Northeastern has consistently produced some of the top players in women's hockey. They are now, however, a few seasons removed from their most dominant rosters in recent memory. Those rosters included now-PWHL stars like Alina Muller, Aerin Frankel, Gwyneth Philips, Maureen Murphy, Megan Carter, Katy Knoll, Skylar Irving, and Chloe Aurard.
Watching that core turn pro was a positive for the program, but it's involved a youth movement and a refresh of talent.
Over the last two seasons, a new core has started to build and this year's incoming cohort could be the one to put Northeastern over the top and get them back to annually competing at the National Championships yet again.
Last year rookies Lisa Jonsson and Tuva Kandell were Hockey East All-Rookie team members and made a significant impact on the team. As did Eloise Caron, who finished second on the Huskies in scoring as a first year player and was one of Canada's top players on their national development team this summer.
They were joined by veterans Lily Shannon and Jules Constantinople, who played for USA's Collegiate Select roster, and returnee Jaden Bogden adds more size and experience up front.
Looking at Northeastern's incoming cohort however, and it's clear another group of impact players is about to descend on the program.
Northeastern Welcomes More Talent
"The class of 2025 will have an immediate impact on our program from the moment they step on campus," said Head coach Dave Flint while announcing the class. "We will add elite scoring, high-end defense and more world class goaltending, as well as bolster our team's depth at all positions. We are excited to welcome all eight new players from all over the world to the Northeastern community."
Among those players are Canadian national development team member Stryker Zablocki who will be an immediate scoring threat. Her skating and scoring skills are already elite and she will be placed in a scoring role with the Huskies. She was an All-Star at the 2024 U-18 World Championships leading the tournament in scoring with 12 points in six games.
Perhaps as influential on the roster this season season will be defender Alessia Baechler. At 19, Baechler has already represented Switzerland at four World Championships and last year was the Swiss league's Best Defender. She follows in Alina Muller's footsteps at the program and will be an immediate contributor.
Beyond the duo, there's a wealth of talent coming into Boston with the Huskies. Goalie Renna Trembecky played boys' U-18 'AAA' and appeared in one game of Junior A hockey with the AJHL's Bonnyville Pontiacs. She's spent almost her entire playing career at an elite level of boys' hockey.
Defender Ella Lloyd should develop into a solid NCAA blueliner coming from a strong Edmonton Jr Oilers program, and last season with the Barrie Sharks in the OWHL. Emilia McDermid coming from the RINK Kelowna program is another name to watch.
Coupled with the incoming cohort, Northeastern should see continued progression from players like Morgan Jackson and Alexandra Lalonde.
Boston University Looking To Turn The Corner
Northeastern isn't the only Boston program making significant gains through recruiting. Boston University has been stockpiling elite players this summer, although they're still a few seasons away from arriving. That group includes high end recruits, such as Lily Reid, Sydney Bowness, Skylar Ruschpler, and Eva Ouellette.
That group won't arrive in time to significantly boost members of the current roster like Lola Reid and rookie Lexie Bertelsen who are the program's next stars, but it's all positive for the Terriers.
Correction: Molly Jordan plays at the University of Minnesota.