Hockey East Releases 2012-13 Women's Ice Hockey Poll

Orono, Maine – The University of Maine women's ice hockey team was selected fifth in the 2012 Hockey East Preseason Coaches' Poll released on Thursday, September 20, 2012. The Black Bears have several newcomers who look to have an immediate impact on the 2012-13 campaign.

Boston College has been tabbed as the team to beat, earning 54 points and five of the eight first place votes. Boston University tallied 51 points and the three remaining first place votes for the second spot. Northeastern University will round out the top three with 44 points.

Providence College was selected fourth with 37 points, Maine was picked fifth with 30 points, and New Hampshire with 28 points was selected sixth. Vermont tallied 22 points for seventh and Connecticut took the eighth spot with 14 points.

Maine, who finished 17-11-6 last season, adds nine newcomers to the 2012-13 roster. Among the returning players are senior forward Brittany Dougherty (Chesterfield, Michigan) who led the team in points last season with 33; 16 goals and 17 assists and senior goaltender Brittany Ott (St. Claire Shores, Michigan) who posted a 13-10-3 record last season with 717 saves and a .919 save percentage. The Black Bears also have senior defender Chloe Tinkler (Wabush, Newfoundland) and sophomore forward Jennifer More (Deloraine, Manitoba) returning for the 2012-13 season; both women will share captain responsibilities.

Maria Lewis will return for her third season as head coach of the Maine women's ice hockey program. Richard Reichenbach and Tyler Bilton will assist Lewis.

Maine opens the 2012-13 season on Sunday, September 30 where it hosts Dalhousie at Alfond Arena in Orono, Maine. Puck is scheduled to drop at 3:00 PM.