University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Primerano, Milani Earn WCHA Preseason Honors; Gophers Picked Third
9/8/2026 2:00:00 PM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – The University of Minnesota women's hockey team was picked to finish third in the WCHA preseason coaches' poll, the conference announced Tuesday. Junior defender Chloe Primerano was named to the Preseason All-WCHA Team, while freshman forward Adrianna Milani was selected as the WCHA Preseason Rookie of the Year.
Minnesota received 35 points in the preseason poll, trailing Ohio State (48) and Wisconsin (44), who were picked to finish first and second, respectively.
Primerano returns for her third season with the Maroon and Gold after earning All-WCHA Third Team and All-WCHA Rookie Team honors following the 2024-25 season. The North Vancouver, B.C., native was also previously selected as the WCHA Preseason Rookie of the Year ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The junior defender recorded a career-high 10 goals during the 2025-26 season while posting her second consecutive 30-point campaign. Primerano has totaled 61 points in her first two seasons with the Gophers.
Milani joins Minnesota following an impressive summer with Canada's National U18 Team. During Canada's three-game series against the United States, the Oakville, Ontario, native led all skaters with nine points, including five goals and four assists.
Prior to joining the Gophers, Milani spent three seasons with the Etobicoke Junior Dolphins, where she compiled 155 career points on 88 goals and 67 assists. She recorded 35 goals in 36 games during the 2024-25 season before tallying 68 points on 34 goals and 34 assists in 2025-26.
Milani also represented Canada at the 2026 U18 Women's World Championship, helping the team earn a silver medal. She scored 10 goals and added three assists during the tournament to earn a spot on the U18 Women's World Championship All-Star Team.
Minnesota opens the 2026-27 season with a two-game road series at Bemidji State on Oct. 2-3.
2026-27 WCHA Preseason Coaches' Poll
Place School (First Place Votes) Points
|
1. Ohio State (6) |
48 |
|
2. Wisconsin (2) |
44 |
|
3. Minnesota |
35 |
|
4. Minnesota Duluth |
32 |
|
5. Minnesota State |
23 |
|
6. St. Cloud State |
20 |
|
7. St. Thomas |
15 |
|
8. Bemidji State |
7 |