The newest conference poll, just released today, is that of Atlantic Hockey. In the conferences coaches’ poll, defending tournament champion, Air Force, is the team to beat.

The Academy from Colorado Springs, received seven first place votes (five more than RIT) and 79 total votes, nine more than second place Mercyhurst. The Lakers from Mercyhurst, the conference tournament runner-up in 2008, only had one first place vote, but edged out RIT for second by two votes.

Sacred Heart came in fourth and following the Pioneers, are the defending conference regular season champions, Army, which rounded up the top half. Seeds six through ten in order are Holy Cross, Canisius, Connecticut, Bentley, and American International.

Other than the flip-flop with Mercyhurst and RIT, I agree with every seed.

Rosie’s Atlantic Hockey Poll:

1. Air Force
2. RIT
3. Mercyhurst
4. Sacred Heart
5. Army
6. Holy Cross
7. Canisius
8. Connecticut
9. Bentley
10. American International

Four more conferences to go, as well as, another national poll, and coming next week will by the NCAA Preview, where Inside Hockey reveals it's first NCAA pre-season top 10.