With the 2008 NCAA national title trophy sitting in the University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team display case, the Bulldogs are ready to focus on defending it.

UMD, which began classes this week, is in the midst of some heavy preseason training ahead of their first offical practice, which is set for Monday, September 22. With all but last season's sole senior Karine Demeule returning to the ice from their championship roster, the Bulldogs have upped the stakes by adding six freshman, including two 2006 Olympic silver medalists from Team Sweden, Pernilla Winberg and Jenni Asserholt.

With six seniors and seven juniors leading the way, the Maroon and Gold has shed its youthful image and tucked away the memories from their historic 2007-08 run to reclaim the mantle on top of women's college hockey.

"We have high expectations for this season," said Bulldog senior defenseman Myriam Trepanier. "There is no doubt in our minds that we can do it again, especially given the players we have coming in.

If history is any indication of what may lie ahead for UMD, things appear right on championship track.