Penn State women’s hockey will go on the road for the first time this season, playing a two-game series against Syracuse on October 9 and 10.

Yet, it’ll have to do so short-handed.

Juniors Grace Outwater and Abby Stonehouse are away from the team from October 8 to 14 for Team Canada Women’s Team Training Camp. The pair of forwards will be vying for a spot on Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championships, scheduled for early November in Denmark.

Outwater and Stonehouse’s absence puts the Nittany Lions without two of their most productive forwards as they try to capitalize on their sweep of Robert Morris. So far in 2026-27, Stonehouse leads the team with seven points and Outwater has scored three goals in the first three games.

Without two of their best players, Nittany Lion head coach Jeff Kampersal is ready to roll out a 10-forward lineup and run an offense by committee.

Of course, there’s also Sofia Ismael, who has broken out to lead all freshmen in points so far this season with six, including a hat trick in the second game against Robert Morris a week ago. Ismael was named Atlantic Hockey America Forward of the Week for her performance.

“Sofia was on fire, obviously, but that’s her role: to produce offense and particularly score goals,” Kampersal said.

Kampersal doesn’t want all the focus on one player, however.

Penn State’s roster is packed with other forwards who can fill in for Stonehouse and Outwater, such as Lorelai Nelson, Kylie Amelkovich, and Mikah Keller.

“[Nelson] is a solid player that’ll chip in on offense. Amelkovich skates like the wind. We have Mikah Keller, who’s one of the smartest — in my opinion, one of the smartest — players in college hockey,” Kampersal said.

Kampersal added that Penn State might count on different players to get the job done every night, but he’s confident the team will be in good shape while Outwater and Stonehouse are away.

Another challenge for the short-handed Nittany Lions’ front line will be sustaining pressure. Penn State’s fatigue will be an aspect the Orange will try to capitalize on.

“The biggest thing that I would be worried about is … a 10-minute stretch off here and there. We can’t afford to do that,” Kampersal said.

Kampersal noted Syracuse’s forecheck and strength in front of the net as specific areas Penn State will have to work hard against.

Penn State will have the chance to continue its recent success against AHA opponents and sit above .500 for the first time this season against the Orange.