Preseason ranking of the 20 best New England-based Div. 1 teams

▸ 1. BOSTON UNIVERSITY | With a trio of 30-point scorers returning, an ace goalie in Jake Oettinger and five freshmen drafted in June, early departures to the NHL shouldn’t hurt the Terriers.

▸ 2. HARVARD | The Crimson were a complete bunch last year, broke a long Beanpot drought and won their second ECAC title in three years. You can bet that Frozen Four loss is a definite motivator in Cambridge.

▸ 3. PROVIDENCE | If the second half of last season is any indication, it’ll be a real fun year in Friartown. Nate Leaman’s young team won 22 games and made NCAAs, and now they’re experienced. Watch out.