HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's ice hockey team was voted to finish 7th place in the Little East Conference (LEC) Preseason Poll conducted by the league's seven head coaches. 

Entering its' first season hosting ice hockey, the top of the LEC's preseason poll is dominated by teams formerly of the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC). Norwich collected six first-place votes and enter the season as the favorites with 36 points. Vermont State University Castleton slotted in number two with 24 points while UMass-Boston slots in at third with 23 points and the final first place vote.  

Tied with the Beacons is Plymouth State, followed by Southern Maine in fifth, Keene State in sixth, and NEC in seventh. The 'Grims will be looking to make a jump in the LEC standings during this inaugural season. 

The 'Grims begin the regular season on October 31st in a non-conference match as they host the Trailblazers of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts before starting conference play on November 7th hosting the University of Southern Maine who was picked to finish fifth place in the pack. 

2025-26 LEC Women's Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll 

1. Norwich - 36 (6) 
2. VTSU Castleton - 24 
T3. UMass Boston - 23 (1) 
T3. Plymouth State - 23 
5. Southern Maine - 22 
6. Keene State - 13 
7. New England College - 6 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.