PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Chatham Women's Hockey enters the 2026-27 season with a new head coach, 17 returning players and a large group of newcomers prepared to make an immediate impact. 

Alex Ochterbeck begins the first season as head coach of the Cougars after previously serving as an assistant coach at Curry College. During the preseason, Ochterbeck and the coaching staff have focused on establishing the program's identity and creating expectations the team can follow throughout the season. 

"What has stood out the most to us is the excitement everyone has around the program," Ochterbeck said. "Everyone is pushing themselves to get one percent better every day while also pushing their teammates to follow suit. Our main priorities during the preseason have been setting a team identity and style of play that we can stick to each and every game." 

Chatham's returning group is led by forwards Klara Miuller and Hailey Braaten and goaltender Morgan Miller, who were each selected as UCHC Players to Watch. Miuller earned Second Team All-UCHC honors after scoring 15 goals in 18 games last season. Braaten recorded 11 points, finished with a plus-eight rating and blocked 14 shots. Miller posted a .934 save percentage and a 2.85 goals-against average during her first collegiate season. 

The Cougars will rely on their returning players to lead a large incoming class and help establish the expectations of the new coaching staff. Ochterbeck expects the newcomers to contribute immediately while continuing to develop throughout the season. 

"We expect our newcomers to make an immediate impact on and off the ice," Ochterbeck said. "From what we've seen so far, there is a willingness to learn, ask questions and a curiosity amongst the group that makes us excited to coach." 

On the ice, the Cougars want to play with consistency while allowing their players to be creative within the team's system. 

"Chatham University Women's Hockey is relentless, competitive, prepared for every opponent and every situation, detailed and selfless," Ochterbeck said. "During the preseason, we have seen a mindset shift into finding the creativity and freedom within the structure. It's an exciting time for the program, and we are ready to get the season going." 

The Cougars open the 2026-27 season on Friday, October 30th when they host Lebanon Valley in the Faceoff Against Cancer Game at Shady Side Academy. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:30PM.