ADRIAN, Mich. — The Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) released the results of the 2025-26 Women’s Hockey Coaches’ Preseason Poll, and it signals one of the most competitive seasons yet. Adrian returns to the top spot, but a number of competitive contenders trail closely.
Adrian accumulated 94 points and five first-place votes, narrowly edging St. Norbert by one point. The Green Knights earned four first-place votes and 93 total points. In third place, Concordia Wisconsin garnered 78 points, while Lake Forest holds the fourth spot with one first-place vote and 70 points. Aurora (60 points), Trine (49 points) and Marian (32 points) hold the 5-7 spts in the poll. MSOE (29 points), Lawrence (27 points) and Dubuque (18 points) fill out the remainder of the field.
The regular season is scheduled to begin Friday, October 31, with all teams opening with non-conference matchups. NCHA play officially tips off on Thursday, November 6, featuring Lake Forest at Aurora. The following two days of that weekend the entire league will have played conference games.
As always, the NCHA regular season standings will determine the eight teams that qualify for the Slaats Cup Playoffs. The tournament champion receives the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championship.
| School |
Points |
| 1. Adrian |
94 (5) |
| 2. St. Norbert |
93 (4) |
| 3. Concordia Wisconsin |
78 |
| 4. Lake Forest |
70 (1) |
| 5. Aurora |
60 |
| 6. Trine |
49 |
| 7. Marian |
32 |
| 8. MSOE |
29 |
| 9. Lawrence |
27 |
| 10. Dubuque |
18 |
() - First-place votes