PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Little East Conference announced its 2026-27 Men's Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll, projecting the Vermont State University Castleton men's team to finish sixth. 

Castleton is coming off a 13-11-2 season, including a 9-8-1 mark in conference play, earning its best overall record since 2013. The Spartans received 41 points in the preseason poll. 

The Spartans will be led by senior captain Cam Reid, who earned Second Team All-LEC honors last season. Aiden Robson, Trevor Castino and Emmett McHardy will serve as assistant captains. 

Castleton returns several key contributors from last season, led by junior forwards Luke Chakrabarti and McHardy, who each recorded 30 points. Chakrabarti led the Spartans with 18 goals and 12 assists, while McHardy was named Team MVP after totaling 14 goals and a team-high 16 assists. McHardy also scored five power-play goals and two short-handed tallies while posting a 249-207 record in the faceoff circle.

David Coyle also returns after a strong first year with the Spartans, totaling six goals and 13 assists for 19 points.

Head coach Kyle Richards' incoming group features 11 newcomers, including defenseman Jacob Bernardo, forward Simon Semancik and goaltender Josh Scully. Austin Haldane, Cooper Hall, Owen Tatro, Nolan Lyford, Zach Lussier, Alex Erlacher, Owen Arnold and Adrian Mendoza will also join the Spartans. Lussier joins Castleton as a transfer after playing two seasons at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. 

Castleton will hit the ice for its first look at the upcoming season on Saturday, Oct. 24, hosting SUNY Potsdam for a 6 p.m. exhibition at Spartan Arena.