Penn State Women's Hockey Prepares for 2026-27 Season with New Roster

The Penn State women's hockey team is set to embark on the 2026-27 season with a significantly altered roster after the departure of several senior players, including Olympic gold medalist Tessa Janecke. The team has achieved notable success in recent years, including four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and conference titles.

Head coach Jeff Kampersal is focused on integrating ten new players into the team, as only one senior remains from the previous season. With a roster featuring seven freshmen, Kampersal acknowledges the challenge of fostering team cohesion and leadership among younger players.

The Nittany Lions will face a tough schedule, including matches against teams that participated in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Kampersal believes that high-level non-conference games will provide valuable learning experiences for the team. As they prepare for the season opener against Ohio State, the team is also looking to fill the goaltending position left vacant by the departure of Katie DeSa.