Princeton's 2026-27 recruiting class features two top end talents from USA's U-18 national team, along with a strong group of forwards that will help replenish their scoring that continues to graduate to the pros.
Princeton has a long line of star players who have come through the program. Recently, it's a list that includes players like 2026 PWHL Draft picks Issy Wunder, Jane Kuehl, and Emerson O'Leary. Wunder, who will play for PWHL Las Vegas next season, departs as a top 10 scorer in program history.
They join players including Sarah Fillier, Claire Thompson, Maggie Connors, and Mariah Keopple in the PWHL.
And while they've lost a lot, the talent-pool remains deep at Princeton, and their next two recruiting classes are strong. This season, it includes one half of the Averill sisters with Caroline joining for 2026-27, and sister Maggie following a year later. Maggie Averill captained USA's U-18 national team to gold this year, and was named Best Defender at the U-18 World Championship.
2026-27 Princeton Womens Hockey Recruits
Caroline Averill, F, USA
Will soon be joined at Princeton by her sister Maggie, who is headed to the program next season. Averill comes from one of America's biggest hockey families, including their mother Alison Coughlin, a two-time Patty Kazmaier finalist during her own four years at Princeton. Averill's dad was an NHL draft pick, and their other sister Anne plays at Dartmouth. Averill won gold and silver with USA's U-18 national team, and last season scored 20 goals and 52 points for Philips Academy Andover.
Christina Scalese, F, USA
A two-time U-18 World Championship medalist, including 2026 gold with USA's U-18 national team, Scalese had a breakout campaign. She recorded five points in six games at Worlds in 2026, and honed her game at Assabet Valley. The Massachussets product is next in line of a long line of Princeton recruits who thinks the game well and can contribute as a top tier playmaker.
Other Princeton Women's Hockey Recruits: Iris Cheng, Chloe Brinson, Lia Cericola
