ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Chatham Men's Hockey was selected to finish fourth in the 2026-27 United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, earning 38 points in voting by the conference's nine head coaches. 

The Cougars enter the season following a program-record 20-win campaign, finishing 20-6-1 and advancing to the UCHC Semifinals. Chatham also earned its first appearance in the USCHO.com Division III national rankings during the 2025-26 season. 

Chatham secured its semifinal berth with a 4-3 triple-overtime victory over SUNY Brockport in the opening round of the conference tournament. The victory marked the Cougars' 20th win and the longest game in program history. 

Defending conference champion Utica topped the poll with 63 points and seven first-place votes. SUNY Geneseo followed with 58 points and two first-place votes, while Nazareth received 44 points to finish third. 

Chatham placed ahead of St. John Fisher (35 points), Albertus Magnus (33), SUNY Brockport (29), Elmira (16) and Manhattanville (8). 

The Cougars open the 2026-27 season on Friday, October 30th when they host Hiram at 7PM at Alpha Ice Complex.