Women's Ice Hockey Picked Eighth in National Preseason PollsWomen's Ice Hockey Picked Eighth in National Preseason Polls

Women's Ice Hockey Picked Eighth in National Preseason Polls

Nittany Lions received their highest preseason ranking in program history

25-26 Ranking Template usa poll

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The 2025-26 Penn State women’s ice hockey team heads into the season ranked eighth overall by USCHO.com and USA Hockey in their respective preseason polls. 

After finishing the 2024-25 campaign with their highest season-end ranking in program history, the Nittany Lions received their highest-ever preseason ranking heading into the 2025-26 season. Penn State is also the only AHA team to be ranked in the preseason polls, with Mercyhurst receiving votes in the USCHO.com poll.

The 2024-25 Nittany Lions had a historic season, winning 31 games, the most in program history. They also broke the AHA single-season conference wins record with 19 and won their third AHA championship in a row.

2024-25 AHA Player of the Year Tessa Janecke returns for her final season with the Nittany Lions, along with All-AHA First Team selections Katelyn Roberts, Kendall Butze, and Katie DeSa. 

Penn State will begin the 2025-26 season at home in Pegula Ice Arena with a nonconference series against the ninth-ranked team in the country, St. Lawrence. The home opening series is set for Thursday, and Friday, Sept. 25-26, with game one beginning at 6:00 PM and game two beginning at 3:00 PM. 

Get all of the latest updates on Penn State women's ice hockey by following @PennStateWHKY on Twitter, "liking" the Penn State Women's Ice Hockey page on Facebook and following @pennstatewhky on Instagram.