Penn State women’s ice hockey gets underway tonight starting with a two-game series against Northeastern.
The No. 12 Nittany Lions host the No. 13 Huskies at 6 p.m. It is the first official game of the regular season, which for Penn State will consist of 34, more if they make it into the postseason.
Tonight’s puck drop initiates another campaign for Penn State women’s ice hockey to claim its third straight tournament title. But, now, the Nittany Lions are seeking it under the newly minted Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA), which united earlier this year. The league merged with the former College Hockey America (CHA) league.
Rochester Institute of Technology traveled to “Hockey Valley” over the weekend for a friendly scrimmage. Penn State won 7-0.
The roster looks different this year, as last year’s captain Julie Gough, graduated. Tessa Janecke was named captain of the 2024-25 squad and the alternate jerseys will be worn by Mya Vaslet, Brianna Brooks, and Lyndie Lobdell.
During the preseason, Janecke, Lobdell, and Katie Desa were named to the preseason All-AHA Team. Janecke was also named ‘Preseason Player of the Year.’
Penn State picked up six new freshmen and two transfers in the offseason. They will continue to be coached by Jeff Kampersal, who will be entering his eighth season.
Looking back at last season, the team ended with a 22-13-3 record. They became back-to-back CHA Champions last year with a win against Mercyhurst. The team will hang up their banner at Thursday’s opening game in Pegula Ice Arena.
Last season, Janecke was fifth in goals with 17 and goaltender Desa finished first with a goals against average of 1.39.
The Nittany Lions are making their first appearance in 2024-25 in the Ice Breaker Tournament, Smashville Women’s Collegiate Hockey Showcase, and East-West Showcase.
All hockey fans’ eyes will be set on the Nittany Lions as they look to get over the hump of trying to win their first NCAA Division I tournament title in program history.
Photo: Penn State Athletics, Caleb Craig
