Ida Karlsson Leads Minnesota Duluth Into Season Opener

Ida Karlsson will co-captain Minnesota Duluth with Caitlin Kraemer in 2026-27. The Bulldogs announced the leadership group on Aug. 17; Eve Gascon and Kate Kosobud will serve as alternate captains.

The senior defender enters the season after making her Olympic debut for Sweden in February. She played all seven of Sweden’s games at Milan Cortina and recorded an assist, according to UMD. In an interview published Sunday by The Hockey News, coach Laura Schuler praised Karlsson’s daily work and called her “a pro in every sense of that word.” Karlsson said she intends to lead in the same way she did before receiving the captaincy.

Minnesota Duluth opens at home against Mercyhurst on Friday, Sept. 25, and plays the second game of the series Saturday. The Bulldogs then travel to Vermont for games Oct. 2–3. UMD is also scheduled to host the 2027 women’s NCAA Frozen Four at AMSOIL Arena in March, giving the team a potential home-ice postseason target.