PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Little East Conference announced its 2025-26 Women's Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll, projecting the Vermont State University Castleton women's team to finish second.

This is the first season that the LEC will sponsor women's ice hockey, as the New England Hockey Conference — the Spartans' previous home — folded following the 2024-25 season.

Castleton was selected to finish second with 24 points, trailing Norwich, which was picked first with 36 points and six of the seven first-place votes.

The Spartans are excited for the return of senior captain Moa Carlsson, a 2024-25 NEHC First Team All-Conference selection and two-time New England Hockey Writers Association All-Star.

Also joining the captain's ranks is Ellie Schliebner, who ranked second on the team in points (16) last season and led the team with 11 assists.

The roster will feature six first-years, highlighted by power forward Maddy Jorgenson, who joins the Spartans from Fort Erie International Academy. Defender Angie Palmer, formerly of the Boston Advantage, will also bolster the blue line.

Castleton will get an early look at the upcoming season on Saturday, hosting Plattsburgh State for an exhibition game at 2 p.m. at Spartan Arena.
 
2025-26 LEC Women's Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Norwich - 36 (6)
2. VTSU Castleton - 24
T3. UMass Boston - 23 (1)
T3. Plymouth State - 23
5. Southern Maine - 22
6. Keene State - 13
7. New England College - 6