The Ohio State Buckeyes have an impressive crop of five former U-18 National Team stars joining their roster for 2026-27, a group that will keep the Buckeyes' women's hockey team in contention for a national title.
Ohio State's incoming class of recruits for the 2026-27 season have one thing in common: they've all starred for their U-18 national teams.
It includes Team Canada captain Hayley McDonald, and Slovakian senior national team standout Ema Tothova. Ohio State has added more international talent recently with a strong pipeline through Sweden, and they'll get an influx of those players again in 2027-28 in Ebba Westerlind and Tilde Sundnas Grillfors.
After falling to Wisconsin in back-to-back national championship games, the Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to get back on top this year, and with the core of young returnees like Hilda Svensson, Maxine Cimoroni, Sanni Vanhanen, Joy Dunne, Mira Jungaker, Jenna Raunio, and Jocelyn Amos, coupled with their newcomers, Ohio State will again be a contender.
2026-27 Ohio State Women's Hockey Recruiting Class
Hayley McDonald, F, Canada
She's won gold and silver as a member of Canada's U-18 national team and this year captained Canada at the U-18 World Championships scoring nine points in six games. A power forward coming out of RINK Academy, McDonald will bring her heavy game and rounded attack to the Buckeyes. Expect her to contibute immediately similar to the impact Maxine Cimeroni had last year.
Ema Tothova, F, Slovakia
At 5-foot-10, Tothova has size, but bounced between leagues in two different countries at various levels. She dominated playing for Bratislava in the EWHL, and had a good stint with HV71 facing some tough competition in the SDHL. Moving to Ohio State next season will be good for Tothova, whose upside is immense. She had six points in five games at the Division 1A World Championships for Slovakia, her fourth World Championship appearance.
Kate Viel, D, Canada
A top four defender for Canada's U-18 national team, Viel is a two-way defender who can play a heavy game. She is most valuable in her own zone as a shutdown, physical blueliner, but is capable offensively, and makes good decisions at the offensive blueline. Her game grew in three seasons in the OWHL, including this season on a strong Nepean Wildcats team. Future pro in the making.
Alida Korte, F, Canada
The Saskatoon product has good offensive instincts. She is a two-time member of Canada's U-19 national team, and this year served as an alternate captain, producing nine points in six games for Canada. She played alongside McDonald at RINK Academy scoring 26 goals and 48 points in 26 games this season. Korte projects as a top six forward for Ohio State in short order.
Rowan Houweling, G, Canada
Houweling put up incredible numbers for Shattuck St. Mary's this season posting a 0.98 GAA and .940 save percentage along with 10 shutouts in 25 appearances, and posted a pair of shutouts for Canada at the U-18 World Championships in her only two appearances. Houweling was also Alberta's starter at the Canadian U-18 national championships. With Ohio State's past three starting goalies — Amanda Thiele, Raygan Kirk, and Hailey MacLeod — now in the PWHL, the door is wide open for a goaltending battle at Ohio State with Houweling having the opportunity to challenge for starts sooner than later.
2027-28 Ohio State Women's Hockey Recruits: Ebba Westerlind, Addy McLay, Tilde Sundnas Grillfors, Jane Daley, Katie Spyhalski, Avery Jones.
