Rochester, NY - On Thursday, the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) released its women's hockey preseason poll. The Cougars are predicted to finish seventh, receiving 17 points after finishing fourth in conference play last year.  

 

The women's hockey program is looking to build off reaching the UCHC Semifinals in three of the previous four seasons. They are slated to finish behind conference newcomer Albertus Magnus and ahead of another newcomer, Hilbert College.

 

"I am excited for the season, We have welcomed a lot of new faces, from 4 staff members and 13 new incoming players, so our focus on pre season has been working on getting to know everyone while instilling the habits of how we want to play, I think there will be some fun surprises in store as our players adapt to what we are asking of them," Head Coach Mike O'Grady commented. 

 

The women's hockey program emphasizes up tempo play and takes advantage of crucial breakouts and counter attacking strategies. Coach O'Grady said, " So far through pre-season practices, we have already seen our ability to play fast and transition well through the neutral zone improve from last year, and I am looking forward to seeing that continue as the season gets started." 

 

The Cougars' season will begin on October 31st at home against Lebanon Valley. Puck drop is slated for 3 pm.