PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Little East Conference announced its 2026-27 Women's Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll, projecting the Vermont State University Castleton women's team to finish fourth. 

Castleton enters the season following a 12-15-0 overall record and a 7-11-0 mark in Little East Conference play under head coach Tim McAuliffe. The Spartans were selected fourth in the preseason poll with 29 points. 

Castleton returns much of its offensive production from last season, led by Taylor Adams, who recorded 19 points on six goals and 13 assists. Mikayla Brightman and graduate student Amanda Vaughn also return after combining for 29 points. Brightman tallied six goal and nine assists, while Vaughn recorded five goals and nine assists. Brooke Noble adds to the returning scoring group after contributing seven goals and six assists. 

The Spartans also bring back defensemen Olivia Carter and Morgan Arscott, along with goaltender Gianna McCusker, who made 450 saves and posted a .909 save percentage last season.

Castleton welcomes nine newcomers to the roster as it prepares for the upcoming season. Among the new faces is Emma Dedobbelaer, who joins the Spartans from Adrian College. Maya Launiere, Avery Ross, Paityn Berry, Emma Lawton, Ina Aulin, Alicia Perron, Autumn Alcabes and Emilia Couture will also join the team.

Castleton will get its first look at the upcoming season on Saturday, hosting Western New England for an exhibition game at 1 p.m.

2026-27 LEC Women's Ice Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Norwich - 49 (7)
2. UMass Boston - 42 (1)
3. Southern Maine - 34
4. VTSU Castleton - 29
5. Plymouth State - 27
6. Keene State - 23
7, New England College - 13
8. Western Connecticut - 7