University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Land Third Spot in USCHO Preseason Poll
9/15/2025 3:15:00 PM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota women's hockey team opens the 2025-26 season ranked No. 3 in the USCHO.com Preseason Division I Women's Poll, as announced Monday by U.S. College Hockey Online.
The USCHO.com poll, released weekly throughout the season, is voted on by a panel of 15 coaches and women's hockey writers from across the country. The site provides comprehensive coverage of college hockey at all levels.
The Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) continues to showcase its strength with three of the nation's top-ranked programs. Wisconsin earned the No. 1 spot in the preseason rankings, while Ohio State holds No. 2, placing Minnesota in the top three. Minnesota Duluth (No. 6) and St. Cloud State (No. 13) round out the WCHA's strong representation in the poll.
The Gophers' 29th season begins Sept. 20 with an exhibition match against Bemidji State at the Essentia Health Sports Center in Brainerd, Minn. Minnesota will then open its home schedule on Sept. 25, hosting Boston College at Ridder Arena.