With 2009 born players officially eligible to make their NCAA women's hockey commitments beginning in July, the floodgates are starting to open as schools scoop up some of the best available players. 

Connecticut and Providence College lead the way with five players from the 2009 age group each to have already announced their commitments.

Heading to play for UConn are Maggie Hughson, Olivia VanSickle, Charette Adrielle, Demi Lazarou, and Mia Venusio.

Providence will welcome Madison Stark, Taylor Supryka, Neve Thatcher, Peyton Fleming and USA U-18 national team goalie Finley Engfer.

Staying in the east, Boston University secured three top players in Sydney Bowness, Skylar Ruschpler, and Eva Ouellette. It's an impressive early trio. Harvard also has a trio secured coming to Beantown in Cadence Liu, Alexis Bornhoeft, and Lily Paisley.

Other early 2009 commits in the east include Jordan Mulvihill (Clarkson), Tavia Koscielnuk (Vermont),  Aniston McRann and Bria Schilling (Cornell), Charlee Love (St. Lawrence),  Aubryn Monter and Kate Pasma (Penn State), Joely Wexler and Maddy Lubera (Union College), Cady Kowalow (Northeastern), Lily Bromley (Princeton), Riley Cooper (Quinnipiac), and Annabella Van Berkel (Colgate).

Moving to the WCHA, Minnesota jumped out strong committing to a pair of USA U-18 national team members from Lovell Academy in Annabelle Lovell and Sydney Stoughton. Wisconsin also took one of the top USA U-18 players in defender Chyna Taylor. Finally, Ohio State will bring in Avery Jones and Katie Spyhalski.