The Boston University men’s hockey team has high expectations for this season after a disappointing end to last year’s campaign. According to the Hockey East preseason coaches’ poll released yesterday, the rest of the conference also expects a strong year.

The Terriers were voted second in the poll behind defending national champion Boston College, receiving three of 10 first-place votes and a total of 80 points. The Eagles picked up six first-place votes for 86 points. The University of New Hampshire finished third with 78 points, including one first-place vote.

Northeastern University, the University of Vermont, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Providence College, the University of Maine and Merrimack College finished fourth through 10th, respectively.

BU begins the 2008-09 regular season Oct. 10-11 when it hosts the University of North Dakota and Michigan State University, respectively, in the Ice Breaker Invitational at Agganis Arena.