Yale will look to build on a successful 2022-2023 season when they open their NCAA campaign this weekend.
The Yale Bulldogs are the only NCAA Division I women's hockey program yet to play a game this season, and their opening comes with big expectations.
After falling to Northeastern in the NCAA Tournament's round of eight last season, Yale looks to take another step toward that goal this season, entering the year as The Hockey News' 5th ranked team nationally.
Gone from last season's team are Emma Seitz and Claire Dalton who are both playing professionally, along with graduating player Charlotte Welch. But the core of Yale's team remains intact and will look to move closer to berth to the Frozen Four.
Up front, Elle Hartje, Jordan Ray, and Anna Bargman will do the heavy lifting, while Carina DiAntonio who had a spectacular rookie season last year will be counted on to take another step forward.
On defence, Vita Ponyatovskaya is the star of the program, and will be asked to log heavy minutes without Seitz running shotgun. The Muhn sisters, veteran Oliva and rookie Avery will also play significant roles, with Emma DeCorby as another key figure on the blueline.
Yale's backbone however, is game stealing goaltender Pia Dukaric. Last year Dukaric went 28-4-1 with a 1.42 GAA and .935 save percentage. She was named a First Team ECAC All-Star and was the ECAC Goaltender of the Year.
It doesn't start easy for Yale as they'll face nationally ranked Princeton and Quinnipiac on back-to-back nights this weekend.