SB Nation’s Women’s College Hockey Division I Poll: Exhibitionary Extrapolation

Another year is about to start, and we return to The Ice Garden with our poll. A few tiers are forming, but that could all change by the end of next week with a few upsets.

1. Clarkson (0-0-0), 124 (10) — Last Season: 1

• Last Week: No Games

• Coming Week: @ Bemidji State (9/28, 9/29)

The two-time defending champs will deservedly start the season atop the poll. Clarkson opens their title defense with a trip all the way out to Bemidji State, but this won’t be the longest trip this season for the Golden Knights.

2. Wisconsin (0-0-0), 114 — Last Season: 3

• Last Week: L 3-4 OT v Colgate (3/16)

• Coming Week: v Lindenwood (9/28, 9/29)

After some bitter disappointment last season, the Badgers open with a cupcake series. The Badgers hope for a different result then their football team received playing cupcakes this year.

3. Boston College (0-0-0), 103 (3) — Last Season: 5

• Last Week: No Games

• Coming Week: @ Minnesota-Duluth (9/28, 9/29)

The Eagles have the Patty Kaz winner and are returning an insane amount of talent on defense. This is Boston College’s best chance to win a national title, and if they don’t this year some wonder if they ever will. They open the season with a huge trip to Duluth, which should let us know if this team is going places.

4. Minnesota (0-0-0), 86 — Last Season: 6

• Last Week: W 8-1 v British Columbia (EX) (9/23)

• Coming Week: v Mercyhurst (9/28, 9/29)

The Gophers are a heavily-talented team that got even more talent back after an Olympic year. Last season was disappointing with a third place finish in the WCHA and only two wins against top 10 opponents, both in the WCHA tournament. Opening the season will be a visit from Mercyhurst.

5. Colgate (0-0-0), 75 — Last Season: 2

• Last Week: T 4-4 OT v Kunlun Red Star (EX) (9/23)

• Coming Week: v Penn state (9/28, 9/29)

The Raiders graduated a lot of talent from last years runner up team but should still be a national contender. After playing KRS to a tie, Colgate will host the Nittany Lions in Hamilton.

6. Cornell (0-0-0), 51— Last Season: T-9

• Last Week: No Games

• Coming Week: No Games

Being an Ivy League member the Big red will remain hibernating for another few weeks.

7. Ohio State (0-0-0), 49 — Last Season: 4

• Last Week: No Games

• Coming Week: @ Quinnipiac (9/28, 9/29)

Last season ended with a shocking trip to the Frozen Four for the Buckeyes. They will look to improve upon that, but it will have to be without Kassidy Sauve in net. A weekend trip to an also depleted Bobcats team will be a good opening test.

8. Minnesota Duluth (0-0-0), 36 —Last Season: NRV

• Last Week: L 3-4 v Minnesota Whitecaps (EX)

• Coming Week: v Boston College (9/28, 9/29)

After falling short of expectations, the Bulldogs are back to the land of the ranked. There will be no rest for the wicked as Duluth opens at home against a reloaded Boston College team.

9.Northeastern (0-0-0), 30 — Last Season: 7

• Last Week: L 3-6 v Boston Pride (EX) (9/22)

• Coming Week: v Concordia (EX) (9/29)

The Huskies were a pleasant surprise last season, taking out top ranked Wisconsin then taking the Hockey East title. What Northeastern needs is some consistency if they want to dethrone Boston College.

10. St. Lawrence (0-0-0), 21 — Last Season: 10

• Last Week: No Games

• Coming Week: v Ottawa (EX) (9/25), @ Robert Morris (9/28, 9/29)

The Saints were a contender that just fell short in a stacked ECAC and will once again have to battle for position atop that table. Opening the season at a solid Robert Morris team should give better clues as to the Saint’s legitimacy.

Also Receiving Vote: Mercyhurst 15, Princeton 5, Robert Morris 2, Providence 2, Merrimack 1, Bemidji State 1