2025-26 Women’s Division I College Hockey Roster Changes and Transfers

The 2025-26 Women’s Division I College Hockey season already feels like it’s going to be a wild ride. There are big roster shakeups, a bunch of transfers, and a surprising number of fifth-year players coming back for one more go.

With the extra Covid year almost behind us, the transfer portal is still buzzing. This update takes a closer look at who’s coming and going across different teams, organized by conference.

Some teams haven’t posted fresh rosters yet, so if you’re after the latest, it’s worth checking the source article on USCHO. We’ll keep updating as more info trickles in.

Key Roster Changes

Lots of teams are seeing major changes this year. Players are on the move, and some familiar faces are sticking around for another season.

Here’s how things are shaping up by conference, with a few names that stand out.

ECAC Hockey

ECAC Hockey isn’t sitting still:

• Quinnipiac: Tiana McIntyre joins the team.
• Union: Danica Mark has transferred to the team.
• St. Lawrence: Taylor Lum is a fifth-year returner.
• Princeton: Ellie Marcovsky returns for a fifth year.

Hockey East

Hockey East has its own share of action:

• Vermont: Stella Retrum joins, and Maya Vaslet and Taylor Lum are back for a fifth year.
• Boston University: Michelle Pasiechnyk and Ella Belfry are new faces on the roster.
• Holy Cross: Skyler Sharfman transfers in.

WCHA

The Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) is busy too:

• Minnesota Duluth: Thea Johansson and Reese Logan are new, and Ashley Messier returns for a fifth year.
• Ohio State: Kaia Malachino and Lexington Secreto join the squad.
• St. Cloud State: Sidney Jackel and Carmen Bray transfer in.

Impact of Fifth-Year Returners

Fifth-year returners could really shake things up. Their experience and leadership might give their teams an edge.

Notable Fifth-Year Returners

Here are a few fifth-years you might want to keep an eye on:

• Kaitlin Finnegan: Back with Lindenwood.
• Jessica Ciarrocchi: Returning to Brown and Penn State.
• Michelle Pasiechnyk: Sticking with Clarkson.
• Abbey Murphy: Back at Minnesota.

Transfer Portal Dynamics

The transfer portal is still a huge part of the offseason. Players use it to find new homes, and coaches use it to patch holes in their lineups.

Advantages of the Transfer Portal

Honestly, there are some real upsides to this system:

• Increased Opportunities: Players can look for teams that fit their style or goals better.
• Roster Flexibility: Coaches can fill gaps fast and keep their teams competitive.
• Enhanced Competition: New faces keep everyone on their toes.

Challenges and Considerations

But it’s not all smooth sailing. The transfer portal brings its own headaches for both players and teams.

Challenges for Players

Players have a lot to think about before making a move:

• Fit with New Team: Does the new squad actually make sense for their game?
• Academic Considerations: Balancing hockey with school can be tricky.
• Adaptability: New coaches, new teammates, new everything—it’s a lot.

Challenges for Teams

Teams have their own set of puzzles to solve:

• Team Chemistry: Bringing in new players means reworking the group dynamic.
• Resource Allocation: Scholarships and playing time don’t grow on trees.
• Long-Term Planning: It’s tough to build for the future when rosters change so quickly.

Looking Ahead: The 2025-26 Season

Looking forward, the landscape feels more unpredictable than ever. Transfers and fifth-year veterans could make for some real surprises.

Teams to Watch

These teams might make some noise this season:

• Quinnipiac: With Tiana McIntyre on board, they’re in the mix.
• Boston University: Michelle Pasiechnyk and Ella Belfry bring fresh energy.
• Minnesota Duluth: New additions and returners could make them tough to beat.

Players to Watch

Keep an eye on these standout players:

• Kaitlin Finnegan: Her return to Lindenwood is highly anticipated.
• Thea Johansson: A key addition to Minnesota Duluth.
• Abbey Murphy: A returning star for Minnesota.

If you want all the nitty-gritty on roster changes, check out the source article on USCHO.