The University of Minnesota Duluth announced its leadership roster for the upcoming 2026‑27 women’s hockey season, naming four captains and two alternates who will steer the Bulldogs onto the ice.
Captains Ready to Lead
Ida Karlsson, a senior defenseman from Sweden and recent Olympian, has been selected as the team’s primary captain, bringing a blend of international experience and defensive steadiness.
Joining her, junior forward Caitlin Kraemer will share the captaincy, leveraging her recent All‑WCHA Third Team recognition and academic excellence to provide offensive spark and poise under pressure.
In the crease, senior goaltender Eve Gascon, celebrated for her 0.84 save percentage and multiple WCHA Goaltender of the Year accolades, will serve as an alternate captain, offering veteran presence between the pipes.
Defensive partner Kate Kosobud, a junior noted for her 40 blocks and a +4 plus‑minus rating, rounds out the alternate group, having earned WCHA Defender of the Week honors earlier this season.
The Bulldogs will open their campaign on September 25‑26, 2026, at AMSOIL Arena in Duluth, facing Mercyhurst College in a highly anticipated matchup.
Both Karlsson and Kraemer arrive with strong external credentials: Karlsson is currently competing for Team Sweden on the Women’s Euro Tour, while Kraemer recently trained with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team and attended the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers Development Camp.
Gascon’s stellar record includes two shutouts in the 2025‑26 season and a reputation as one of the most reliable net‑minders in NCAA history, while Kosobud’s defensive metrics have helped stabilize the Bulldogs’ back end.
With a blend of seasoned leadership and fresh talent, the coaching staff believes the new captaincy structure will translate into a competitive edge as the team aims for a strong start and a deep run in the conference playoffs.