The NCAA women's hockey transfer portal is buzzing as the 2026‑27 Premier Women's Hockey League season approaches, with a wave of experienced players opting to test themselves against new competition.
A Surge of Movement Ahead of the 2026‑27 Campaign
The portal, which lets athletes switch programs for a fifth year of eligibility, has become a strategic tool for teams looking to plug gaps or add depth before the professional draft.
Among the most talked‑about moves are the transfers of Ellah Hause, Rylee Bartz, Julia Schalin, Ashley Allard and Jessie Pellerin, each bringing a distinct blend of skill and pedigree to their next destinations.
Ellah Hause Seeks New Momentum at Ohio State
Hause arrives in Columbus after a senior season in which she recorded 16 points across 36 games and contributed to the USA U‑18 national team, a performance that highlighted her two‑way versatility.
Rylee Bartz Joins the Buckeyes with Proven Scoring Prowess
Bartz, who previously tallied 30 points with 17 goals for St. Thomas, brings a knack for finding the net that could instantly elevate the Buckeyes’ offensive tempo.
Julia Schalin and Ashley Allard Bolster Minnesota’s Attack
Schalin, an Olympian who posted nine goals and 31 points in 32 games for Mercyhurst last season, joins a Gophers program that has been searching for a reliable scorer, while Allard brings 10 goals and 28 points from a UConn campaign that saw her play 37 games.
Jessie Pellerin Eyes Clarkson’s Path to the PWHL Draft
Pellerin, a sophomore who posted 11 goals and 21 points for Providence, chose Clarkson with the explicit goal of leveraging the school’s reputation as a pipeline to the professional draft, a move that could reshape her development trajectory.
The convergence of these transfers underscores a broader trend: elite collegiate talent is increasingly using the portal to align with programs that promise both competitive play and a clear route to the PWHL, a shift that promises to heighten the league’s depth and excitement as the new season looms.