Ncaa Women's Ice Hockey Rankings
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women's ice hockey rankings are a series of polls used to rank the top 10 women's college ice hockey teams in the United States. The rankings are updated each week throughout the season and are used to determine which teams will compete in the NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Tournament.
How Are the Rankings Determined?
The rankings are determined by a panel of coaches and media members who vote based on a team's record, strength of schedule, and overall performance. The rankings are compiled using a points-based system where a first-place vote is worth 10 points, a second-place vote is worth 9 points, and so on. The total number of points a team receives determines its ranking.
The rankings are released every week during the regular season, starting in late September and continuing through the conference tournaments in March. The final rankings are released after the conference tournaments have concluded, and the NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Tournament begins shortly thereafter.
Why Are the Rankings Important?
The NCAA women's ice hockey rankings are important because they determine which teams will participate in the NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Tournament. The tournament is a single-elimination format, with the winner being crowned the national champion.
Only eight teams are selected to participate in the tournament, and the rankings play a significant role in determining which teams earn an invitation. The top four teams in the rankings receive an automatic bid, while the remaining four teams are selected based on the rankings and other factors such as conference affiliation and geographic location.
Top Teams in the Rankings
The rankings often feature perennial powerhouses such as the University of Minnesota, Boston College, and the University of Wisconsin. These teams have historically been successful in the NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Tournament and consistently earn high rankings throughout the season.
However, there are always surprises in the rankings as well. In recent years, teams such as Clarkson University and Colgate University have emerged as top contenders, challenging the traditional powerhouses and earning high rankings throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
The NCAA women's ice hockey rankings provide an exciting look at which teams are the best in the country. They are an essential component in determining which teams earn a spot in the NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Tournament, where the best teams compete for a chance to be crowned national champions.
Whether you are a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, checking out the NCAA women's ice hockey rankings each week is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in women's college ice hockey.