Recruiting Class: Minnesota Loads Up, Primerano Joins Early

Minnesota was good in 2023-2024. Next year they won't lose much, but they'll gain a lot. It's a good situation for the 2025-2026 University of Minnesota women's hockey team to enter into.

Not only did they get their expected recruiting class, they also got the boost of phenom Chloe Primerano changing her class to arrive this year. Primerano is considered the best player in her age group on the planet. When you add to this group members of Canada and USA's U-18 national teams, and Minnesota's Ms. Hockey, it's an impressive incoming class that will help lift Minnesota to new heights.

Here's a look at the recruits who will join the Minnesota Golden Gophers women's hockey team next season.

Chloe Primerano, D, RINK Kelowna - There just isn't another defender like her in the game. The closest you'll see is Caroline Harvey, who can dip and duck through traffic and trip up players with her own skating better than any blueliner out there. Primerano takes things to a new level with her skating, vision, and hands, and she'll be an immediate impact player in the NCAA. Sure it will likely come with some development steps, but the last thing anyone in the WCHA will want to see is a confident Primerano finding her stride on Minnesota's blueline.

Gracie Graham, D, RINK Kelowna - Not to be overlooked on the blueline, Graham is a 5-foot-10 left shot defender who has served as Primerano's partner in Kelowna and at the World Championships. The duo play complementary styles, but Graham carries her weight on both sides of the puck. She has a big shot from the blueline, and can phsyically handle herself in the defensive zone.

Kendra Distad, F, Minnetonka - Coming from the NCAA factory Minnetonka High, Distad was a motor that kept USA going at the U-18 tournament this year. She'll likely start as depth in Minnesota this year, but is a future top six player.

Ayla Puppe, F, Northfield - Few have done what Puppe did in Minnesota high school hockey this season. Only seven players have ever recorded a single season total higher than Puppe's 111 points this year. She's a naturally gifted goal scorer, who will likely take a period of time to adapt to the competition level, but she could emerge as a threat for Minnesota sooner than later.

Hannah Clark, G, Etobicoke Dolphins - Clark is one of the most highly touted netminders entering the NCAA this season as Canada's starter at the last two World U-18s. Her main adaptation will come from playing for a team where she's getting regular high risk opportunities as Clark has predominantly played on teams that kept her out of trouble.

Other recruits joining Minnesota this year include defenders Carly Humphrey and Kate Kosobud, both Minnesota products.

Sienna D'Alessandro from John Abbott College will be one of their top recruits in 2025-2026. Canada learned their lesson in overlooking D'Alessandro, who scored seven goals for the U-18 national team after initially being left off the roster. She has a heavy shot, and plays a bullish game. This was D'Alessandro's first season of women's hockey after playing boys' 'AAA' until last year. She's physical, she's heavy on pucks, and she won't back down. Solid pick up for Minnesota who could contribute immediately if given the opportunity.