Women’s hockey is growing nationwide — and here in Southern California, one pioneering program is helping push that momentum forward. LMU Women’s Hockey Team, the first women’s collegiate ice hockey program in California competing in ACHA Women’s Division 1, is entering its historic inaugural season with energy, purpose, and a vision that extends well beyond the scoreboard.
At Skating Edge Ice Arena, we’re proud to host several of the team’s home games and support a program that is not only competing at the highest collegiate club level — but expanding opportunity, visibility, and momentum for women’s hockey across California.
A Full-Circle Moment: LMU’s First Win Echoes Their Origins
In April, LMU Women’s Hockey stepped onto the ice for their first official game — and made history immediately.
Their opponent: USC.
Their result: a 2–0 victory.
For Program Manager Tyler Goeckner-Zoeller, the moment was surreal. In 2005, LMU Men’s Hockey played their program’s first game… also against USC… and also won 2–0.
“Seeing our women’s team earn the exact same result 20 years later was a full-circle moment,” Tyler shared. “It showed how far our program has come — and how bright the future is.”
How LMU Women’s Hockey Was Born: One Student Sparked a Movement
LMU Hockey spent nearly two decades as a single men’s team, eventually adding a Men’s D3 program. But launching a women’s team had long been a dream — and it became reality thanks to one determined student, Ren Martino.
Ren led the effort to recruit enough interested women to form a roster, pushing the initiative forward and proving that the demand was there.
Today, LMU Women’s Hockey features 12 players, none of them seniors — meaning this team is only at the beginning of its growth curve. Coaches expect the roster to expand rapidly in the next 1–2 years.
Team Culture: Inclusive, Competitive, and Built for Growth
Despite being a new program, LMU Women’s Hockey already has a strong identity.
The team culture is:
- Inclusive and welcoming
- High-effort and team-first
- Focused on growing women’s hockey in California
- Built on pride, resilience, and unity
“We want to grow LMU Hockey as a whole,” Tyler explained. “You see schools with three or four ACHA teams. Even though LMU is smaller, we believe we can reach that size — and the women’s program is a huge part of that vision.”
Why This Team Matters: A New Pathway for Girls and Women in California
Around the country, girls’ and women’s hockey is expanding — but California still lacks the collegiate opportunities seen in the East Coast and Midwest.
LMU is helping change that future.
As the the first women’s collegiate ice hockey program in California competing at the ACHA Women’s Division 1 level, LMU is creating a pathway for girls who want to continue playing the sport they love without leaving the state.
With visibility and community support, LMU hopes their success encourages other California universities to start women’s programs — and inspires young players across the region to dream bigger.
Upcoming LMU Women’s Hockey Games at Skating Edge Ice Arena
Fans will have several opportunities this season to watch high-level women’s hockey right here in Los Angeles.
Upcoming Home Games at Skating Edge Ice Arena
January 17 – 5:50 PM vs. Northwestern
January 18 – 9:45 AM vs. Northwestern
February 13 – 6:20 PM vs. Boise State
February 27 – 8:40 PM vs. Washington
February 28 – 5:50 PM vs. Washington
Tickets available at the door:
$10 adults · $5 students & kids
These matchups mark major milestones for LMU—especially as they face their first ACHA Division 1 opponents of the season.
Join Us in Supporting LMU Women’s Hockey
Whether you’re an LMU student, a local hockey fan, a youth player, or a girl dreaming of playing college hockey someday, these games are a rare chance to witness trailblazing ACHA Division 1 women’s hockey right here in Southern California.
Final Thoughts
LMU Women’s Hockey isn’t just participating in the sport — they’re shaping its future.
Their determination, growth, and groundbreaking presence make them one of the most exciting stories in California hockey today.
And at Skating Edge Ice Arena, we’re honored to support a program that is opening doors for girls and women across the region and building a legacy that will last for years to come.
Stay tuned for updates, follow the team at LMUIceHockey.com, and join us at Skating Edge to cheer on the Lions this season!
