 42
- Air Force 34
- Robert Morris 27
- Army West Point 25
- Canisius 14 // Niagara 14 (tied)
Sacred Heart and Bentley have really been battling it out as consistently two of the top teams in the conference over the last few seasons. Bentley has come out on top with the AHA title in each of the last two years, earning the berth to the NCAA tournament.
Bentley had the most first place votes but got eked out by the Pioneers in this year’s poll. It should be a tremendous battle throughout the season between those two teams, but RIT certainly feels like they should have something to say about the championship race.
When it comes to top players across the league, goalies are definitely among the most accomplished team to team.
Sacred Heart junior netminder Ajeet Gundarah was named the preseason Player of the Year. He posted a .928 save percentage, including a .933 save percentage in conference play, over the course of his sophomore season. His .933 career mark is also among the most impressive numbers anywhere in the NCAA.
Army goalie J.J. Cataldo also received votes for preseason player of the year. He has been a real difference maker over the last two seasons, appearing in 62 games over that span and posting a .921 career save percentage.
Here is how the rest of the preseason all-conference team shook out:
Preseason All-Conference Team
- F: Jack Ivey, JR, Army West Point
- F: Kellan Hjartarson, SR, Bentley
- F: Walter Zacher, SR, Canisius
- D: Nolan Cunningham, SR, Air Force
- D: Dominic Elliott, JR, Robert Morris
- G: Ajeet Gundarah, JR, Sacred Heart
The men’s hockey season on FloHockey gets underway on Oct. 2 with RPI traveling to West Point to take on Army. RIT and Niagara will also meet on Oct. 2 in the first conference game of the year, jumping right into the fire.
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