STORRS,Conn.- The University of Connecticut women’s hockey team is poised for a three-peat, earning the top spot in the Hockey East Association preseason Coaches’ Poll for the third consecutive year, as announced Tuesday.
The huskies, under head coach Chris mackenzie, have dominated the conference, securing back-to-back regular season championships in 2023-24 and 2024-25. This preseason recognition underscores UConn‘s established position as a Hockey East powerhouse and signals their continued ambition for championship contention. The program’s recent success – two consecutive 19-win seasons in conference play – represents a significant leap forward, particularly considering the program previously only had one season with 15+ wins in its 26-year history before 2023-24.
UConn returns key contributors from last season, including reigning Hockey East Goaltender of the Year Tia Chan and Rookie of the Year Claire Murdoch.Chan recorded 632 saves and a.945 save percentage in 24 games, ranking among the nation’s elite goaltenders and finishing as a 2024-25 HCA Goalie of the Year finalist. Murdoch enjoyed a standout freshman campaign,leading the Huskies with 29 points in 36 games,including 13 goals – three of which were game-winners.
The Huskies will begin their title defense on September 26 & 27 with a two-game series against St. Cloud State at the Toscano Family Ice Forum.
Hockey East Preseason Poll
- UConn – 86 (5)
- Boston University 82 (5)
- Northeastern 76
- boston College – 64
- Providence – 61
- New Hampshire – 44
- Maine – 41
- Vermont - 41
- Holy cross – 27
- Merrimack -18
(Frist place votes in parenthesis)
