SB Nation’s Women’s College Hockey Division I Poll: Tiered Titans

The tiers are becoming more entrenched and the bottom of the poll is still a mess but conference play is starting to heat up giving us some great matchups.

1. Clarkson (4-0-0), 145 (11) — Last Week: 1

• Last Week: W 4-2 v Robert Morris (10/5), W 4-3 v Robert Morris (10/6)

• Coming Week: v Montreal (EX) (10/13)

The defending champs remain perfect and have an exhibition against a Canadian college team — University of Montreal.

2. Wisconsin (4-0-0), 138 (3)— Last Week: 2

• Last Week: W 6-1 @ Mercyhurst (10/5), W 5-3 @ Mercyhurst (10/6)

• Coming Week: v Minnesota-Duluth (10/13, 10/14)

A trend seems to be forming for the Badgers: one blowout one close game. But the pair of wins was good enough to earn them the title of “Belles of the Ball”. Up next is a tough home test against a team that will likely have home ice in the WCHA tournament.

3. Minnesota (3-0-1), 122 (1) — Last Week: 3

• Last Week: W 5-2 @ Minnesota-Duluth (10/5), T 2-2 OT (0-2 SOL) @ Minnesota-Duluth (10/6)

• Coming Week: v St. Cloud State (10/12, 10/13)

Minnesota is cementing itself atop the rankings after a four point weekend. Their next opponents are on the weaker side and should be an easy sweep.

4. Minnesota Duluth (2-1-1), 100 —Last Week: 4

• Last Week: L 2-5 v Minnesota (10/5), T 2-2 OT (2-0 SOW) v Minnesota (10/6)

• Coming Week: @ Wisconsin (10/13, 10/14)

The Bulldogs just can’t catch a break as they leave their home rink for a grueling trip to Madison after a disappointing home series against the Gophers.

5. Boston College (1-2-0), 80 — Last Week: T-5

• Last Week: W 5-1 v Syracuse (10/6)

• Coming Week: v St. Lawrence (10/11, 10/12)

The Eagles are basically ACC champs once again. While they and Syracuse are the only teams in that football conference who play hockey, BC is glad to finally get their first win of the season. Coming to Chestnut Hill will be a struggling Saints team.

6. Ohio State (3-1-0), 66 — Last Week: T-5

• Last Week: W 4-3 v Colgate (10/5), L 2-5 v Colgate (10/6)

• Coming Week: v Minnesota State (10/12, 10/13)

After a breakout season last year the Buckeyes were hoping for a bit more consistency to start the season as split at home was not great but now a visit from one of the worst teams in the country should right the ship.

7. Cornell (0-0-0), 51— Last Week: 7

• Last Week: No Games

• Coming Week: v Toronto Jr Aeros (EX) (10/13, 10/14)

The Big Red finally see some exhibition action.

8. Colgate (2-2-0), 42 — Last Week: 8

• Last Week: L 3-4 @ Ohio State (10/5), W 5-2 @ Ohio State (10/6)

• Coming Week: @ Northeastern (10/12, 10/13)

The Raiders are not having the best season, splitting both weekends thus far. Now they travel to Boston to see a Northeastern team they went 3-0 against last year in Hamilton including the NCAAs.

9. Northeastern (1-0-1), 36 — Last Week: 9

• Last Week: W 5-0 @ Boston University (10/5), T 3-3 OT@ Boston University (10/6)

• Coming Week: v Colgate (10/12, 10/13)

The Huskies took Boston University to the woodshed in the opener. In the second game some shaky net play led to a tie. Now Northeastern will open at home with a Banner Night against the team that knocked them out of the NCAAs last season.

10. St. Lawrence (2-1-1), 9 — Last Week: 10

• Last Week: T 1-1 OT v New Hampshire (10/5), W 1-0 OT v New Hampshire (10/6)

• Coming Week: @ Boston College (10/11, 10/12)

After a tight weekend against New Hampshire the Saints staying in this poll depended on the last ballot. Now they travel to another Hockey East foe, this time powerhouse Boston College.

Also Receiving Vote: Connecticut 8, Robert Morris 7, Merrimack 6, Princeton 4, Providence 3, Maine 2, Mercyhurst 1, Harvard 1