MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota State women's hockey team is officially back in action this weekend, opening up its 2025-26 season on the road against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). The Mavericks will head to Troy, N.Y., for a two-game series with the Engineers. Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. CT on Friday, followed by a 2 p.m. CT start on Saturday.

Scouting RPI

RPI comes into the new year looking to build off a 14-18-3 overall record last season, where they went 7-13-2 in ECAC play and finished 10th in the standings. This year, the Engineers were picked to finish 12th in the ECAC Preseason Coaches Poll. Head coach Bryan Vines has brought in 11 new players to the roster, including six forwards, four defenders, and a goaltender, giving the Engineers some fresh depth.

The offensive push will be led by junior forward Georgia Bailey, who posted seven goals and 12 assists last season. In goal, junior Reese Keating returns after recording a .907 save percentage and a 2.54 goals-against average. RPI's 2024-25 season ended in the ECAC Tournament first round, falling to Princeton 3-2.

Looking Back at the Mavericks

Minnesota State is coming off a 14-21-2 overall record in 2024-25 with a 7-19-2 mark in WCHA play. The Mavericks ended the season in the WCHA Quarterfinals against Minnesota, a series that included one of the most memorable games in recent program history. MSU forced a decisive third game after pulling off a thrilling 5-4 double-overtime win in Game 2 in Minneapolis.

Heading into this season, the Mavericks were picked seventh in the WCHA Preseason Coaches Poll with 16 points. A strong senior class will be leaned on heavily, starting with team captain Taylor Otremba, who posted 12 goals and 14 assists. Senior forward Whitney Tuttle is also back after putting up 13 goals and nine assists, while senior defender and alternate captain Kianna Roeske provides leadership on the back end after finishing with three goals and eight assists in 2024-25.

Between the pipes, junior goalie Hailey Hansen returns as the Mavericks' starter. Hansen played the majority of the minutes last season, posting a 3.16 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage. She ranked fifth in the WCHA in saves per game and will once again be relied on as the backbone of the MSU defense.

Series History

This weekend will mark the first time Minnesota State has faced RPI since 2019. The Mavericks swept that series, winning 3-0 and 4-0, and they'll look to replicate that success to get their new season off on the right foot.

How to Watch

Fans can stream both games live this weekend on rpi.tv.