Preview: Princeton Faces Connecticut in Women’s Hockey Showdown

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (Interstat) — Two of the nation’s top women’s hockey teams will clash in a neutral-site showdown Thursday when the Princeton Tigers meet the Connecticut Huskies at Pegula Ice Arena.

The nonconference matchup (7 p.m. ET) features teams with a combined 49 wins this season. Connecticut enters at 26-9-1, while Princeton holds a 23-10 record. The Huskies swept the regular-season series in October, winning 2-1 and 3-0 in Storrs.

The game hinges on a compelling duel between Princeton’s stalwart goaltender and Connecticut’s high-scoring forward. Tigers netminder Uma Corniea has been formidable, posting a .920 save percentage or better in five of her last six starts, including a 27-save shutout against Harvard on Feb. 27. She will be tasked with slowing a Huskies offense averaging over three goals per game.

Connecticut’s attack is led by Kyla Josifovic, who has been on a tear with points in seven consecutive games. The right wing has four goals and five assists in that span, including a goal on 10 shots in a 2-1 win over Northeastern on March 7. Her consistent production will test a Princeton defense that has allowed two or fewer goals in three of its last five outings.

Both teams are coming off narrow one-goal losses to ranked opponents. Princeton fell 2-1 to Quinnipiac on March 6, despite 23 saves from Corniea. Connecticut dropped a 3-2 decision to Northeastern on Feb. 20 but responded with five straight wins before a recent 2-1 victory over those same Huskies.

The neutral ice in State College adds a postseason atmosphere to the late-season tilt. For Princeton, it’s a chance to avenge its early-season losses and bolster its resume against a top-five opponent. For Connecticut, it’s an opportunity to solidify its ranking and continue its momentum behind Josifovic’s hot streak.

The Huskies’ depth has been key during their run, with players like Ashley Allard and Sadie Hotles contributing consistently. Princeton will counter with offensive threats like Angelina DiGirolamo, who scored the Tigers’ lone goal in their last game.

Thursday’s contest serves as a final high-stakes tune-up before both teams look ahead to the 2026-27 campaign.