Six Minnesotans, four Frost players make 2026 U.S. Women's National Team Roster

Six Minnesotans Anchor 25-Player World Championship Roster

When USA Hockey finalized its 25-player roster for the upcoming IIHF Women’s World Championship, the selections underscored a heavy regional influence at the top tier of American hockey. As reported by letsplayhockey.com, the squad features six Minnesotans and four players from the Minnesota Frost, anchoring a roster that leans heavily on elite domestic talent as the program prepares to travel to Herning and Esbjerg, Denmark.

Gold-Medal Continuity Blends Veterans and Fresh Depth

The tournament runs from November 6 to 16, 2026. Setting the stage for the international competition, the roster boasts 20 returnees from the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team that captured gold at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan this past February.

Six Minnesotans and four Minnesota Frost players have been named to the US National Team competing at the 2026 IIHF Women's World Championship Nov. 6-16 in Denmark.https://t.co/Ojbq99Id23

— https://x.com/LetsPlay_Hockey/status/2116650727573713191

Minnesota Frost Stars and Local Standouts Lead the Way

Among the Minnesota contingent making the trip are seasoned defenders and forwards who know what it takes to grind through a grueling international schedule. Lee Stecklein, Kelly Pannek, Grace Zumwinkle, and Taylor Fox represent the Minnesota Frost on the national stage. They are joined by fellow Minnesotans Rory Guilday of Chanhassen and Emma Peschel of Edina, bringing the local player count to six.

Complete National Selection Across All Positions

According to team roster data published by USA Hockey, the complete 25-player selection spans goaltenders Aerin Frankel, Gwyneth Philips, and Callie Shanahan. The defensive corps features Cayla Barnes, Caroline Harvey, Megan Keller, Emma Peschel, Laila Edwards, Haley Winn, Rory Guilday, and Lee Stecklein. Up front, the forward lines include Abbey Murphy, Taylor Fox, Alex Carpenter, Joy Dunne, Hannah Bilka, Tessa Janecke, Hilary Knight, Jesse Compher, Hayley Scamurra, Kirsten Simms, Casey O’Brien, and Lacey Eden.

Familiar Coaching Staff Directs the Bench

Behind the bench, the program relies on a familiar leadership structure. Katie Million serves as the general manager of the 2026 U.S. Women’s National Team, while John Wroblewski takes charge as head coach. The coaching staff also includes assistant coaches Josh Sciba, Shari Dickerman, and Molly Engstrom, alongside goaltending coach Alli Altmann.

Six Minnesotans, four Frost players make 2026 U.S. Women's National Team Roster — Photo: teamusa.usahockey.com

Opening Puck Drop and Broadcast Details

The team opens its tournament schedule on Friday, November 6, facing Switzerland with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. local time, or 1 p.m. Eastern Time. All U.S. games during the championship will be televised live on the NHL Network, giving domestic fans a direct window into the action overseas.