Sept. 24, 2008

Providence, R.I. - USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine has released the 2008 women's hockey preseason poll with Providence coming in at No. 9 earning 40 points. The Friars are one of three Hockey East teams to earn a spot amongst the top 10 as New Hampshire (125) came in at No. 4 while Boston College (28) starts the season ranked 10th. Defending national champion University of Minnesota Duluth (190) earned the top spot on the preseason poll as they accumulated all 19 first-place votes. Wisconsin and Harvard round out the top five.

The Friars finished the 2007-2008 campaign with a record of 16-16-4 while finishing 10-8-3 in Hockey East play. After suffering a heart-breaking defeat at the hands of New Hampshire in the Hockey East Championship game, Providence is ready to start on the road to the Frozen Four.

The Friars open the 2008-2009 season on Sunday, September 28 at 2:00 p.m. as they face off against Brampton Junior Thunder in an exhibition game at Schneider Arena.