For the past four seasons the Bemidji State women’s hockey program has been synonymous with the bottom of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, finishing last each year and battling to find a foothold in a league that has historically favored men’s teams.
A New Coaching Era
Amber Fryklund, who took over as head coach ahead of the 2024‑25 season, brings a playing pedigree and a vision for a systematic rebuild. Her arrival marks the first major leadership change for the program in over a decade and has already sparked renewed enthusiasm among players and staff.
The NCAA’s recent shift to an age‑based eligibility model grants student‑athletes five years of eligibility if they enroll before turning 19, effectively extending the window for older players. This change lets current Bemidji State seniors and juniors tap into an extra year or two, giving the team a chance to field a roster that is both veteran and cohesive.
The 2026‑27 roster will be the oldest in Fryklund’s tenure, with only two players from the previous class graduating. Incoming sophomore transfers Ruby Rauk and Sophia Villanueva join holdovers such as Hailey Armstrong, Kate Johnson, Shelby Sandberg, Morgan Smith and Izy Fairchild, while veteran goaltender Ava Hills can now play a fifth season thanks to the elimination of the redshirt rule.
Despite the promising roster, the Beavers still face steep competition in the WCHA, where the disparity between men’s and women’s program counts — 45 women’s teams versus 63 men’s — limits resources and exposure. The team also lost point‑producer Isa Goettl and three depth players, making the integration of new talent critical.
If the blend of experience, strategic recruiting and the new eligibility rules clicks, Bemidji State could finally break out of its perennial last‑place status and contend for a higher seed in the conference tournament. The upcoming season will serve as a litmus test for whether a program can transform its culture in just a few short years.