Ege, Lashomb Earn Preseason Honors

Central Islip, N.Y. - The New York Institute of Technology Bears has been selected the East Coast Conference preseason favorite as voted on by the league's coaches.  C.W. Post fills in the No. 2 slot while Mercyhurst was selected to finish third.

The Bears had a nearly perfect 2008 season, compiling a 13-1 overall record.  They finished 5-1 in conference play to claim the 2008 ECC title and earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament.  After defeating Limestone, 11-8, in the Semifinals, the Bears advanced to the National Championship game at Gillette Stadium.  NYIT rebounded from a 5-2 first quarter deficit to defeat Le Moyne, 16-11, and capture their fourth national title.  C.W. Post and Mercyhurst tied with the No. 4 pick Dowling for second place last year with a 4-2 ECC record.

Ed Ege of Adelphi has been tabbed the 2009 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.  Ege led the nation in points (74) and assists (52) last season and netted 22 goals in his 12 games. 

2008 Division II Goalie of the Year and First Team All-America pick, Jason Lashomb of Mercyhurst was selected this year's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.  Lashomb had 125 stops between the pipes to compile a 60.1 save percentage and allowed only 6.25 goals per game.

2009 East Coast Conference Preseason Poll

* First place votes are in parenthesis

Preseason Offensive Player: Ed Ege (Sr., A, Rockville Centre, N.Y.)
Preseason Defensive Player: Jason Lashomb  (Sr., GK, Rush, N.Y)