2025-26 Division III Women's Hockey

[Scott_TG]

Is there a team(s) in the East next year that should be a hands on favorite?

In the West while UWRF will bring back a lot of talent, they have some huge holes to fill (Aure, Goodreau, O'Kane). Hamline's only question is goaltending, if that gets squared they might be the team to beat. UWEC should be taking another step forward with the majority of the team back and with Freiji solid in the goal. CSB made a great run and brings a lot back. I'd never count out Augburg, but they need to replace a few impact players this time around and I'm not sure they did that. Most intriguing team that might be a few years out is St Scholastica, they brought in some top talent and Coach Brodt already made great progress there.

While UWRF will start out top dog, it won't be as easy for them. I really like UWEC's chances of closing the gap on them this year. They improved greatly throughout the season and are a player or two short of being a really good team.

Norwich is returning a lot of talent, they just need to figure out their goaltending.

Middlebury had a great first year class and there's rumors their recruiting class for this fall is even stronger. There's the question of who will coach the team, whether Mandigo puts off retirement or something else happens. Either way, top programs have a habit of changing coaches with few to no setbacks (Elmira, Norwich, Hamline). If the newcomers at Midd are as good as advertised they will be up there with Norwich battling for the top of the East.

 

[PrezdeJohnson09]

I wouldn’t expect Plattsburgh to stay “off” for long. I bet they’ll be right back in the mix sooner rather than later.

 

[shelfit]

I think Norwich would have provided a stiffer test but they completely collapsed in the semifinals after holding 3-0 and 4-2

That was my first thought, and I couldn't agree more about their collapse. That was one of the biggest collapses in hockey that I have ever seen. It was brutal to watch.

 

[WCHornet]

That was my first thought, and I couldn't agree more about their collapse. That was one of the biggest collapses in hockey that I have ever seen. It was brutal to watch.

They were on their way to the championship again in 2020, BUT we know what happened in 20 & 21. They never recovered in 4 seasons, but I really think they will be back. The mid-season collapse this year was the killer. But even this year they had a 20-7-1 record with a win over both Norwich and Middlebury (12-1-1 conference) For most teams that would be a dream season, but not for Plattsburgh. The Cards will be back.