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

Entering their second season in the LEC, the Pilgrims look to build on their inaugural campaign and climb the conference standings. Reigning Little East champions and NCAA Frozen Four semifinalists Norwich were picked unanimously as the preseason favorites with seven first-place votes and 47 points. UMass – Boston followed in second with one first-place vote and 42 points, while Southern Maine placed third with 34 points. Vermont State University - Castleton (29 points) and Plymouth State (27 points) rounded out the top five. 

Keene State was picked sixth, followed by NEC in seventh, and Western Connecticut in eighth. With a season of conference experience behind them, the 'Grims aim to make a jump in the standings.  

The Pilgrims open their regular season on October 30th, hosting the Vikings of Salem State University in a non-conference matchup. The 'Grims begin LEC play on November 6th, on the road against Southern Maine who was picked to finish third in the pack.  

2026 LEC Women's Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Norwich - 49 (7)
2. UMass Boston - 42 (1)
3. Southern Maine - 34
4. VTSU Castleton - 29
5. Plymouth State - 27
6. Keene State - 23
7. New England College - 13
8. Western Connecticut - 7 

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