(Hard to argue with Top 3, but UConn over Maine????)


October 8, 2002
Women's Hockey East Releases Inaugural Preseason Coaches' Poll


Tradition seems to speak for itself in the first-ever Women's Hockey East
preseason coaches' poll. Champions for the seventh time at the conclusion of
last season, the Providence College Friars have been selected as the
designated favorite coming into 2002-03.

Mirroring the strengths boasted by the Boston University men's team (the men
's preseason favorite) the Friars are consistent in both their attack and
their defense, a combination that inevitably leads to victory. Neither squad
can claim a bonafide superstar on its roster, but neither needs one to be
considered a major threat on both the league and national levels.

Northeastern and New Hampshire finished runners-up in the poll with the
Huskies edging the Wildcats by just one point for the No. 2 spot. Between
them, the teams have claimed eight titles as Providence's primary
competition over the years. Sprinkled with All-Stars, Northeastern is
seeking vengeance for a 1-0 title game loss to Providence last season. New
Hampshire has very high hopes with a new coach at the helm in Brian
McCloskey, an assistant with the UNH men's program for several seasons.

Connecticut and Maine fill the No. 4 and 5 spots, respectively, and each
university has made a major commitment to developing its women's ice hockey
program. Both have the potential to unseat any of the classic favorites.

The race to be the first Women's Hockey East champion commences with the
first league face-off when Boston College hosts Providence on Friday, Nov.
1, at 7:00 p.m. A 15-game league schedule will determine participants and
seedings for the Women's Hockey East Tournament, which concludes with the
championship game on Sunday, March 16, at Northeastern's Matthews Arena.

2002-03 Preseason Coaches' Poll
 Team (First Place Votes) Pts.
1. Providence (4) 24
2. Northeastern (1) 20
3. New Hampshire (1) 19
4. Connecticut 13
5. Maine 11
6. Boston College 5