Penn State’s women’s hockey program has revealed a ten‑player signing class that will be part of the 2026‑27 roster, a move that reflects the coaching staff’s ambition to reinforce depth and competitiveness across the team. Head coach Jeff Kampersal described the newcomers as “talented and team‑oriented,” emphasizing the blend of experience and fresh energy.
The class is composed of six forwards, two defensemen and two goaltenders, hailing from seven different U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, underscoring the program’s national recruiting footprint. This group includes both transfers and fresh talent, each bringing a distinct set of achievements and international exposure.
Spotlight on New Additions
Among the newcomers, forward Kylie Amelkovich from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, brings a stint at Shattuck‑St. Mary’s and experience with Team USA, while junior Alanna Devlin of Marshfield, Massachusetts, adds a background at Boston College and the North American Hockey Academy. Defenseman Megan Hosman, a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, previously skated for Loomis Chaffee School and the Mid Fairfield Stars, and forward Sofia Ismael from St. George, Ontario, contributed to Team Canada’s junior program.
The roster also includes Ashley Kokavec, a senior defenseman from Palm Beach, Florida, who has logged time at both the University of Vermont and the University of Maine, and Kayla McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native who earned exposure with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite. Additional contributors such as Sydney McIntosh from Langley, British Columbia, and Lorelai Nelson of Edina, Minnesota, round out a geographically diverse group.
Two players will also make notable jersey changes: sophomore Matilde Fantin has moved from #20 to #17 and will represent Italy at the upcoming 2026 Milan‑Cortina Olympics, while sophomore forward Sophie Morrow shifted from #25 to #22 after appearing in all 39 games during her freshman campaign. Their adaptability and international experience are seen as assets for the team’s depth.
Coach Kampersal concluded that the new class not only adds skill but also reinforces a culture of collaboration, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.