2025-26 NCAA Preview: AHA

Editor's Note: This is a guest post by freelance contributor Sarah Mahannah.

The 2025–26 Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) women’s hockey season is shaping up to be another dominant stride for Penn State. After securing both the regular season and postseason titles for the third straight year last season, Penn State has established itself as the top dog in the newly formed conference. 

The Nittany Lions went 19-1-0 in conference play last season, tying the AHA record for most wins in a single season. With many key contributors returning, including star forward Tessa Janecke, the reigning AHA Player of the Year and scoring champion, there’s little reason to expect a drop-off.

Penn State’s success last season wasn’t just about individual talent. They led the conference in almost every statistical category, from goals scored and goals allowed to special teams and faceoff percentage. Behind the bench, Jeff Kampersal earned Coach of the Year honors, while Kendall Butze and Katie DeSa were recognized as the league’s top defender and goaltender, respectively. This level of depth and balance puts Penn State in a strong position to dominate again in the upcoming season.

Looking to challenge Penn State is Mercyhurst. The team that handed them their only conference loss last season. The Lakers finished second in the standings and brought a fast, physical game that pushed Penn State to the brink in the postseason. Returning forwards like Vanessa Upson, Julia Schalin, and Thea Johansson provide Mercyhurst with scoring depth and veteran leadership, and if they can tighten up defensively, they may be able to close the gap with the reigning champs.

Behind the top two teams, programs like Syracuse and RIT are looking to take a step forward. Syracuse reached the semifinals last season and showed flashes of potential, but consistency was a challenge. RIT also had promising stretches but lacked the depth to contend over a full season. If either team can get stronger goaltending and generate more consistent offense, they could push into the top of the standings.

Lindenwood and Robert Morris round out the established programs in the conference and are currently positioned towards the bottom. Both teams struggled with depth and defensive play last season, and unless they made significant offseason additions, they’ll likely remain in the bottom half of the standings. However, as the conference grows more competitive, even these teams could play spoiler roles in key matchups.

A contender to shake things up this season is the addition of the University of Delaware, which is joining the AHA as its seventh member. This marks Delaware’s inaugural season at the Division I level. Expect Delaware to finish near the bottom of the standings as they build experience and begin to establish their identity.

Another key change this season is the expansion of the postseason format, which now includes all seven teams. With a play-in round and reseeding structure, the tournament could allow for some upsets or surprise semifinalists. Still, unless something dramatic shifts, Penn State remains the heavy favorite to repeat as champions, with Mercyhurst as the most likely contender to challenge them deep into March.

Overall, the 2025–26 AHA women’s season is expected to follow a familiar pattern: Penn State setting the pace, Mercyhurst in pursuit, and the rest of the league jockeying for position behind them. Delaware’s entry adds intrigue, and the new postseason format creates the possibility of late-season drama. But barring injuries or major surprises, the Nittany Lions look poised to capture a fourth consecutive conference crown.

Players to Watch

Tessa Janecke (Penn State, Forward)

A clear standout and preseason favorite, Janecke is a “generational player,” according to her coach. After being named both AHA Player of the Year and Scoring Champion in 2024–25, she returns for her senior season with international experience; scoring the game-winning goal in the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship final. Expect her to continue dominating the league.

Grace Outwater (Penn State, Forward)

Last season’s top rookie scorer, Outwater made an immediate splash with 16 goals and 26 points in her freshman year. Her chemistry with Janecke and offensive edge make her a breakout candidate for 2025–26.

 Julia Schalin (Mercyhurst, Forward)

A talented Finnish national who earned AHA Rookie of the Year, Schalin tallied 32 points in her freshman season and brings world championship experience to Mercyhurst. She’s a top offensive threat and crucial for the Lakers’ aspirations.

Kendall Butze (Penn State, Defense)

A dynamic puck-moving defender and a likely candidate for back-to-back AHA Defender of the Year honors, Butze’s mobility and offensive instincts make her a key component in Penn State’s continued dominance.

Emma Pickering (RIT, Defense)

An All-Star blueliner, Pickering added ten more points from the defensive slot last season and continues to lead RIT both on and off the ice.

Katie DeSa (Penn State, Goaltender)

Awarded AHA Goaltender of the Year, DeSa delivered at the top level with a 1.42 GAA and .932 save percentage. Her goaltending will be critical to Penn State’s defensive strength.

Maddy Christian (Penn State, Forward)

Christian emerged as a breakout scoring sniper, finishing second in the conference with 21 goals. If she maintains that scoring pace, she’ll be pivotal in Penn State’s offensive depth.

The season kicks off Friday, 9/19, with Lindenwood facing St. Cloud State University and Mercyhurst facing Minnesota Duluth. First matchups in in-conference play are set to be 9/25 with St.Lawrence facing off Penn State.