Sydney McIntosh, a forward who spent the previous season with Rink Hockey Academy Kelowna, announced her commitment to Penn State’s women’s hockey team for the 2026‑27 campaign. During that season she recorded 39 points, including 13 goals and 26 assists, and earned a spot on her province’s National Women’s Under‑18 Championship roster.
The commitment comes at a pivotal moment for the program. Penn State’s recent campaign culminated in a Frozen Four appearance, only to fall in the semifinals against Wisconsin. The team will also navigate the loss of seven players who were drafted into the Professional Women’s Hockey League, a group that includes program‑all‑time leader Tessa Janecke, selected third overall by PWHL Las Vegas.
McIntosh will join a fresh influx of talent, comprising seven other freshmen and two transfers, to fill the vacancies left by departing veterans. As one of six new forwards, she is expected to contribute immediately to the squad’s depth and offensive output.
Building Around New Faces
Coaches see the incoming class as an opportunity to blend youthful energy with the experience of returning players. The blend of fresh talent and strategic recruitment aims to sustain the Nittany Lions’ upward trajectory in collegiate hockey.