The Clarkson Golden Knights enter the 2025-26 season looking to build on their tradition of success in the ECAC and on the national stage. With veteran leadership behind the bench and a mix of proven returners, key transfers, and promising newcomers, the program is aiming to stay among the conference's elite despite significant roster turnover.  In the national preseason polls, the Knights are picked at #7 and the pre season ECAC Coaches poll has the Knights at #3 in conference.  

Head coach Matt Desrosiers returns to guide the Golden Knights for his 18th season, With 427 career wins, the Knights have become one of the premier programs in women's college hockey. Clarkson advanced deep into the postseason last year but graduated several of its top scorers.

The departure of multiple high-end forwards leaves Clarkson searching for new scoring threats. Beyond goals and assists, the program also lost key seniors who provided consistency and leadership on and off the ice.

The Golden Knights remain in good hands defensively. Goaltender Holly Gruber is back to anchor the crease, while senior Sena Catterall provides experience and steadiness in all zones. Their presence gives Clarkson a strong foundation as newcomers adjust to the college game.  On Thursday, Coach Desrosiers announced to the team that Sena Catterall will be the team's Captain for the 2025-26 season.  Keira Hurry is returning as the anchor of a Defensive corp that lost two All Americans, but should be reloaded and ready to go.  Coach Desrosiers also announced that Hurry will be the Assistant Captain this season. 

Clarkson bolstered its blue line with the additions of Andrea Trnková (RPI) and Megan McKay (Mercyhurst), two transfers who bring maturity and college experience.  Trnková has been named as a Pre Season All ECAC Selection.  In the net, a USports transfer from Concordia, Arianne Leblanc will bring depth to the crease.  Lara Beecher (UVM), Reese Logan (UMD), and Janelle Evans (RMU) all bring proven play at the NCAA level to the forward line up.

A talented group of freshmen will be looked upon to adapt quickly to help bolster the depth of the line up.  Up front, Sara Manness, Paige Wallace, Gabrielle Lalonde, Layla Matthew, and Manon Le Scodan will look to fill the points lost by the graduation of Anne Cherkowski.  

Jaela Carter, Kate Manness, Morgan Walton, Kaitlyn Mallette, and Sidney Ullman will look to make an immediate impact and add depth at the blueline.  

In goal, Aneta Senkova has a great resume on the national stage with Team Czechia and should compete for time between the pipes.

The Knights open with an exhibition tomorrow at home against Bishop's University before diving into early non-conference play with series against Merrimack and UConn. October showdowns with Providence will provide an early measuring stick.

ECAC play begins on the road at Union and RPI, followed by important home series with Harvard and Dartmouth. A marquee non-conference highlight comes over Thanksgiving weekend at the D1 in DC Tournament, which features national contenders including Ohio State and St. Cloud State — both teams Clarkson faced in last year's NCAA postseason.

Clarkson's greatest asset lies in goaltending and defensive depth, led by Gruber and a steady blue line corps. The addition of seasoned transfers further strengthens this area, allowing younger forwards time to develop.

The biggest challenge is replacing lost scoring. The Knights will rely on a balanced attack while waiting for new leaders to emerge. Special teams will also be crucial as the offense adjusts.

With strong goaltending, defensive stability, and a culture of winning, Clarkson should remain a force in the ECAC. While the Knights may not enter the season as the offensive powerhouse of years past, their structure and depth make them a strong bet for a top-five finish in the conference. If the new faces click early, Clarkson could once again position itself in the NCAA Tournament conversation and challenge for postseason hardware.