BOSTON — The new-look UMass hockey team is starting from a familiar spot. The Minutemen were picked 11th out of 12 teams in the Hockey East preseason poll that was released during the league’s media day Tuesday at the TD Garden.

Boston University, which is No. 4 nationally, was picked first with 10 of the 12 first-place votes. Northeastern, which had one No. 1 vote, was picked second. UMass-Lowell had the other No. 1 vote and was picked fourth, one spot behind Notre Dame, which is playing in its final season in the conference before joining the Big Ten next year.

No. 5 Providence and No. 6 Boston College rounded out the top half.

The league’s five flagship state schools were in the bottom half of the poll. UConn was seventh followed by Vermont, Merrimack, New Hampshire, UMass and Maine.

Senior Steven Iacobellis and sophomore defenseman Ivan Chukarov thought the Minutemen with new coaches, new players and a new system could outplay the prediction.

“It’s a new season. A lot of change has gone on. We’ve been on the bottom for a little too long now. That’s something else that’s about to change,” Iacobellis said. “There’s a lot of really good hockey players in the program. It’s been tough putting the pieces of the puzzle together. I think the coaching staff is putting a fresh spin on things and getting guys going in the right direction.”

Chukarov agreed

“I like that we’re the underdogs and nobody counting on us to do anything,” he said. “With what we have in the locker room and the new coaching staff, I feel like we can make a pretty big jump.”

New coach Greg Carvel tempered early expectations.

“It’s going to be a process. At St. Lawrence we recruited a certain type of player. I’m not exactly sure it’s the same as what we inherited here. But what I have liked is the character, the commitment and the buy-in that the guys have shown,” he said. “It’s a long process. It doesn’t happen overnight. But I like the first steps. I like our locker room. I like the energy and I like the focus. They want things to change.”

The Minutemen will face Dalhousie in an exhibition at the Mullins Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. before opening the season Oct. 7 at home against Colorado College.

ON TV — UMass’ Dec. 2 home game against Notre Dame and Dec. 9 game at UConn will air on NESN.

NO EXPANSION IMMINENT —– Despite rampant rumors that Holy Cross was set to replace Notre Dame as Hockey East’s 12th team, Commissioner Joe Bertagna said he doesn’t see a change in the league’s makeup in the near future.

“I don’t see anything happening in the foreseeable future,” Bertagna said.

Bertagna said Holy Cross’ women’s program, which needs a Division I home, could eventually be added to Hockey East.

CAPTAINS — Iacobellis will be UMass’ captain for the second straight season. Senior defenseman Brennan Baxandall, and juniors Dominic Trento, a forward, and Alex Wakaluk, a goalie, will be assistant captains.

ALUMNI — Former Minuteman and current Boston Bruin Frank Vatrano had successful foot surgery Monday. He’ll miss the next three to four months.

He tweeted: “Thank you everyone for the warm wishes! Can’t wait to get back on the ice.”

Ex-Minuteman Oleg Yevenko is in camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets and saw action in Monday’s preseason game against the Bruins.

MISCELLANEOUS — Hockey East announced that Bertagna’s contract has been extended through the 2019-20 season. Bertagna, who is about to start his 20th season leading the conference, is college hockey’s longest serving commissioner.

Burlington Free Press writer Ted Ryan was presented with the Joe Concannon Award, the league’s media honor.

Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage