By Randy Schultz; Photos by Janet Schultz
Coming off a 12-11-2 2025-26 season, Buffalo State University women’s hockey coach Rachel Grampp is optimistic about the upcoming season for the Bengals.
“I’m pretty optimistic at this point,” said Grampp, now in her sixth season as head coach of the Buff St. women’s hockey team. “I think only losing four players has set us up for some success this year.
“We’re looking to build the momentum around our program. Getting better every year. We’re getting more consistent in conference play.
“Our recruiting has gotten a bit easier. And I think last year’s results is what has gotten us going. We had a larger class for this year including 10 freshmen and one transfer.
“And only losing four let us be a little more selective and go after players we wanted versus having to try and just get numbers to get us back up to a good roster size. And the success we had last season helped up draw the better players.”
Four freshmen are part of this year’s squad including Aubrey Bykari, Sophia Till, Teagan Willats and Sophia Phillips. Willats and Phillips are local players from Grand Island and West Seneca, respectively.
There are five seniors returning to the team this year including Quinn Murray, Grace Zwolak, Arissa Vettraino, Sydney Radecki and Daphne Gray.
“Our seniors are paving the way,” stated Grampp. “They know what we need in the locker room and on the ice. They’re making sure that everyone is staying accountable of putting the work that is needed is done every day.”
With that said, Grampp went to the other end of the Bengals spectrum.
“I really think our freshman are really going to play big roles,” stated Grampp, who played her college hockey for Elmira from 2014-2018. “We also have a sophomore class that was pretty explosive last year.
“Dakota (Carlson) led our team in points (16 goals and 10 assists for 26 points in 25 games). And having her teamed with Venessa (Willats) last year says a lot about her skill set. So we’re looking at building off that sophomore class this year.”
Speaking of sophomores, the Bengals are carrying four goaltenders this season. Ironically, three of them are sophomores.
“Our goaltending is pretty young,” commented Grampp. “But they are girls that we’re depending on.”
The four include Amelia Knott, Casey Horrigan (a junior), Alexa Todd and Kylie Paige. Paige is from Buffalo.
So with all this said, what can opposing teams expect from the Buffalo State squad?
“One of the things we talk a lot about is being fast,” answered the Bengals head coach. “And I think our core group of players, top to bottom, are pretty speedy.
“They will continue to play off of that and stay aggressive. I think we can beat teams to the loose pucks.
“Our ‘D’ corps is really steady. We don’t have anyone new back there.
“And I am expecting a lot from our forwards, especially to put the puck in the back of the net.
“I think it will be a good balance between our defense and forwards.”
Grampp is also quick to point out that the conference Buffalo State plays in is pretty well balanced.
“I think our conference games will be good battles,” concluded Grampp. “The bottom line to these games will be if both teams show up it will be a good game.
“If one team doesn’t show up, it could get ugly.
“As for non-conference games, it will be the same. So our players know that they have to be ready when we step out on the ice.
“I think there is a ton of potential on this team. But we have to be consistent. We have to be ready to go every game. “
