University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Announce Six-Skater 2026-27 Signing Class
11/17/2025 10:10:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – Head coach Brad Frost and the University of Minnesota women's hockey program are excited to announce the addition of six incoming student-athletes to the 2026-27 signing class. The group features three players from Canada, two from Minnesota, and one from Pennsylvania.
"This is a recruiting class we are ecstatic about," said Head Coach Brad Frost. "Each of these student-athletes comes from world-class programs across Canada and the United States. They are among the top players in their age groups—many have represented, or will represent, their countries at the highest level. This group will help our Gopher program continue to be elite."
Adrianna Milani | Forward | Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins | Oakville, Ont.
"I chose the University of Minnesota because of its incredible hockey culture, amazing coaching staff, and resources that allow players to develop and reach their goals," said Milani. "The time that the coaches took to get to know me as both a player and person as well as believe in my potential, truly made me feel wanted at Minnesota. The rich tradition of Gopher women's hockey is something that is a privilege to be a part of and I can't wait to get started at Ridder Arena."
A right-handed forward, Milani joins Minnesota from the Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins, where she recorded 36 goals and 27 assists (63 points) in 36 games during the 2024-25 season. The Oakville, Ont. native has represented Hockey Canada at multiple U18 Summer Series and was named to Team Ontario in 2025. The daughter of Randi and Cam Milani, Adrianna follows in her mother's footsteps, Randi, who played at the University of New Hampshire and now works in player development for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Frost on Milani: "Adrianna is a smooth-skating forward with exceptional vision. Her ability to use her edges and quickness to evade pressure is tremendous. She's the type of player who gets fans out of their seats every time she touches the puck. Adrianna makes her teammates better and plays with a deep passion for the game."
Maddie McCullough | Forward | Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins | Newmarket, Ont.
"From the moment I visited, I knew Minnesota was where I wanted to be," said McCullough. "The coaching staff and team feel like family, and I'm surrounded by people who will push me to be better every day. The facilities, academics, and campus are all built around striving for excellence — and that's exactly the environment I want to grow in."
McCullough, a left-handed forward, currently leads the Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins in scoring with 12 goals and 17 assists through 15 games. She previously skated with the Durham West Jr. Lightning, leading the team in points for two straight seasons and guiding them to an OWHA League Championship in 2023-24. Internationally, she won gold with Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship. The daughter of Matt and Gillian McCullough, she is joined by her brother, Nolan, who plays rugby at Trent University.
Frost on McCullough:"Maddie is a dynamic forward and a strong skater who covers the entire rink effectively. She goes to the hard areas and gets rewarded for it. Maddie has produced offensively at every level she's played, and we are excited to see her continue that trend here."
Rachel Piggott | Forward | Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins | Richmond Hill, Ont.
"I'm eager to attend the University of Minnesota because of its incredible people, welcoming atmosphere, and strong sense of community," said Piggott. "The success and tradition of excellence within the University of Minnesota women's hockey program were major factors in my decision to become a Gopher. Being part of such a competitive and accomplished program will provide the greatest opportunity for me to grow as a player and contribute to the team's pursuit of a national championship."
Piggott, a left-shot forward, is currently in her third season with the Etobicoke Jr. Dolphins, totaling 31 goals and 30 assists in her first two years. She also captured a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2025 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship. The daughter of Lee Anne and Tim Piggott, she also has an older brother, Ryan.
Frost on Piggott: "Rachel is a true competitor who loves the game of hockey. She leads through effort and attention to detail, always doing the little things that make a big difference. Rachel is a 200-foot player who goes to the net, defends her teammates, and plays to win. She brings discipline and structure to every shift."
Sloane Hartmetz | Defense | Shattuck-St. Mary's | Phoenixville, Penn.
"I chose the University of Minnesota because they have a great hockey program with a history of success and excellent coaching," said Hartmetz. "There are also top notch resources and a tremendous fanbase."
A right-handed defender, Hartmetz joins the Gophers from Shattuck-St. Mary's, where she posted 9 goals and 34 assists in 47 games as a junior. She has represented Team USA in multiple U18 Summer Series and earned silver at the 2025 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship. The daughter of Joseph and Justine Hartmetz, she has two sisters, Hadley and Quinn. Hadley played collegiately at Boston College and Ohio State and currently skates in the PWHL for the Boston Fleet.
Frost on Hartmetz: "Sloane is a dynamic defenseman capable of impacting the game in all three zones. Her confidence and poise make her a threat every time she's on the ice. With great feet and instincts, she creates separation and opportunities for herself and her teammates."
Katya Sander | Defense | Holy Family Catholic | Chanhassen, Minn.
"The University of Minnesota felt like the perfect place for me because of the culture, coaching staff, and known excellence in the hockey world," said Sander. "Here I will be able to push myself and get pushed by the people around me to grow as a player and person. I am beyond excited to wear the maroon and gold, and continue my athletics and learning at a top notch institution."
A left-handed defender, Sander etches her name onto the Minnesota roster after attending Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria, Minn. During her junior season, the Chanhassen native skated to 30 points in just 31 games behind 13 goals and 17 assists. Sander also skated for Team USA at the 2025 U18 Summer Series against Team Canada. The daughter of Paul and Natalia Sander, she has two siblings, Michael and Valentina.
Frost on Sander: "Katya is a mobile, powerful skater who uses her size and strength effectively all over the ice. She's physical at the net front and in the corners, sees the ice well, and makes smart, simple plays that make her a dependable presence on the back end."
Payton Rolli | Goaltender | Warroad High School | Warroad, Minn.
"I chose the University of Minnesota because it's close to home, has a great hockey program, and both my parents went there," said Rolli.
A left-catching goaltender, Rolli backstopped Warroad High School to the 2024 Minnesota State Class A Championship and a runner-up finish in 2025. As a senior, she posted a 1.15 GAA, .943 save percentage, and nine shutouts while going 26-4-0. The daughter of Robyn and Eric Rolli, she has two younger siblings, Elin and Justin.
Frost on Rolli: "Payton brings great size and a deep passion for growth and development as an athlete. A state champion from a program with a strong history of success, she has been the starting goaltender for Warroad High School and has consistently performed in big moments."