2021-22 Schedule
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The college hockey season is a week away and the Nazareth women's team is generating attention as the team to beat in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference for 2021-22. The Golden Flyers were picked first in the UCHC pre-season poll that was voted on by the league's 11 head coaches.

Nazareth was a near unanimous selection, garnering nine of the 11 first-place votes and 99 total points. The Golden Flyers are attempting to win their first UCHC title. Nazareth finished 8-2-0 overall and 4-1-0 in UCHC play during the 2020-21 season, which was shortened due to COVID-19. The Golden Flyers advanced to the UCHC Championship game for the first time in 2021.
 
Utica College is picked to finish second with 91 total points and two first place votes. Stevenson, who finished second in the league standings during the 2020-21 regular season is picked to finish third with 78 points. Manhattanville College is predicted to finish fourth with 72 points, while Chatham University completes the top five with 66 points.
 
Neumann University (52 Points), Alvernia University (48 points), Lebanon Valley College (35 points), Wilkes University (24 points), Arcadia University (22 points) and King's College (18 points) round out the rankings.

The Golden Flyers will be embarking on their fourth season of intercollegiate play this weekend with a pair of exhibition games. Nazareth visits Elmira Friday at 6 p.m. and hosts William Smith Saturday at 4. The regular-season unfolds next weekend with a two-game home-and-home series against Buffalo State. Nazareth plays at home Friday against the Bengals at 4 p.m., then visits Buffalo State Saturday at 12 p.m.

2021-22 UCHC Women's Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Nazareth – 99 Points (9 First Place Votes)
2. Utica – 91 Points (2 First Place Votes)
3. Stevenson – 78 Points
4. Manhattanville – 72 Points
5. Chatham – 66 Points
6. Neumann – 52 Points
7. Alvernia – 48 Points
8. Lebanon Valley – 35 Points
9. Wilkes – 24 Points
10. Arcadia – 22 Points
11. King's – 18 Points