The Hobart hockey team was picked to finish first in the SUNYAC preseason poll in a vote by the conference coaches. Last year, in their first season in the conference, the Statesmen swept their way to the conference title, going 18-0-0 in conference play.
 
Hobart, which advanced to the 2026 national title game, received 81 points. Oswego, the Statesmen's opponent in the SUNYAC championship game, received 70 points. Skidmore was third with 61 points. Cortland rounded out the top four with 57 points. Plattsburgh (46), Canton (44), Buffalo St. (34), Potsdam (24), Fredonia (22) and Morrisville (11) rounded out the field.
 
Last season, Hobart went 30-1-0 overall, falling to Hamilton 2-1 in OT in the national championship game. In the SUNYAC title game, the Statesmen beat the Lakers 4-0 to claim their fourth straight conference championship; the previous three came in the NEHC. Hobart returns 20 players from that team, including three of their top five point producers.
 
Hobart will begin its season Oct. 30-31, with a home-and-home series against Route 14 rival Elmira. The opener will be played at The Cooler. The Statesmen will begin their SUNYAC slate at Skidmore on Nov. 13.