Preseason Rankings
The Atlantic Hockey America Conference released its 2026‑27 women's hockey preseason poll, positioning Penn State at the summit with six first‑place votes. Mercyhurst earned a solitary top vote, while RIT, Robert Morris and Delaware rounded out the lower tier of the ranking. Lindenwood found itself slotted fourth alongside Syracuse, a placement that reflects both the program’s upward trajectory and the competitive depth of the league.
Lindenwood’s recent history adds context to the optimism. The 2025‑26 campaign marked a program‑best 14 victories and a semifinal run in the AHA Tournament, the deepest postseason showing since 2017. Building on that momentum, the Lions will open the new season on September 18 at Post University under first‑year head coach Max Gavin, who inherits a roster bolstered by veteran talent and fresh recruits.
Among the individual storylines, Penn State’s Grace Outwater has been crowned the Preseason Player of the Year. The senior forward’s blend of speed and playmaking has already drawn praise from coaches and analysts alike, and she is expected to be a central figure when the Nittany Lions begin their campaign.
The conference office highlighted the poll results as a barometer for a season that promises tight races and surprise performances. With the opening weekend fast approaching, teams are set to translate preseason expectations into on‑ice results, and fans can anticipate a slate of competitive matchups across the league.