Wednesday Women: Growth and uncertainty

Jeff Kampersal (Princeton University Head Coach). (Shelley M. Szwast)

In their first Wednesday Women of the year, Candace and Arlan look at Merrimack’s win over Minnesota, the uncertainty for top teams in an Olympic year, what Jeff Kampersal’s move to Penn State means for that team and his former team, Princeton, and the overall state of the women’s game after several big events in the spring.

Providence women’s coach Deraney inks contract extension

Providence announced Monday that women’s head coach Bob Deraney has signed a contract extension. After being picked to finish seventh in the 2016-17 Hockey East preseason coaches’ poll, the Friars finished in fourth place with a 11-10-3 conference record and secured home ice for the Hockey East quarterfinals. Deraney was named the 2016-17 Hockey East … Read more

Wednesday Women: Analyzing the races

Genevieve Bannon (Clarkson - 9) plays the puck as Molly Strabley (Princeton - 2) gives chase. ((c) Shelley M. Szwast 2016)

With the conference champions all but decided, Candace and Arlan look at the races for home ice seeding in each conference, possible playoff matches, the races for points leaders in conferences, the announcement of the Patty Kazmaier Award initial list, and why certain programs are always near the top while others languish.

Wednesday Women: Moving toward success

Dana Trivigno (BC - 8), Kelly Pannek (Minnesota - 19) - The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the Boston College Eagles 3-1 to win the 2016 NCAA national championship on Sunday, March 20, 2016, at the Whittemore Center Arena in Durham, New Hampshire. (Melissa Wade)

Candace and Arlan look at Wisconsin’s Fill the Bowl success, Minnesota-Duluth’s first sweep of Minnesota since 2010, some other puzzling results, like Northeastern getting swept by Maine, what shuffling might occur in the standings, and early favorites for the Patty Kazmaier Award.

Wednesday Women: Finding confidence

Kassidy Sauve of Ohio State (Tim Brule)

Arlan and Nicole look at teams that had a hit to their confidence, like St. Lawrence and Colgate, and teams that may have gained some confidence from their surprise results, such as Mercyhurst, Providence, and St. Cloud State, as well as some of the favorites and what will happen in the PairWise in the second half.

Santa’s wish list for women’s D-I

It’s the midway point of the season, and all but a few teams are done with their schedule until after the new year. As the students prepare for finals and we all head into the holidays, I’ve prepared a letter to Santa to let him know what I wish for each of the Division I … Read more

Wednesday Women: Moving on up

Erin Hall of Holy Cross, one of the tri-captains. (Mark Seliger)

Candace and Arlan look at Holy Cross moving up and compare the Crusaders to previous teams that have moved up to D-I, try to make sense of the many contenders in the ECAC, look at whether Boston College is the favorite in Hockey East, ponder whether North Dakota or Minnesota-Duluth has an edge in the at-large bid battle, and also debate the strengths and weaknesses of teams in the CHA.

Princeton’s later start not a problem

With a school schedule that start weeks later than anyone else, the Ivy League schools are always the last ones to take the ice during the women’s hockey season. A full month after Wisconsin and St. Cloud State opened play, the Ivies hit the ice and gave us our first full look at the full … Read more