Wisconsin and Minnesota are both set to bring in talent laden recruiting classes featuring several members of Canadian and American U-18 national teams.

There's an arms race in the WCHA between Wisconsin and Minnesota who are both set to bring in talent laden recruiting classes next season. Both schools announced their incoming rookies, with many impressive recruits on the way.

"As this class prepares to join our program next year, we cannot help but be very excited," Minnesota head coach Brad Frost said. "Each player brings a wealth of leadership, experience and drive to our team. We are thrilled that they have decided to be Golden Gophers."

That class includes goaltender Hannah Clark, forwards Kendra Distad and Ayla Puppe, and defenders Gracie Graham, Carly Humphrey, and Kate Kosobud.

Clark, who backstops the Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins won gold at the 2023 U-18 World Championships backstopping Canada. She's joined by another Team Canada member in Gracie Graham, a left-shot defender who plays for RINK Academy. They'll be joined by opponent turned teammate Kendra Distad, who won silver in 2023 with Team USA. Distad is a standout for powerhouse Minnetonka High School.

Headed to Wisconsin are forwards Hannah Halverson, Finley McCarthy, Maggie Scannell and defender Emma Venusio.

"This class has a lot of experience," Wisconsin head coach Mark Johnson said. "Three of them have experience playing for their national teams, including Finley and Maggie who both have experience playing at LaBahn Arena during the 2022 IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship. They are also great leaders on and off the ice as Emma and Maggie are both captains of their respective national teams and Hannah captains her high school team."

"All four of them are very skilled players and have had great success at whatever level of hockey they have played at. Their next step is to continue to work hard and come to Madison to help our program succeed at the highest level."

Venusio won gold with Canada at the 2023 U-18 World Championships and captained Canada in the Summer Series against USA. She's also the captain of the Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins. Finley McCarthy, who plays for Bishop Kearney, and Maggie Scannell who plays at Shattuck St. Mary's are both two-time U-18 World Championship silver medalists for USA.