However, Providence lost forwards Katie Lachapelle (13, 23) and Myia Yates (15, 14) to graduation, and Corinne Rosen (17, 17) transferred to Ohio State to join former Providence coach Jackie Barto.

That means Barto's replacement, Bob Deraney, will have to start from scratch to come up with a productive offense.

8. Niagara

The future is bright for Niagara (11-15-2, 9-15-2). The Purple Eagles can certainly contend for a playoff berth this season, but Coach Margot Page will need to bring her young skaters along very quickly for that to happen.

All 17 players from last year's squad, the school's first-ever women's hockey team, are back--and they will welcome 12 freshmen to the team bench. After suffering the expected growing pains at the beginning of its inaugural season, Niagara barely missed a playoff berth by just eight points.

Sophomore forward Brooke Bradburn (18, 13) was one of the Purple Eagles to make the ECAC All-Rookie Team. She, along with classmate Stephanie Romain (12, 12) will lead Niagara's scoring attack.

Sophomore netminder Tania Pinelli (3.39 GAA), another ECAC All-Rookie Team selection last year, is the heart of the defense. She will be flanked by sophomore defensemen Barbara Prall (6 , 15) and Julie Forsyth (2, 8).