Penn State women’s hockey has felt its freshman class’s impact from day one.

The Nittany Lions brought in seven first-years in 2026-27, and they’ve all become key contributors through the first eight games. Penn State has won five of its last six games.

“It’s definitely exciting; we felt like we had recruited one of the better classes,” head coach Jeff Kampersal said. “They’re taking advantage of the opportunities given.”

Goaltender Morgan Stickney has already won AHA Rookie of the Week twice in 2026-27.

She took home the award the week of September 28 following a 44-save debut against Ohio State, and the week of October 19 following an 18-save shutout in Penn State’s series sweep of Lindenwood.

“She had some of that presence, swagger back Wednesday and Thursday of that week, and then carried over to her game on Saturday. So she played great,” Kampersal said. “She’s going to get better and better.”

First-year forward Sofia Ismael continued her scorching pace against Lindenwood, scoring a goal and adding an assist. Ismael leads all rookies nationally with six goals and is second nationally in assists (5) and points (11).

Ismael was also named AHA Forward of the Week for the week of October 4, following a hat trick in Penn State’s 4-1 win over Robert Morris.

Continuing the trend is Kylie Amelkovich. The first-year forward tallied two goals last weekend in her first two-goal game.

On the other side of the ice, Megan Hosman has also provided solid defensive strength for the Nittany Lions through the early stages of 2026-27.

“She’s been dynamite … Just a long stick, really good breakout, moving-the-puck person,” Kampersal said.

First-year forwards Sydney McIntosh and Lorelai Nelson have also stepped into depth roles for the Nittany Lions. Nelson has been strong in the faceoff circle for Penn State. She notched her first collegiate goal against Robert Morris.

McIntosh has hit the ice in six of eight games so far this season, providing crucial roster depth at winger.

Kampersal acknowledged the expectations that come with the jump to college hockey and how to manage them properly. He expects a lot from his players, and the breakout of the freshman class has been welcome but not unexpected.

“Obviously, it’s a different speed. You’re playing with players that are four years older, but they all have played in big games before, where they know what it’s like,” Kampersal said.

Stickney and Amelkovich both come from Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota, known for being a premier women’s hockey program.

They were also both members of Team USA at the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship. Amelkovich was an alternate captain on a Team USA that captured a “perfect gold,” never trailing or tied at any point during the tournament.

Penn State will continue to rely heavily on the first-years as they embark on a road stretch through November.

The Nittany Lions travel to Canton, New York, to face St. Lawrence on October 23 and 24, before traveling to RIT and Mercyhurst.

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