There is a new top ten in the women’s hockey world. The weekly USCHO poll came out yesterday evening and it featured some major changes. Gone from the top ten is Harvard, who is mired in a slump following their weekend loss to UNH. Replacing them is Boston University, who rejoins the top ten.
The top four remain the same, but after that there is some major shuffling within the group. Here’s a look at the full top ten, with thoughts to follow.
- Minnesota (14)
- Wisconsin (1)
- Cornell
- Northeastern
- Princeton
- Ohio State
- Clarkson
- Boston College
- Minnesota Duluth
- Boston University
RV Harvard (10) and Robert Morris (4)
Minnesota remains in first, but lost one vote to Wisconsin. The Golden Gophers lost in three-on-three overtime to Duluth on Friday before claiming a victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday. The Badgers, meanwhile, picked up a weekend sweep over St. Cloud State. The two rivals will no doubt be battling it out for the top spot all season long, and it is no surprise that the Badgers are starting to wrestle first place votes. These are two elite teams.
Cornell and Northeastern remain the number 3 and 4 teams in the country. The Big Red were off this past weekend, but have a tough week ahead. They’ll battle a tournament team in Syracuse tonight before heading to Columbus to battle Ohio State this weekend. The Huskies defeated Maine on Saturday before suffering an overtime defeat against the Black Bears at home on Sunday.
Princeton, as we mentioned yesterday, had a statement weekend. After beating #5 Clarkson on Friday, the Tigers crushed St. Lawrence on Saturday to pick up four key points. Their showing advanced them three spots, jumping from #8 to #5. It’s nice to see this team get rewarded after picking up a signature win.
Clarkson, previously #5, fell to #7 after their loss to Princeton and surprising tie with UR Quinnipiac. The Golden Knights will head to the Windjammer Classic this weekend to try and right the ship. It starts with Minnesota State on Friday afternoon at 1:00 pm.
Ohio State jumped from #7 to #6 after crushing Colgate on Friday and skating to a draw with them on Saturday. They’ll get a real good out of conference test this weekend with Cornell coming to town. We’ll learn a lot about the Buckeyes this weekend.
Boston College, who split a weekend set with UConn, fell to 8th while Minnesota Duluth jumped to #9. They moved up a spot after their three-on-three victory over the top ranked Gophers on Friday night.
