Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

Ncaa D3 Women's Hockey Rankings

College sports are an integral part of American culture, and ice hockey is one of the most popular collegiate sports. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) organizes several leagues and championships for men's and women's ice hockey teams, including Division III (D3). D3 women's hockey is a highly competitive league with several talented teams competing for the national title each year.

What is NCAA D3 Women's Hockey?

NCAA D3 Women's Hockey is a college ice hockey league for Division III schools. D3 schools are the smallest and have fewer resources than larger D1 or D2 schools. However, D3 women's hockey players are just as skilled and dedicated to their sport as any other college athlete. The NCAA D3 Women's Hockey league includes over 60 teams across the United States and Canada.

Unlike some other NCAA sports, D3 women's hockey doesn't offer athletic scholarships. However, many D3 schools offer academic scholarships and financial aid, which can make college more affordable for student-athletes. The league operates on a shorter season than D1 or D2, typically beginning in November and ending in March. The top teams from each conference and several at-large teams compete in the NCAA D3 Women's Hockey Championship each year.

Rankings

The NCAA releases weekly rankings for D3 women's hockey teams throughout the season. The rankings are based on a team's win-loss record, strength of schedule, and other factors. The top-ranked teams in the NCAA D3 Women's Hockey rankings for the 2021-2022 season are as follows:

  1. Nescac Logo
    NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference) - The NESCAC currently has three teams ranked in the top 10, including Middlebury College, Williams College, and Amherst College. Middlebury is the top-ranked team in the NCAA D3 Women's Hockey rankings, with a record of 8-0-0.
  2. Wiac Logo
    WIAC (Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) - The WIAC has two teams ranked in the top 10: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Both teams have a record of 6-1-1 and are tied for fifth place in the rankings.
  3. Umac Logo
    UMAC (Upper Midwest Athletic Conference) - University of Wisconsin-Superior is the only UMAC team ranked in the top 10, currently in eighth place with a record of 7-1-0.
  4. Miac Logo
    MIAC (Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) - Hamline University is the only MIAC team currently ranked in the top 10, in tenth place with a record of 6-1-1.

It's worth noting that rankings can change frequently throughout the season, as teams play more games and the strength of their opponents changes.

Championships

The NCAA D3 Women's Hockey Championship is held annually in late March or early April. Eight teams compete in the tournament, including the winners of each conference tournament and several at-large teams chosen by a selection committee. The tournament is a single-elimination format, with the championship game typically held on the first Saturday in April.

The most successful team in NCAA D3 Women's Hockey history is the Middlebury College Panthers, with seven national championships. Other successful teams include the Plattsburgh State Cardinals, who have won four championships, and the Amherst College Mammoths, who have won three championships.

Conclusion

NCAA D3 Women's Hockey is a highly competitive league with several talented teams competing for the national title each year. The rankings and championships provide a way for these teams to showcase their skills and compete against other top teams in the league. Fans of women's ice hockey can follow their favorite teams and players throughout the season and cheer them on as they strive to become NCAA champions.

Related video of NCAA D3 Women's Hockey Rankings