Last season’s conference tournament showed that quite literally anything can happen in this conference. That makes it difficult to predict how things might play out over the course of the season, but does mean that it should be an absolute blast to watch. Fifth-place Franklin Pierce nearly took the conference tournament crown after an amazing postseason run, but it was Stonehill who earned the NCAA auto-bid in just their second year of existence. There was plenty of roster shuffling via the transfer portal as the league’s top players departed for other teams. That leaves a whole lot of opportunity for new players to step into key roles. What makes this conference so interesting and worth watching is that there’s consistent opportunity for upsets, breakout performances and chaos. With four new head coaches, there will be new systems and new looks. This conference is in transition and that leaves a lot of unanswered questions but a lot of chances for every team to make their mark.
Assumption
Last Season
10-22-4, 10-14-4 (sixth). Lost to Stonehill in the NEWHA Tournament Quarterfinals.
Key Returners
Sophomores Jenna Chaplain, Alexa Hanrahan and Kayla McGaffigan
Key Departures
Coach Jack Sweeney
Most intriguing newcomer
Head coach Joe Grossman, fifth-year Mikaela Langbacka (St. Michael’s)
Prediction
Sixth
Franklin Pierce
Last Season
18-16-1, 14-13-1 (fifth). Lost to Stonehill in overtime in the NEWHA Championship game.
Key Returners
Roster has not been updated at time of publication
Key Departures
Olivia Klunowski (Providence)
Most intriguing newcomer
Roster has not been updated at time of publication
Prediction
Fifth
Long Island University
Last Season
28-9, 26-2 (first). Lost to Franklin Pierce in overtime in the NEWHA Tournament semifinal
Key Returners
Senior Jeannie Wallner, fifth-year Sarah Rourke
Key Departures
Goalie Tindra Holm (Minnesota Duluth), Mikayla Lantto (graduation)
Most intriguing newcomer
Freshman Peyton O’Neill
Prediction
First
Post
Last Season
8-28-1, 7-20-1 (seventh). Lost to Saint Anselm in the opening round of the NEWHA conference tournament.
Key Returners
Juniors Tristan Currie and Maddy Noonan
Key Departures
Senior goalie Grace Glasrud
Most intriguing newcomer
Head Coach Pat Bingham, junior Hali Lawrence (Minot State University -ACHA DI)
Prediction
Seventh
Sacred Heart
Last Season
15-21-2, 14-12-2 (fourth). Lost to Franklin Pierce in the NEWHA quarterfinals.
Key Returners
Sophomore Isabella Chaput, fifth-year Paige McNeil
Key Departures
Sophie Lupone (graduation)
Most intriguing newcomer
Sophomore Bria Holm (Maine)
Prediction
Second
Saint Anselm
Last Season
20-16-1, 18-9-1 (second). Lost to Stonehill in the NEWHA Tournament semifinals.
Key Returners
Junior Brooklyn Schneiderhan
Key Departures
Natalie Tulchinsky (RPI), Savannah Popick (graduation)
Most intriguing newcomer
Head coach Sam Ftorek, Cora Webber (Maine)
Prediction
Fourth
St. Michael’s
Last Season
0-35-1, 0-27-1 (eighth). Lost to LIU in the opening round of the NEWHA tournament.
Key Returners
Fifth-year Mary Leys, sophomore Maddie Quinn
Key Departures
Mikaela Langbacka (Assumption)
Most intriguing newcomers
Head coach Meghan Sweezey, freshmen Ellie Newpower and Alicia McDonald
Prediction
Eighth
Stonehill
Last Season
21-16-2, 17-9-2 (third). Advanced to their first-ever NCAA Tournament, where they lost to Cornell in the opening round.
Key Returners
Maddison Achtyl
Key Departures
Alexis Petford (Colgate)
Most intriguing newcomer
Maeve Connolly (Penn State)
Prediction
Third
