The WCHA coaches’ preseason poll has again placed the Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team in fourth position for the 2026‑27 season, marking the eleventh time the Bulldogs have finished in that spot since the 2011‑12 campaign, barring the COVID‑shortened 2020‑21 year when they rose to second.
A Tradition of Consistency
Leading the charge are senior standouts Eve Gascon and Caitlin Kraemer, both named preseason all‑conference selections. Gascon, the reigning back‑to‑back WCHA goaltender of the year and a two‑time All‑American, anchors the net, while Kraemer, who posted 30 points in 36 games last season, brings offensive firepower and has already attracted attention from the Edmonton Oilers’ NHL development camp.
On the opposite side of the poll, Ohio State Buckeyes topped the rankings with 48 points, driven by forward Joy Dunne, the 2026 Olympic gold medalist whose presence underscores the Buckeyes’ pursuit of a championship.
The Duluth roster also features emerging talent such as Adrianna Milani, the WCHA Preseason Rookie of the Year, and Edit Danielsson, one of five players nominated for the same honor, adding depth to a blend of veterans and newcomers.
The Bulldogs open the 2026‑27 campaign with a non‑conference series against Mercyhurst on September 25‑26 before entering WCHA play against St. Thomas on October 9‑10, a schedule that will test their consistency throughout the year.
Historically, Minnesota Duluth’s fourth‑place finishes reflect a program that consistently competes at a high level, reinforcing its reputation as a staple of the WCHA’s competitive balance.