Exciting Updates from Gopher Hockey
Head coach Brad Frost and the University of Minnesota women’s hockey team have welcomed six new student-athletes to their 2026-27 class. This diverse group includes three players from Canada, two from Minnesota, and one from Pennsylvania.
“This recruiting class is special,” Coach Frost said. “Each player comes from top programs. Many have represented their countries at high levels. They will keep our Gopher program at the top.”
Meet the New Players
Adrianna Milani | Forward | Oakville, Ont.
Adrianna chose Minnesota for its supportive environment and strong hockey culture. “The coaches made me feel valued,” she said. She scored 36 goals and made 27 assists last season for the Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins. She has also played for Hockey Canada and Team Ontario. Coach Frost praises her for her vision on the ice and ability to excite fans.
Maddie McCullough | Forward | Newmarket, Ont.
Maddie felt an instant connection during her visit. “The team feels like family,” she shared. Currently leading her team with 12 goals and 17 assists in just 15 games, she has also shone internationally, winning gold at the 2025 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship. Frost describes her as a strong skater who knows how to find scoring opportunities.
Rachel Piggott | Forward | Richmond Hill, Ont.
Rachel is drawn to Minnesota for its sense of community and history of success. “Being part of such an accomplished program is a great opportunity,” she said. With 31 goals and 30 assists in her first two seasons, she also claimed gold with Team Canada in the same championship as Maddie. Frost highlights Rachel’s competitiveness and attention to detail.
Sloane Hartmetz | Defense | Phoenixville, Penn.
Sloane chose Minnesota for its rich hockey tradition. Last season, she recorded 9 goals and 34 assists with Shattuck-St. Mary’s. She has represented Team USA internationally and earned silver at the U18 Women’s World Championship. Frost commends her confidence and ability to impact all areas of the game.
Katya Sander | Defense | Chanhassen, Minn.
For Katya, Minnesota felt perfect. “I’m excited to grow as a player and person here,” she expressed. She scored 30 points in her junior year at Holy Family Catholic High School. Katya also played for Team USA in the U18 Summer Series. Coach Frost appreciates her powerful skating and defensive skills.
Payton Rolli | Goaltender | Warroad, Minn.
Payton is enthusiastic about staying close to home. “It’s a great hockey program, and my parents went here,” she said. She played a key role in helping Warroad High School win the 2024 Minnesota State Class A Championship. Frost notes her size and passion for improvement.
The Bigger Picture
This recruiting class continues the tradition of Minnesota women’s hockey, which has seen significant success over the years. According to a recent report by the NCAA, women’s hockey participation has grown by 28% in the last decade, indicating that more young athletes are seeing opportunities in the sport.
With fans eager to see what these newcomers will bring on the ice, it’s clear that the future looks bright for Gopher hockey!
