Atlantic Hockey America saw a trio of players - Brianna Brooks, Lyndie Lobdell, and Vanessa Upson - selected in the 2025 PWHL Draft. Other alumni of the NCAA women's hockey conference like Kiana Zanon were also chosen after transferring to other conferences.
Losing Mercyhurst's top forward Thea Johansson to Minnesota-Duluth is a hit for the conference as she'll represent Sweden in the Olympics and be a PWHL pick in 2026.
The conference has seen positive growth, with Penn State remaining the top program. While there are a number of talented prospects joining, there's also a wealth of skilled players returning to the AHA this season.
Here's a look at 10 AHA women's hockey players to watch this season.
1. Tessa Janecke, Penn State
A top five prospect for the 2026 PWHL Draft, there are years where a player of Janecke's calibre would be the first overall selection, but not in the stacked 2026 Draft. She's an impact player on every inch of the ice combining power, physicality, competitiveness, and positional awareness that allows her to find space to attack. She's the best player in AHA hockey by a mile.
2. Grace Outwater, Penn State
The top rookie scorer in the AHA, Outwater came off a 50 goal season playing Junior in Ottawa to recording 16 goals and 26 points in 38 games as an NCAA rookie. With Janecke still on board in Penn State, Outwater is poised for another bump in her offense. There's an edge to her game as well.
3. Julia Schalin, Mercyhurst
The Finnish national team forward scored 32 points in 37 games as a rookie. That type of production for a first year player is special. She has back-to-back World Championship bronze medals and that experience is paying dividends. She's Mercyhurst's top threat. Schalin was the AHA Rookie of the Year.
4. Kendall Butze, Penn State
A name to watch for the 2026 PWHL Draft, Butze is slightly undersized for a defender but she makes up for it in her mobility and puck moving stye. Her offensive numbers continue to grow and she'll be a contender to earn back-to-back Defender of the Year honors in the AHA.
5. Emma Pickering, RIT
The former Gilmour Academy captain was a conference All-Star this year for good reason. She added ten points to her production from the blueline and hit double digits in goals. Already an assistant captain with RIT last season, she's a valued member of this program.
6. Katelyn Roberts, Penn State
Has put up back-to-back offensively impressive seasons. Roberts should again be one of the top scoring players in the conference and will get a late round look in the PWHL Draft.
7. Addie Alvarez, RIT
Alvarez has slick hands and has put up good numbers every seasons since she was in 16U hockey in Syracuse. She's the top offensive player at RIT and with two seasons of eligibility remaining, she could evolve into the top offensive player in the conference.
8. Katie DeSa, Penn State
If there's a goalie in the 2026 PWHL Draft who could draw attention from the NCAA, it's DeSa. She took over as Penn State's starter last season and was stellar earning First Team All-Conference honors posting a 1.42 GAA and .932 save percentage. Was named the 2025 AHA Goaltender of the Year.
9. Maddy Christian, Penn State
The Minnesota product had a breakout season finishing second in the conference with 21 goals. She struggled to produce in her first two NCAA seasons, so the question is if she can do it again this year? There aren't many players capable of hitting the 20 goal mark, so the fact Christian did it puts her in unique company.
10. Megan McKay, Mercyhurst
A big 5-foot-10 defender who has managed to increase her offensive production in each of her three NCAA seasons. Could it translate to PWHL interest? At worst she's a player who can go overseas. There's upside here.
Honorable Mention:
Nea Tervonen, Syracuse; Silje Gundersen, Lindenwood; Jessica Cheung, Syracuse; Magdalena Luggin, Mercyhurst; Brac Kelley, RIT; Grace Tullock, Penn State; Abby Stonehouse, Penn State; Regina Metzler, Mercyhurst.