The NCAA transfer portal has become a hotbed for top players shifting programs. In particular, with the dawn of the PWHL, it's become a way for players to make a jump later in their NCAA career to gain valuable experience playing with and against stiffer competition with top programs.
It will again be the case this season as several top players make the move to new programs. In particular, there are five NCAA women's hockey transfers who project as impact players in the 2026-27 NCAA season.
Ohio State is getting a pair of top players from St. Thomas. Ellah Hause moves from St. Thomas to Ohio State for her senior season. The USA U-18 national team member had 16 points in 36 games. Rylee Bartz was the other St. Thomas Junior who made the jump to Ohio State for this coming season. Bartz scored 30 points, including 17 goals last season for the Tommies. It will be interesting to see her skills alongside Ohio State's talent.
Olympian Julia Schalin had nine goals and 31 points in 32 games with Mercyhurst last season. She's heading to Minnesota for her junior season, filling part of the gap in Minnesota's scoring after the Golden Gophers watched a parade of offense jump to the PWHL. She'll be joined at Minnesota by Ashley Allard who leaves UConn for her senior season. She had 10 goals and 28 points in 37 games for the Huskies.
The final transfer to watch this season is Jessie Pellerin, who had 11 goals and 21 points in her sophomore season with Providence. She's moving to a Clarkson team boasting young talent and a proven path to the PWHL Draft for many alumnae.