SUNYAC releases pre-season poll, Morrisville State ranked 6th

The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) released its 2011-12 preseason men's ice hockey poll coaches poll, ranking Morrisville State College sixth overall.



Oswego earned the top spot, followed by Plattsburgh, Geneseo, Fredonia and Buffalo State. Brockport is ranked seventh, followed by Cortland and Potsdam.



Morrisville State posted an NCAA best 11-13-1 record last season, and compiled an 8-7-1 record in conference play, while advancing to the conference championship tournament for the second straight season.



A full slate of SUNYAC league play composes a majority of the 2011-12 schedule that also includes non-conference matchups against Neumann, Elmira, Manhattanville College's as well as the Rutland Herald Invitational at Castleton and the Northfield Savings Bank Tournament at Norwich.



Thirteen return to the roster this season for Morrisville State, including senior forward and assistant captain Geoff Matzel (Chittenango, NY) who netted 12 goals and eight assists last season for the Mustangs, including a power play, three short handed and one game winning score. Sophomore Taylor Vince (Barrie, ONT) also returns to the front line, and is expected to be an offensive threat, having tallied seven goals and 10 assists last season in the offense that averaged 3.44 goals per game.



Senior captain and defenseman, Tom Longland (Dunnville, ONT) along with teammate James Jarvis (Pickering, ONT) return to anchor the blue line and are also expected to contribute offensively as well, as each tallied five goals and 10 assists last season.



The biggest hit to the Mustangs will be the loss of four-year starter Caylin Relkoff in net, but three solid netminders will be competing for time this season, including sophomore Colin Breen (Waterloo, ONT) who appeared in five games last season, recording a 2-0-0 record and 145 saves.



The Mustangs kick off the 2011 season Friday, October 28 hosting SUNY Potsdam and follows with conference rival Plattsburgh on the 29th.



Tickets for the 2011-12 season contests are available at the door the night of the contest and are $5 for adults. Senior citizens, military service men and women, as well as children under 12 are admitted free.



Morrisville State will also have live stats available for home games along with a live web cast. Both links are available on the athletics web site at http://athletics.morrisville.edu.