ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Chatham Women's Hockey was selected to finish seventh in the 2026-27 United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced Thursday, October 22nd. The poll was determined by voting among the conference's eight head coaches. 

The Cougars enter the season under first-year head coach Alex Ochterbeck, who was named to the position in April. Chatham finished the 2025-26 season with a 3-19-2 overall record and a 2-12-0 mark in conference play. 

Nazareth claimed the top spot with 49 points and seven first-place votes after reaching the NCAA Division III national championship game last season. Defending UCHC champion Elmira followed with 42 points and the remaining first-place vote, while Utica placed third with 35 points. 

St. John Fisher was selected fourth with 31 points, followed by Albertus Magnus with 27 and Manhattanville with 20. Chatham placed seventh ahead of Hilbert, which received seven points. 

The Cougars open the regular season on Friday, October 30th when they host Lebanon Valley in the Faceoff Against Cancer Game at 4:30PM at Shady Side Academy.