PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Little East Conference announced its 2025-26 Men's Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll, projecting the Vermont State University Castleton men's team to tie for sixth place.

This is the first season that the LEC will sponsor men's ice hockey, as the New England Hockey Conference — the Spartans' previous home — folded following the 2024-25 season.

Castleton was selected to tie for sixth with the University of Southern Maine, both receiving 36 points.

The Spartans will be led by captains Cam Reid and Anthony Persi, with Aiden Robson, Cedrick Theodore, and Josh Ward serving as assistant captains.

They are also excited to welcome back 2024-25 Team MVP Luke Chakrabarti, who led the squad with 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists). Ward will return to the crease for his senior season after making 16 starts during the 2024-25 campaign, totaling 886:08 minutes played. The netminder recorded 446 saves and one shutout.

In a new era for Castleton, the squad looks to continue its growth, welcoming 11 first-year players. The newcomers include five forwards — David Coyle, Jack Linton, Marcus Bellomo, Joey Ala, and Tyler Burke — along with four defenders — Cole Mathews, Holdin Getzlaf, Cole Bowditch, and Sam Knight — and goaltender Lukas Bukatovs.

The Spartans will hit the ice on Sunday, October 19, as they host the Czech University Selects for a 3 p.m. exhibition at Spartan Arena.
 
2025-26 LEC Men's Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Plymouth State - 76 (6)
2. Norwich - 73 (2)
3. Babson - 70 (2)
4. UMass Boston - 53
5. New England College - 47
T6. Southern Maine - 36
T6. VTSU Castleton - 36
8. UMass Dartmouth - 30
9. Keene State - 20
10. Western Connecticut - 9