A Milestone for Gopher Women's Hockey
Five members of the University of Minnesota women's hockey program have been selected for the 2026 USA Hockey Women's National Festival, a prestigious week‑long camp that brings together the nation’s top under‑18 talent.
The invitees — Bella Fanale, Layla Hemp, Molly Jordan, Madison Kaiser and Ava Lindsay — will join 20 other prospects on the ice in Lake Placid, New York, from August 2 through August 9.
From Camp to International Showdown
At the conclusion of the festival, a 25‑player roster will be finalized for the U.S. Collegiate Women's Select Team, which is slated to meet Canada in a three‑game series from August 12 to 15 at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, British Columbia.
Representing Minnesota on the coaching staff are head coach Greg "Boom" May and assistant coach Marty Sertich, who will serve as bench coach during the camp and later as bench coach for the senior select team.
The upcoming series against Canada represents a key test for the Gophers’ prospects, many of whom are on scholarship at the University of Minnesota and balance academic commitments with elite competition.
USA Hockey, the sport’s national governing body, oversees the selection process, while the University of Minnesota continues to invest in its women's program, highlighted by recent facility upgrades and a growing fan base.
A Broader Impact
The presence of five Gophers in the national camp underscores the program’s rising profile and signals a pipeline that could shape the future of U.S. women's hockey on the international stage.
Fans and alumni alike are watching closely as the players prepare to showcase their skills against Canadian counterparts, with many eyeing a spot on the final roster that will represent the United States in upcoming world competitions.