The NCAA Division III women\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hockey season is just about to commence and this year, two more teams will be playing their first NCAA affiliated varsity seasons. With the additions of Nichols College to the ECAC East and SUNY Potsdam to the ECAC West, there are now a total of 47 teams playing D-III hockey. <\/p>\n
So does that mean the NCAA tournament expands to eight teams?<\/p>\n
Unfortunately no. Under NCAA criteria, for every tournament spot there must be 6.5 teams participating in that particular sport. Thus, that leaves the current tournament field at seven. In order to increase the tourney field to a round number of eight, there must be five more programs added to the mix.<\/p>\n
Last season may have ended the same way as the season before with the Plattsburgh Cardinals hoisting their second consecutive NCAA championship trophy, but a lot of new faces showed up in the national discussion. Teams like Trinity and Wis.-Superior had banner seasons for their respective programs and both look primed to be able to repeat their success this year.<\/p>\n
Also, first year programs, Adrian and Norwich got off to impressive starts as they both finished with a .500 record or better. Adrian was 9-3 at one point and garnering national ranking attention before the flu bug caught up to them. It caused the Bulldogs to limp their way through the second half of the season and finish with an 11-11-2 record. Norwich finished 12-10-2 last season in their first year in the ECAC East. Coaches from around the conference took notice though and have picked the Cadets to finish second, only to reigning NCAA runner-up Manhattanville this season.<\/p>\n
Speaking of Manhattanville, the Valiants, along with fellow NCAA Frozen Four participant Elmira College, will be under new coaching leadership this season. Brian Lang has taken over the reigns at Manhattanville. Lang comes to Purchase, NY after two years as a Division I assistant coach for the men\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hockey team at American International College in Mass. <\/p>\n
Elmira\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s new coach, Greg Fargo followed a path similar to Lang, as he was an assistant coach at Division I Canisius for their men\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hockey program the past two seasons. Fargo, an alumnus of Elmira, returns to his alma mater where he spent four years as a standout goaltender for the men\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s ice hockey team. <\/p>\n
This week I will be previewing the ECAC West and ECAC East conferences and then followed up by the MIAC and NCHA next week. The NESCAC preview will come in November once they start up their seasons. I talked to every coach so these thoughts are straight from the horse\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s mouth!<\/p>\n
Plattsburgh Cardinals<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Kevin Houle (121-19-7, 6th season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 25-3-1
\nECAC West Record: 14-1-1 (1st)
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: First
\nMy Projection: First<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Sharis Smith and Julie Devereux
\nKey Returnees: Danielle Blanchard (28-20-48), Stephanie Moberg (13-22-35), Laurie Bowler (21-6-27), Claire O\u00e2\u20ac\u2122Connor (10-13-23)
\nNewcomers to watch: Vanessa Worz and Danielle Roberts<\/p>\n
Elmira Soaring Eagles<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Greg Fargo (0-0-0, 1st season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 23-6-1
\nECAC West Record: 12-3-1 (3rd)
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Third
\nMy Projection: Second<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Farren Hart
\nKey Returnees: Kayla Coady (21-16-37), Allison Cubberley (1.50 GGA and .942 Save %), Tiffany Hart (4-16-20), Jenna McCall (12-19-31), Ana Steele-Norton (1-9-10)
\nNewcomers to watch for: Alex Bresler \u00e2\u20ac” D from Colorado Selects, Alex McPhail \u00e2\u20ac” F from Toronto Aeros, Katy Walker \u00e2\u20ac” D from Colorado Selects<\/p>\n
RIT Tigers<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Scott McDonald (41-11-2, 3rd season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 19-7-0
\nECAC West Record: 13-3-0 (2nd)
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Second
\nMy Projection: Third<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Isabelle Richard
\nKey Returnees: Amanda Klassen (17-9-26), Katie Stack (13-12-25), Sarah Dagg (12-15-27)
\nNewcomers to Watch: Erica Owczarczak, Ali Hills and Amy Torgerson<\/p>\n
Utica Pioneers<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Dave Clausen (107-65-11, 8th season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 18-9-0
\nECAC West Record: 12-4-0 (4th)
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Fourth
\nMy Projections: Fourth<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Kelly Bills, Ashley Kaufman, Laura Schnitker
\nKey Returnees: Sam Rowan (13-11-24), Andrea Maxon (10-15-25), Jessica Leclerc (2-12-14)
\nNewcomers to Watch: MacKenzie Roy and Meaghan Willet<\/p>\n
Neumann Knights<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Matthew Kennedy (41-44-7, 5th season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 9-14-3
\nECAC West Record: 6-9-1 (5th)
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Fifth
\nMy Projection: Fifth<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Carolyn Fauteux and Sam May
\nKey Returnees: ECAC West Rookie of the Year, (SO) Mel Brunet in goal. Leading scorer and ECAC All-Rookie Team (SO) Jessica Schroeder, ECAC First Team, Sr Def. Robyn Armstrong.
\nNewcomers to Watch: F. Diane Peters, Windsor Wildcats, F. Nicole Alexopoulos, Toronto Aeros and F. Jasper Thomson, Toronto Aeros<\/p>\n
Buffalo State Bengals<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Robert Burke (14-27-4, 3rd season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 7-12-3
\nECAC West Record: 5-9-2 (6th)
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Sixth
\nMy Projection: Sixth<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Shannon Anesetti, Julie Ruszala, Samantha Simpson
\nKey Returnees: Marissa McMullan (5-2-7), Mariah Farigrieve (3-5-8), Kristin Bozek (4-2-6), Melissa Jeckovich (5-2-7), Casey Bull (0-4-4)
\nNewcomers to watch: Brianna Murphy, Andrea Brunetta, Gillian Toneguzzo, transfer from Oswego (4-6-10)<\/p>\n
Chatham Cougars<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Phoebe Manchester (1-22-0, 2nd season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 1-22-0
\nECAC West Record: 1-15-0 (9th)
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Seventh
\nMy Projection: Seventh<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Jen Quimby
\nKey Returnees: Sam Hunt, Brenn Scot, April Govednik (2-2-4), Alexis Smith: (3-0-3)
\nNewcomers to watch: Chatham will be featuring 17 new players this year that coach Manchester is very high on. Here are a few of them- F. Lauren Campbell from Gilmour Academy, F. Dawson Bancroft-Short from Madison Capitols, F. Emily Newby \u00e2\u20ac” Transfer from U. of Indiana (played at Culver Academy), D. Ashley Reid \u00e2\u20ac” Gilmour Academy, D. Paige Thachuk \u00e2\u20ac” Hamilton Hawks<\/p>\n
Oswego Lakers<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Diane Dillon (15-28-4, 3rd season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 8-16-1
\nECAC West Record: 3-13-0 (8th)
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Ninth
\nMy Projection: Eighth<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Hillary Hitchman, Transferred to Potsdam
\nKey Returnees: Jessica Lister (7-8-15), Angie Friesen (2-3-5), Erin Robson (#1 Goaltender now)
\nNewcomers to watch: Kathryn Sbrocchi – very talented defenseman from Mississauga Chiefs, smart, sees the ice very well. Jillian Bergeron – big, strong forward from Nepean Wildcats, good hands and scoring touch. Kelly Collins – another big strong forward from Taft School who will provide muscle and scoring power to the Laker line-up<\/p>\n
Cortland Red Dragons<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Earl Utter (5-17-3, 2nd season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 5-17-3
\nECAC West Record: 3-12-1 (7th)
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Tenth
\nMy Projection: Ninth<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Janie Byrd D, Julia Pahler D, Erin Fleury F
\nKey Returnees: Brianna Bartlett G, Maggie Welker D (3-1-4), Kalee Stoever F (6-1-7)
\nNewcomers to watch: Julia Fleming F, Danielle Scharf D, Carolyn Wolcott, D<\/p>\n
Potsdam Bears<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Jay Green (0-0-0, 1st season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: N\/A
\nECAC West Record: N\/A
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Eighth
\nMy Projection: Tenth<\/p>\n
Coach\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Synopsis: Hilary Hitchman is a solid goaltender that transferred from Oswego and will be counted upon heavily to play well. Defensively we have Breanna Roy from Orleans, Ontario (Napean Wildcats) Stephanie Malcolm – Hamilton, Ontario(Hamilton Hawks) and Audrey Coon – Laconia, NY (Syracuse Stars) as our core group on the blue-line. Offensively…Annmarie Lewis – Newmarket, Ontario (Aurora Panthers) Danielle Compagni – Homer, NY (Syracuse Stars) Stephanie Simons – Stratford, Ontario (Bluewater Hawks) Nicky Bougie – Ingelside, Ontario (Cornwall Typhoons) and Lindsay Usherwood – Oswego, NY (Syracuse Stars)<\/p>\n
The ECAC West is Plattsburgh\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s title to lose. The Cardinals return mostly everyone from back to back national championship squads as well as having top-notch coach Kevin Houle behind the bench. RIT and Elmira will be the Cards\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 chief challengers and with the right bounce of the puck, both teams can beat Plattsburgh on a given night.<\/p>\n
Utica, Neumann, and Buffalo State form the next trio of teams and they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re all standing on the edge of competing every night with the ECAC West power three.<\/p>\n
The most intriguing team to watch this year will be Chatham with their 17 newcomers. The Cougars got their first ever D-III win last season and could be the dark-horse this year of the conference. Potsdam will also be interesting to watch as they will be playing their first varsity season and be thrown right into the lion\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s den competing in such a tough conference top to bottom.<\/p>\n
Coaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Poll<\/b><\/p>\n
1.Plattsburgh- (7) 79
\n2.RIT- (1) 71
\n3.Elmira- 65
\n4.Utica- 53
\n5.Neumann- 49
\n6.Buffalo State- 38
\n7.Chatham- 24
\n8.Potsdam- 22
\n9.Oswego- 21
\n10.Cortland- 16<\/p>\n
Manhattanville Valiants<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Eric Lang (1st season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 24-7-0
\nECAC East Record: 17-2-0 (1st)
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: First
\nMy Projection: First<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Dani Poupart (D), Amanda Nonis (F), and Danielle Nagymarosi (F)
\nKey Returnees: Alex Blackwell F. (7-3-10), Karine Turmel G. (1.82 GGA and .929 save percentage), Erin Brawley D. (2-12-14), Natalie Zitek F. (12-16-28), and Shannon Coffey F. (12-25-37)
\nNewcomers to watch: Brianne Alfred (F), Hannah Muskego (D), and Jamie Bonner (F)<\/p>\n
Norwich Cadets<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Mark Bolding (12-10-2, 2nd season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 12-10-2
\nECAC East Record: 9-8-2
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Second
\nMy Projection: Second<\/p>\n
Key Losses: F. Hilary Davis, F. Amanda Gage
\nKey Returnees: F. Sophie Leclerc (14-14-28), F. Kelsey Cone (10-15-25), G. Cindy Fortin (2.46 GGA and .916 Save %), D. Shannon Silver
\nNewcomers to watch: Forward \u00e2\u20ac” Fr. Julie Fortier, Forward \u00e2\u20ac” Fr. Danielle Del Dotto,
\nGoalie \u00e2\u20ac” Fr. Chiara Traversa <\/p>\n
Umass-Boston Beacons<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Maura Crowell (40-30-2, 4th season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 14-12-0
\nECAC East Record: 11-8-0
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Fourth
\nMy Projection: Third<\/p>\n
Key Losses: None
\nKey Retuners: Rachel Sousa (ECAC East Rookie of the Year) and Maria Nasta (ECAC East First Team Selection
\nNewcomers to watch: D. Emily Brienzo (Wisconsin Wild), G. Leah Hallett (CT Polar Bears) and F. Kelly Gillis (CT Polar Bears). <\/p>\n
New England College Pilgrims<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Jackie MacMillan (20-13-1, 3rd season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 15-11-1
\nECAC East Record: 10-8-1
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Third
\nMy Projection: Fourth<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Liz Ross
\nKey Returnees: Sarah Tracey (19-25-44), Sarah Graham (24-18-42), Danielle Taylor (5-9-14)
\nNewcomers to watch: Teraysa White (Goaltender) Sam Phillips (Forward) Taryn Moffat (Forward)<\/p>\n
Southern Maine Huskies<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: John Lauziere (15-35-2, 3rd season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 7-18-1
\nECAC East record: 7-11-1
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Sixth
\nMy Projection: Fifth<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Team MVP Emily Barrett, Goalie was unable to return this season for her senior year.
\nKey Returnees: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153This year we are returning our 2 top scorers Jessica Knight F and Amanda Shorey F, and Captain Megan Irving F. Mary Vaughan D, and Erica Robertson D will lead our defensive core.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d
\nNewcomers to watch: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We have a bunch of newcomers, roughly 12 freshman this year and some standouts are going to be Danielle Ward F, Kylie Blasen F, Christen Hart F, Katie Paradis F and Joanna Gaube, F\/D. All will make immediate impacts for our team and in the league.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
Salve Regina Seahawks<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Michael Cox (18-31-3, 3rd season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 11-14-2
\nECAC East Record: 9-9-1
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Fifth
\nMy Projection: Sixth<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Aimee Provencher F\/D
\nKey Returnees: Caitlin Campbell – senior- school’s all time leading scorer. F, Molly Golden- Sophomore F (13-10-23), Gabrielle Gardner-Sophmore F (12-12-24), Sarah Small Sophomore D (1-4-5)
\nNewcomers to watch: Kathleen Roche- Boston Latin\/Charles River-F, Shannon Ellis – Colorado Selects F, Rebecca Simmons – Toronto Rattlers \u00e2\u20ac” G, Kristin Aiello – D – Thayer\/ NEWHL<\/p>\n
Castleton Spartans<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Bethany Torrice (0-0-0, 1st season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 5-16-4
\nECAC East Record: 4-11-4
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Seventh
\nMy Projection: Seventh<\/p>\n
No Report due to official practice just starting this week.<\/p>\n
Plymouth State Panthers<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Heather Hoffay (0-33-1, 3rd season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 0-20-1
\nECAC East Record: 0-18-1
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Eighth
\nMy Projection: Eighth
\nKey Losses: None
\nKey Retuners: Lindsay DeLorie (G), Elizabeth Murray F. (8-2-10), Amanda Kreamer D. (3-0-3)
\nNewcomers to watch: Jaimie Camara (F), Brianna Davis (D\/F), Molly Irving (D)<\/p>\n
Nichols Bison<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Bob Martin (0-0-0, 1st season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Record: N\/A
\nECAC East Record: N\/A
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Ninth
\nMy Projection: Ninth<\/p>\n
Key Losses: None
\nKey Returnees: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Melissa Mansfield a junior Assistant Captain she is our #1 goalie. Allison Peters – a senior from Westford, MA our top defenseman and one of two seniors on the team this year. Ashley Parker a junior and team captain she has been the captain since her freshman year and is bringing solid leadership to the team, she is from West Jordan Utah. Candice Ellis a junior from Gloucester, MA previously played with Austin Prep, should continue to be one of our leading scorers again this season.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d
\nNewcomers to watch: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153We have some solid freshman this year that should really impact our team in a positive way. Mandy Manopla from Florida with be one of the top freshman forwards. Courtney Carey from Belmont, MA should step in and contribute on defense. Rachel Brown from Framingham, MA should be a versatile player on defense and offense this year.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n
MIT Engineers<\/b><\/p>\n
Coach: Rich Chrusciel (0-0-0, 1st season)
\nLast year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s record: 1-18-2
\nECAC East Record: 1-16-2
\nCoaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Projection: Tenth
\nMy Projection: Tenth<\/p>\n
Key Losses: Rachel Longley F Monique Squires – So. – D – out for the season with shoulder injury, Barbara McCarragher – Jr – D – out for season
\nKey Returnees: Stephanie Brenman – Sr. D and team captain, Katherine Harding – Sr. F, Sara John – Sr. F, Rachel Bowens – So. Goalie
\nNewcomers to watch: Kameron Klauber – F. Clarion Hess F.<\/p>\n
With St. Anselm ineligible for D-III postseason play, Manhattanville should control the ECAC East once again this season. However, look for teams like Norwich, UMass-Boston, and New England College to bridge the gap a bit more this season with the losses Manhattanville had in the off-season. Nichols, Castleton, and MIT are all a bit of mystery with either new coaches or competing in their first season of D-III varsity hockey, they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll be interesting to watch to see how they stack up. <\/p>\n
Coaches\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Poll<\/b><\/p>\n
1.Manhattanville (5) 50
\n2.Norwich 41
\n3.NEC- 39
\n4.UMB- 38
\n5.Salve Regina- 31
\n6.Southern Maine- 24
\n7.Castleton- 19
\n8.Plymouth- 13
\n9.Nichols- 12
\n10. MIT- 8<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The NCAA Division III women\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hockey season is just about to commence and this year, two more teams will be playing their first NCAA affiliated varsity seasons. With the additions of Nichols College to the ECAC East and SUNY Potsdam to the ECAC West, there are now a total of 47 teams playing D-III hockey. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":140328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"coauthors":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n