Defending champion Minnesota returns its No. 1 goaltender and top four scorers, including Patty Kazmaier finalist and Frozen Four MVP Hannah Brandt.
And while the Gophers lost four to graduation, including All-American defenseman Rachel Ramsey, coach Brad Frost brings eight new players to the roster in 2015-16, including three freshmen he expects to contribute right away.
Foremost among them is Sarah Potomak, a forward from British Columbia.
Brandt led the U.S. to a series victory over Canada in the U22 Series in Lake Placid, N.Y. this summer, scoring two goals in the clincher. But it was Potomak who first tied the series with the game-winner in a 2-1 Team Canada victory in Game 2.