Eighteen players from the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) have been named to international rosters for the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship in České Budějovice, Czechia, from April 9-20.

The group of 18 international players from the PWHL will represent Czechia (9), Finland (3), Germany (2), Sweden (3) and Switzerland (1). Combined with the 23 PWHL players previously named to Team Canada and the 16 PWHL players on Team USA, the league will have 57 players competing for seven different countries at Women’s Worlds.

All six PWHL teams have international players named to World Championship rosters. The Boston Fleet lead the way with five players, followed by the Ottawa Charge with four, the Montréal Victoire and Toronto Sceptres each with three, the Minnesota Frost with two, and the New York Sirens with one. The list includes three goaltenders, five defenders and 10 forwards.

Czechia: G – Klára Peslarová (BOS), D - Dominika Lásková (MTL), Daniela Pejšová (BOS), Aneta Tejralová (OTT), F - Klára Hymlárová (MIN), Denisa Křížová (MIN), Kateřina Mrázová (OTT), Noemi Neubauerová (TOR), Tereza Vanišová (OTT).

Finland: D – Ronja Savolainen (OTT), F – Susanna Tapani (BOS), Noora Tulus (NY).

Germany: G – Sandra Abstreiter (MTL), F - Laura Kluge (TOR).

Sweden: G – Emma Söderberg (BOS), D – Anna Kjellbin (TOR), F – Lina Ljungblom (MTL).

Switzerland: F - Alina Müller (BOS).

All 18 players have World Championship experience in the top division, led by Tapani, a six-time medalist (one silver, five bronze) in nine previous events, including bronze at last year’s tournament in Utica. Ottawa’s Carla MacLeod will serve as Head Coach for the host nation, Czechia.

Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) ‘3 Stars of the Week’ presented by Shark Beauty Canada.

FIRST STAR – LAURA STACEY, F, MONTRÉAL VICTOIRE

Stacey became just the fifth player in PWHL history to record four points in a game when the Victorie defeated the Minnesota Frost 4-1. It was Stacey's first multiple-goal game of the season. The four points marked her best single game of the season. In the the game Stacey assisted on Marie-Philip Poulin; the Philip-Poulin - Stacey connection have combined for 10 goals, the third most by any duo in the PWHL. Stacey had her fourth power-play goal of the season, tied with five others for the league lead, and her third game-winning goal. Stacey has surpassed last years totals of 10-8-18 to this years 10-10-20

SECOND STAR – TEREZA VANIŠOVÁ, F, OTTAWA CHARGE

Vanišová Takeover Tour game in St. Louis before a crowd of 8,578 witnessed Vanisova scored the fastest two goals in PWHL history 32 seconds apart shattering the record previous record of the Fleets Susanna Tapani by 17 seconds. as the Charge defeated Boston 2-1 . Vanišová also had an assist on Brianne Jenner's tally in Tuesday’s 6-3 loss to the Sirens. Vanišová has nearly doubled last season’s point total (2-10—12 with Montréal and Ottawa). She leads Ottawa in goals and points and is tied with Stacey for 10th overall among the PWHL’s scoring leaders.

THIRD STAR – DARYL WATTS, F, TORONTO SCEPTRES

Watts scored half of her team’s six goals last week, collecting two in Toronto’s 4-2 victory over the Boston Fleet. Watts would light the lamp in facing the Frost of Minnesota, however the Sceptres came out on the losing side of the score 5-2. Facing the Fleet was the third game in which she netted two goals this season; only Poulin, with four, has more. One of her goals at Boston was a power play goal, marking her fourth power play goal of the season placing her in a tie with five others for the PWHL lead. With eight power-play assists, Watts is third in the league, behind teammates Miller (9) and Renata Fast (11)

The ‘3 Stars of the Week’ are announced each Monday throughout the regular season and playoffs, encompassing games from the previous Monday through Sunday. Points will be awarded to each selection and will help determine rankings at the end of the year.

First Star = 30 Points   Second Star = 20 Points   Third Star = 10 Points   

PWHL ‘3 Stars of the Week’ Standings

Marie-Philip Poulin (MTL) = 90 Points

Laura Stacey (MTL) = 80 Points

Hilary Knight (BOS) = 70 Points

Abby Boreen (MTL) = 50 Points

Gabbie Hughes (OTT) = 50 Points

Hannah Miller (TOR) = 50 Points

Tereza Vanišová (OTT) = 50 Points

Kristen Campbell (TOR) = 40 Points

Alex Carpenter (NY) = 40 Points

Susanna Tapani (BOS) = 40 Points

Erin Ambrose (MTL) = 30 Points

Emily Clark (OTT) = 30 Points

Sarah Fillier (NY) = 30 Points

Emerance Maschmeyer (OTT) = 30 Points

Alina Müller (BOS) = 30 Points

Corinne Schroeder (NY) = 30 Points

Claire Thompson (MIN) = 30 Points

Michela Cava (MIN) = 20 Points

Kendall Coyne Schofield (MIN) = 20 Points

Renata Fast (TOR) = 20 Points

Megan Keller (BOS) = 20 Points

Kateřina Mrázová (OTT) = 20 Points

Abby Roque = 20 Points

Ann-Renée Desbiens (MTL) = 10 Points

Taylor Heise (MIN) = 10 Points

Sophie Jaques (MIN) = 10 Points

Sidney Morin (BOS) = 10 Points

Maddie Rooney (MIN) = 10 Points

Kati Tabin (MTL) = 10 Points

Daryl Watts (TOR) = 10 Points

News and Notes From the PWHL Rink and Beyond

PWHL PLAYOFF PICTURE

Montréal (11-6-3-6, 48 points) became the first team to officially punch their ticket to the PWHL Playoffs and remain atop the standings with four games left on their schedule. The Victoire can secure one of the top two seeds by earning at least one more point than third-place Boston (8-6-4-8, 40 points) before the break. Toronto (12-2-5-8, 45 points) is in second place with three games remaining, with the Sceptres able to clinch a playoff berth if Boston beats Ottawa, or if the Charge beat the Fleet in a shootout on Wednesday. Minnesota (8-5-4-10, 38 points) currently holds the fourth and final playoff spot with three games remaining. Ottawa (10-1-4-11, 36 points) enters the week in fifth place with four games left to play, followed by New York (6-4-4-12, 30 points) in sixth place with four games remaining. The final Playoff slot could very well be determined the last game of the season when the Minnesota Frost travels to Ottawa to take on the Charge in one of the leagues final game of the regular season April 30th.

TAKEOVER TOUR™ WRAPS UP IN ST. LOUIS

The PWHL Takeover Tour™ made its ninth and final stop of the season on Saturday at Enterprise Center in St. Louis where Ottawa beat Boston before a crowd of 8,578, setting an attendance record for professional women’s hockey in Missouri. Olympian Alex Cavallini, performed the game’s ceremonial puck drop. The tour welcomed a total of 123,061 fans across all nine stops. The top drawing cities in the tour were Vancouver 19,038, Quebec City 18,259 and Edmonton which drew 17,518.

THIRD PERIOD COMEBACKS

Three of last week’s five games saw teams deliver third period comebacks in regulation. On Tuesday, New York set a PWHL record for most goals in a single period with six in the final frame to erase a 3-0 deficit and win 6-3 over Ottawa. Then on Wednesday, Toronto scored four goals in a single period for the first time in team history to overcome a 1-0 third period deficit and beat Boston 4-2. Finally, on Saturday in St. Louis, the Charge scored twice in the final four minutes of the third period to beat the Fleet 2-1. The season has just two other third period comebacks resulting in regulation wins when a team was leading after 40 minutes, including Boston over Minnesota, 4-2 on Feb. 16 after trailing 2-1, and Ottawa over Toronto, 3-2 on Dec. 3 after trailing 2-1. Montréal has won 11 of 12 games when leading after two periods, with their only loss coming in a shootout. New York has won all five games in which they have led after two periods.

FASTEST TWO GOALS IN PWHL HISTORY

Two of last week’s games also featured two new records for the fastest two goals scored in PWHL history. Ottawa’s Tereza Vanišová set the new individual benchmark, scoring both of her team’s third period goals on Saturday in a span of 32 seconds. Then on Sunday, Minnesota’s Taylor Heise (1:01) and Britta Curl-Salemme (1:43) scored the fastest two goals by a team to open a game. Both goals count among the league’s six goals scored this season in a game’s opening two minutes.

FOUR POINTS FOR STACEY

Montréal’s Laura Stacey became just the fifth player in PWHL history, and fourth this season, to record a four-point performance when she scored two goals and two assists last Wednesday against Minnesota. Her four points matches Boston’s Hilary Knight (3G, 1A) on Mar. 5, Toronto’s Hannah Miller (2G, 2A) on Feb. 19, Minnesota’s Claire Thompson (1G, 3A) on Dec. 19, and teammate Erin Ambrose (4A) on Apr. 18, 2024, last season.

MCQUIGGE’S POINT STREAK

Minnesota rookie Brooke McQuigge recorded two assists on Sunday to extend her point streak to six games (2G, 5A). She becomes the first-ever player from Minnesota to reach the mark and is one game shy of tying New York’s Alex Carpenter (5G, 5A from Dec. 1 to Jan. 4) for the longest point streak in PWHL history at seven games. Four other players have produced six-game point streaks this season, including twice by Sirens rookie Sarah Fillier (1G, 5A from Jan. 12 to Feb. 2, and 5G, 3A from Feb. 19 to Mar. 16), Toronto’s Renata Fast (1G, 5A from Nov. 30 to Dec. 27), Ottawa’s Emily Clark (4G, 6A from Feb. 1 to 26), and Stacey (4G, 5A from Feb. 22 to Mar. 8).

GOSLING TO REPLACE MILLER ON TEAM CANADA

Hockey Canada announced on Monday that Sceptres rookie forward Julia Gosling has been added to Canada’s National Women’s Team and will compete in her second straight World Championship later this month in Czechia. Her Toronto teammate, Hannah Miller, who was among Canada’s initial roster selections, has been deemed ineligible by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). The IIHF stipulates a two-year timeline from when Miller last played overseas in order for her to be eligible to play for Canada.

GRANATO NOMINATED FOR USOPC HALL OF FAME

Cammi Granato, one of the first women inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010, is among 15 Olympians who are up for induction into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, Class of 2025. Granato, who won Olympic gold in 1998 and silver in 2002, is the only women’s hockey player among this year’s nominees.

LEAGUE LEADERS

As the PWHL scoring race heats up, the bar has been raised for the league’s single season points record. Knight (15G, 13A) became the first player to reach 28 points in a PWHL season, reaching the mark in her 25th game, to surpass Spooner (20G, 7A), the league’s reigning MVP, who had 27 points in 24 games during the inaugural season. Fillier (12G, 15A) has 27 points in 26 games and set a new standard for rookie goals in a season, surpassing Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle, who scored 11 times in 24 games as part of her Rookie of the Year campaign. Toronto’s Daryl Watts (11G, 15A) ranks third in scoring with 26 points in 27 games, followed by Miller (10G, 14A) with 24 points in 26 games. Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin ranks fifth with 23 points in 26 games, including a league-high 17 goals.

Fast (6G, 15A) leads all defenders in scoring with 21 points in 27 games.

Montréal’s Ann-Renée Desbiens, who was recently placed on LTIR, continues to lead the league in wins (13), goals-against-average (1.85) and save percentage (.932).

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

There are just two games this week before the league schedule pauses for the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship. Both are Pride Unity Games presented by e.l.f., including tonight when the Victoire host the Sirens at Place Bell, and tomorrow when the Fleet host the Charge at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. The PWHL schedule resumes on Apr. 26 when all six teams will have three remaining games.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025
7 p.m. ET – New York Sirens at Montréal Victoire (Place Bell)
Prime Video (Canada), MSGSNHD/Z1

Wednesday, April 2, 2025
7 p.m. ET – Ottawa Charge at Boston Fleet (Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell)
NESN+, TSN 5

All PWHL games will be streamed on the league’s YouTube Channel and at thepwhl.com, and are available to watch worldwide outside of Canada, and in Czechia and Slovakia where games are available via Nova Sport.

Twenty-three players from the PWHL will represent Canada at the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s World Championship in České Budějovice, Czechia, from April 9-20. Canada’s full 25-player National Women’s Team roster was released by Hockey Canada.

Canada’s roster features 23 PWHL players: two goaltenders, seven defenders and 14 forwards representing five PWHL teams. The Toronto Sceptres lead the way with eight players, followed by the Montréal Victoire with six, the Ottawa Charge with four, the New York Sirens with three, and the Minnesota Frost with two.

Goaltenders: Kristen Campbell (TOR), Ann-Renée Desbiens (MTL).

Defenders: Erin Ambrose (MTL), Renata Fast (TOR), Sophie Jaques (MIN), Jocelyne Larocque (OTT), Ella Shelton (NY), Claire Thompson (MIN), Micah Zandee-Hart (NY).

Forwards: Emily Clark (OTT), Sarah Fillier (NY), Jennifer Gardiner (MTL), Brianne Jenner (OTT), Emma Maltais (TOR), Hannah Miller (TOR), Sarah Nurse (TOR), Kristin O’Neill (MTL), Marie-Philip Poulin (MTL), Danielle Serdachny (OTT), Natalie Spooner (TOR), Laura Stacey (MTL), Blayre Turnbull (TOR), Daryl Watts (TOR).

Of the 25 players on the roster, Poulin has the most World Championship experience as a 12-time medalist (four gold, seven silver, one bronze), including three golds in the last four tournaments. Gardiner, Jaques, Miller and Watts are among six players on the roster who will make their World Championship debut.

Team Canada’s staff includes several PWHL representatives: General Manager Gina Kingsbury (TOR), Head Coach Troy Ryan (TOR), Assistant Coaches Kori Cheverie (MTL) and Caroline Ouellette (MTL), Goaltending Consultant Brad Kirkwood (TOR), Strength and Conditioning Coach Vicki Bendus (MTL), and Equipment Manager Alana Goulden (TOR).

The 2024-25 PWHL regular-season schedule continues with games through Apr. 2 before pausing for the World Championship, with the season resuming on April 26.

The U.S. roster features two PWHL goaltenders, five defenders and nine forwards representing all six PWHL teams including the Minnesota Frost with six players, the Boston Fleet and Toronto Sceptres with three players each, the Montréal Victoire with two players, and the New York Sirens and Ottawa Charge with one player each.

Goaltenders: Aerin Frankel (BOS), Gwyneth Philips (OTT).

Defenders: Cayla Barnes (MTL), Savannah Harmon (TOR), Megan Keller (BOS), Lee Stecklein (MIN), Anna Wilgren (MTL).

Forwards: Alex Carpenter (NY), Jesse Compher (TOR), Kendall Coyne Schofield (MIN), Britta Curl-Salemme (MIN), Taylor Heise (MIN), Hilary Knight (BOS), Kelly Pannek (MIN), Hayley Scamurra (TOR), Grace Zumwinkle (MIN).

Of the 25 players on the roster, Knight brings the most World Championship experience to the team as a 14-time medalist (nine gold, five silver), which is the most in tournament history. Wilgren is one of two players on the roster who will make her World Championship debut.

USA Hockey also announced its full team staff, which includes assistant coach Josh Sciba (NY), scout Haley Skarupa (MIN), athletic trainers Katie Homan (MIN) and Amanda Kelley (BOS), and equipment manager Sis Paulsen (MIN), who all hold similar roles with their PWHL teams.

The PWHL announced the January SupraStars of the Month, presented by AIRSUPRA®Inhalation Aerosol.

The award recognizes three forwards, two defenders, and one goaltender at the conclusion of each month, determined as the players who most excelled on ice throughout the PWHL. Forwards are selected regardless of position.

EMILY CLARK, F, OTTAWA CHARGE

Clark had points in all six of Ottawa’s February games, collecting 4-5—9 with 22 shots on goal and a plus-7 rating. The Charge played three overtime games in February, and Clark played a role in key goals in each of them. In a 3-2 Takeover Tour loss to Toronto at Rogers Place in Edmonton, she set up the goal by Tereza Vanišová that tied the game 2-2 at 4:10 of the third period. In a 3-2 loss at home to Boston in the following contest, she assisted on the Vanišová tally that tied the score 2-2 at 19:57 of the final frame. And at TD Place on Feb. 26, Clark’s goal at 5:21 of the third provided a 4-3 Charge lead before Gabbie Hughes scored in overtime to give the Charge the win. Clark also had a hand in all three tallies Feb. 22, setting up Stephanie Markowski’s first PWHL goal, then notching the winner and adding empty-net insurance as the Charge topped first-place Montréal 3-1 on home ice. The single-game output was a career-best for the 29-year-old from Saskatoon, Sask., whose February performance raised her season’s total to a team-leading 7-7—14 in 20 games and pulled her within a point of matching last season’s 4-11—15. Clark shares the team lead in assists with Jincy Roese, and her goal total is second on the Charge to the nine by Vanišová.

GABBIE HUGHES, F, OTTAWA CHARGE

A pair of two-goal, one-assist performances powered an eight-point (5-3--8) month that boosted the Lino Lakes, Minn., native to 5-5—10 for the season – just two away from matching her 9-3—12 in the PWHL’s inaugural campaign. Perhaps most notably, Hughes gave Ottawa its first overtime victory in franchise history with her shot past New York goaltender Corinne Schroeder 36 seconds into extra play on Feb. 26. The tally was her second of the game, to go with an assist on Clark’s 4-3 goal. Hughes had notched her first three-point game 13 days earlier in an 8-3 conquest of Minnesota. Her goal at 4:51 of the second period launched a run of six consecutive Ottawa tallies that turned a 2-2 game into a runaway for the Charge. Hughes followed that performance with a goal and an assist against Toronto in a Takeover Tour game at Rogers Place in Edmonton, playing a role in both of Ottawa’s goals in a 3-2 overtime loss Feb. 16.

HANNAH MILLER, F, TORONTO SCEPTRES

After making the SupraStars roster for the month of January, Miller followed up with three goals, six assists and nine shots in February to earn another SupraStars recognition as Toronto won five of their six games. Of particular note was a two-game rampage in which she played a scoring role on all seven Toronto goals across the two contests, raising to seven her total of multi-point games for the season. Miller had three assists in the Sceptres’ 3-2 overtime Takeover Tour victory over Ottawa in Edmonton Feb. 16, and followed with 2-2—4 in a 4-1 victory over New York. The four-point game was the third in PWHL history but the first by a forward; the other players to attain the achievement were defenders Erin Ambrose of Montréal 0-4—4 on March 8, 2024 and Claire Thompson of Minnesota, who had 1-3—4 against Ottawa Dec. 19. Miller’s performance raised her season’s point total to 10-12—22, tops among PWHL scorers, and powered a 16-point month for her team as the second-place Sceptres went 4-2-0-1.

RENATA FAST, D, TORONTO SCEPTRES

The top-scoring defender in the PWHL with 4-13--17, Fast played in all seven of Toronto’s February games, contributing 2-3—5 with 12 shots while increasing her PWHL-leading hits total to 43. Fast’s February output also powered her past last season’s point total of 3-10—13 in 24 games while helping the Sceptres mount a six-game winning streak and nine-game point streak – each of which began in January. In addition, Fast raised her point total to 2-9—11 on the Sceptres’ PWHL-leading power play, which now stands at 32.8% with 21 goals on 64 opportunities. Fast opened the month with game-winning goals in consecutive contests. She notched the 3-1 goal on the power play in a 4-2 victory over Ottawa Feb. 1 and scored the 3-2 winner over Minnesota with just four seconds remaining in overtime at Coca-Coliseum on Feb. 11, beating Maddie Rooney on a breakaway. Fast then collected a pair of power-play assists Feb. 16 in Toronto’s 3-2 Takeover Tour victory over Ottawa, teaming with Miller to help Daryl Watts tie the game 1-1 at 15:54 of the second period before the duo combined with Watts again 51 seconds into overtime.

SOPHIE JAQUES, D, MINNESOTA FROST

Jaques contributed 2-4—6 with nine shots on goal in Minnesota’s five February games. She had a hand in both Frost goals in a 3-2 overtime loss at Toronto Feb. 11, beating Raygan Kirk from the left-wing circle with the game’s first shot at 1:23 of the contest, then setting up Brooke McQuigge’s goal from the slot at 8:40 of the second to provide a temporary 2-0 lead. Jaques added a goal in Ottawa Feb. 13 and assists on both of Minnesota’s goals in a 4-2 loss in Boston Feb. 16 before collecting an assist in the Frost’s 4-0 victory at Montreal Feb. 18. With 3-11—14 in 15 games for the season, Jaques ranks third in scoring among PWHL defenders, trailing only Fast (4-13—17) and Minnesota teammate Thompson (3-12—15). Jaques’ .93 points per game leads all active defenders, ahead of Fast’s .81 per game and Thompson’s .75.

AERIN FRANKEL, G, BOSTON FLEET

Frankel made five starts in 12 days during Boston’s compressed six-game February schedule. She made 25 saves in her first shutout of the season, a 4-0 victory over New York at Prudential Center on Feb. 12, then absorbed a 3-1 loss in Toronto before getting a breather Feb. 16 as Klára Peslarová helped the Fleet rebound with a 4-2 victory over Minnesota with her first career win. Frankel returned to the net for a 4-1 victory, the second of her three over the Sirens in the month, then backstopped a 3-2 victory at Ottawa Feb. 20. On Feb. 23, Frankel closed out her stellar February work by stopping all five Sirens shooters in Boston’s 3-2 shootout triumph in a Takeover Tour game at Keybank Center in Buffalo, N.Y. In all, Frankel stopped 143 of the 151 shots she faced, compiling a .947 save percentage and collecting four of the Fleet’s five February victories in a 13-point month (3-2-0-1) that lifted Boston to third in the PWHL standings.

All Sports Journalism's PWHL Players of the Month of February Spotlight

photo credit PWHL

Boston Fleets Alina Mueller. The 26 year who hails from Winterhur Switzerland has three goals three assist six points with a +/- of 4.The left handed shooter has been on the ice for a total of 90:29 minutes an average of 18:06. for the month of February as of press time.

Muller who has participated in the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics, in 2014 Mueller was part of the Swiss team that captured a bronze medal,in the win over Sweden where she scored the game winning goal, in doing so she became the youngest player (15) in Olympic history to earn medal at the competition. In the 2018 Olympic Games Muller led the the hockey competition with 10 points in six she earned the Best Forward as well being selected to the All Star team.

Muller attended Northeastern University where she was a five time Patty Kazimer finalist, and twice was a top three finalist for the award which is awarded to the top collegiate player. When Muller left the Huskies she holds the Hockey East carrer points with 175,Hocey East Tournament points with 33, Muller has established the following Northeastern records, points with 254, assist 156 and game winning goals 28.

Last season Muller earned All Sports Journalism All Rookie First Team as she concluded the season with seven assist, five goals, 12 points a +/- rating of +1 and a power play goal. This season Muller has already equaled her output of goals scored (5) and is on pace to establish career highs in high assist (11) currently she has seven assist and points (16) Muller has recorded 12 points.

Hockey runs in the Muller family her brother played for the San Jose Sharks from 2014-207 where he saw the ice in 54 games with two goals, four assist, six points with New Jersey Devils Muller was in 131 games with three goals, 19 assist, 22 points.



photo credit PWHL Reneta Fast vs NY Sirens

Toronto Sceptres Reneta Fast two goals, three assist, five points and a +/- of a +3 5 points as of press time. The defensive player has been on the ice for the month a total of 113:15 minutes an average of 23:13.

Fast was a member of the Golden Knights of Clarkson University during her stay at Clarkson from 20112-2016 she earned ECAC All Academic Honors in all four years at Clarkson. 2013-14 was chosen to the Frozen Four All Tournament Team when the Golden Knights captured the National Championship. During the 2014-15 season Fast would garner First team ECAC All Star. In 2018 Fast established a career high in points with 18 that year she was selected to third team ECAC. Fast was nominated for the ECAC Hockey’s Student Athlete of the Year

Fast has participated in two Olympic Games (2018 and 2022) for team Canada. In her first Olympics she earned a silver medal in the 2022 Team Canada earned the Gold. In six World Championships Fast has seen action; she has gathered three Gold medals (2021,2022,2024) two Silver (2017, 2023) a Bronze in 2019.

This season Fast has three goals last season she lit the lamp four times, now she has 10 assist three shy of last years mark, her point total from last season was 17 Fast is only four points shy of that mark.


photo credit PWHL Raygan Kirk in net versus Ottawa at Take Over Tour in Edmonton

Raygan Kirk of the Toronto Sceptres is our netminder for the month of February the St. Anne native, Kirk has won all three games she was in the net for. Kirkk has allowed just six goals while stopping 90 shots that have come her way. On the season Kirk has a 5-1-1 record with a 2.23 goals allowed average and a save percentage of .918


Kirk concluded collegiate career at Ohio State, in her final game in the for the Buckeyes Kirk shutout the Wisconsin Badger as Ohio State captured the the NCAA Hockey Championship. In the Tournament Kirk was named the MVP of the tournament as well as being named to the Frozen Four All Tournament Team.



photo credit PWHL

The Boston Fleet will host two home games at Agganis Arena at Boston University during the 2024-25 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season. The Fleet will host the Montréal Victoire on Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. ET and the Toronto Sceptres on Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. ET.

Agganis Arena, is the home venue to the Boston University Terriers’ Men’s Ice Hockey team. The 290,000-square foot multipurpose arena hosts 6,150 seats for on-ice events. The two dates at Agganis Arena are part of a league-wide initiative to host games at alternate home venues, making it easier for fans in different areas to attend and experience the PWHL live.

“We are thrilled to bring the Boston Fleet to Agganis Arena for these two games,” said Boston Fleet Director of Business Operations Laura Marie Cancro. “It presents a wonderful opportunity to expose fans in central Boston to the PWHL and engage with our fan base on the south shore and Rhode Island.”

“Agganis Arena has a rich hockey history,” said Fleet Head Coach Courtney Kessel. “It’s going to be a great, new experience for our athletes to take the ice in another storied venue. For fans who haven’t had the chance to see a game live, this is the perfect chance to take in the fast-paced, highly skilled, and physical style of play our team brings to the ice.”

Season Ticket Members will be allocated seats for both games as part of their package. Two-game packs for both Agganis games will go on sale Friday, Jan. 24 at 10:00 a.m. ET and single game tickets will be on sale to the public on Friday, Jan. 31 at 10:00 a.m. ET. All tickets will be available via Ticketmaster. Fans can sign up online for the Boston Fleet newsletter, The Signal,for priority access.

Boston Fleet plays its primary home games at the Tsongas Center on the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s campus.

PWHL Releases Logos for Teams

Boston Fleet – ‘Fleet’ pays homage to Boston’s collective spirit and rich maritime history, representing the city’s unified strength and resilience. The logo combines the iconic letter ‘B’ in the team’s primary deep green color with an anchor, symbolizing Boston's identity and nautical heritage. The forward-leaning shape communicates momentum, reflecting the city's sporting legacy and the team's advancement on the ice.

Minnesota Frost - ‘Frost’ embodies the State of Hockey’s deep-rooted love for the ice— and the sport that has become a timeless tradition, bridging generations. The logo features a stylized letter ‘F’ in the team’s core purple with angular edges and sharp points, reminiscent of icicles, while the overall design conveys a sense of competitive intensity and fierceness.

Montréal Victoire - ‘Victoire’ embodies Montréal’s joyously competitive spirit, acting as inspiration for the city to climb to even greater sporting heights. Win or lose, ‘Victoire’ is a mindset, celebrating the city’s pursuit of achievement. The logo features wing-like shapes in the team’s signature deep burgundy color, subtly alluding to the Goddess of Victory and symbolizing strength and agility. A hidden ‘M’ within the wings pays homage to Greater Montréal. Additionally, a fleur-de-lis, a national symbol of Québec, is gracefully integrated and evokes the rich cultural history of the province and the city.

New York Sirens – ‘Sirens’ is an ode to New York City’s one-of-a-kind energy, pace and rhythm – embodying the City’s sounds and people. Sirens also speaks to the sweet sound of the goal horn after the puck goes into the net. The logo, dominated by the team’s vibrant teal, reflects the intensity of New York and evokes the gritty cityscape. The reverberating ‘S’ visually mimics sound waves, and the angular design of the 'NY' pays homage to New York's iconic architecture.

Ottawa Charge - ‘Charge’ pays tribute to Ottawa itself: from the city’s motto “Advance – Ottawa – En Avant”, nodding to its constant state of dynamic growth and forward progress as Canada’s Capital City. The logo, leading with the team’s core color red, features a monogram ‘O’ designed to convey a sense of energy and movement, signifying the team’s electrifying presence on the ice. The ‘O’ is crafted to resemble a spinning object brimming with electrical current, representing the power that the fans bring to every game. Spikes radiating from the back of the "O" emphasize forward momentum and the spirit of the city. A faceted cut in the front of the ‘O’ introduces a slight nod to the letter ‘C’, linking the design back to the team's name, ‘Charge’.

Toronto Sceptres - The “Sceptres” embody Toronto’s regal history and commanding presence, reflected in the moniker Queen City and iconic places like Queen Street—one of the city’s most culturally vibrant thoroughfares—connecting diverse neighborhoods and showcasing Toronto’s rich heritage. The ornamented Sceptre itself is a symbol of power and strength found in courts and palaces. Today, it will be wielded on the ice by Toronto’s hockey royalty. The color palette centers around a rich royal blue. The emblem combines the initials "T" and "S" to represent Toronto Sceptres, with the addition of a sceptre motif to evoke power, reflecting the team's identity and spirit. The beveled edges add a sense of depth and solidity, enhancing its regal quality and imbuing it with a tangible, prestigious feel, evoking the team’s name and image.

“The unveiling of these new team identities marks a significant milestone for the entire PWHL community,” said Amy Scheer, PWHL Senior Vice President of Business Operations. “Over the inaugural season, we rigorously developed the most authentic team brands for each city. The PWHL has united the professional women’s hockey community, and we are excited for these new identities to deepen the connection between the teams and their local communities. We want these to become symbols that our players and fans alike can rally behind as we move forward in this new chapter of our journey.”

“Our teams were so proud to represent their home markets last season, and as we launch Season Two, we're elevating that pride with new identities that truly embody the spirit of each club,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations. “These new names and logos capture the dynamic energy of our athletes and enhance our teams' presence in their cities, building a stronger foundation for the future of our league.”

The PWHL partnered with creative agency Flower Shop to develop the new team identities, which are inspired by the fans, players, and cities in which the teams play. The process was led by PWHL Vice President of Brand and Marketing, Kanan Bhatt-Shah.

Team gear and accessories are available now at Then Official PWHL Shop. Each team's collection features the latest trending products, carefully curated based on fan feedback. This includes exclusive offerings from Royalty, the official provider of player off-ice gear, as well as a special collaboration with Peace Collective. Redesigned jerseys, created in collaboration with league partner Bauer, representing the new team identities will be unveiled closer to the start of the 2024-25 season.

by George D'Alessandro

A Year to Remember

The first season of the PWHL has come to an amazing end. From the day the puck was dropped for the first time on January 1, 2024 in Toronto, fans turned out to see Toronto host New York, with New York taking a 4-0 victory, to the last game of the season which saw Minnesota capture the inaugural Walter Cup in a memorable five game series with a 3-0 win over Boston on May 21,2024 .

The Forwards

Toronto’s top scorers Natallie Spooner (20) and Saran Nurse (11) placed first and tied for second with goals. Nurse tied for second spot with Minnesota’s standout rookie as well as Walter Cup Champion Grace Zummwinkle. The league saw six players top the 20+ peak in a 24 game season. Spooner with 27, Nurse 23, Montreal’s Marie-Philip Poulin 23, Alex Carpenter from New York 23, Ella Shelton New York 21, Shelton was the highest point maker among defenders, rounding out the list is Brianne Jenner from Ottawa with 20. The PWHL had four player crack double figure in the +/- category with Susana Tapani from Boston with a +15, followed by Kendall Coyne Schofield from Minnesota with +12 followed by teammate Kelly Panek +11 and rounding out the list is Toronto’s Spooner with +11. We saw three players who were in the faceoff circle more than 400 times and won more than 50% of the faceoffs. At an incredible amount of success New York’s Carpenter won 59.0% followed by Marie-Philip Poulin 57.9, Minnesota’s Pannek had a 53.4, Montreal’s Kristen O’Neil posted a 51.9

The Defenders

Megan Keller of Boston posted a +9 narrowly missing the double point club, followed by Emma Greco of Minnesota and Toronto’s Jocelyne Larocque with a +8. Erin Ambrose led all defenders tied atop the defenders leaderboard with 14 assists which was third overall in the PWHL. Ambrose 18 points placed in ninth place overall in the league. Keller was next in line with 11 assists and 15 points.

The Goalies

We witnessed some spectacular netminder marks. Kristen Campbell of Toronto led the league with 16 wins win only six loses a winning percentage of .72.7 Elaine Chull paced the league in save percentage of .949. Two netminders posted a below 2.00 goals allowed per game Chull recorded a 1.61 and Campbell registered a 1.99. We also watched two goalies make 500+ saves. Emerance Maschmeyer topped the league as she turned away 548 opponents shots, Campbell was second with 544. The netminding tandem of Nicole Hensley and Maddie Rooney helped lead Minnesota to the Walter Cup Championship for Minnesota.


Rookies

Zummwinkle and Toronoto’s Emma Maltasis missed the 20 point club by one point with 19, their 19 points placed them tied for seventh overall in league scoring. Alina Mueller of Boston and Montreals Maureen Murphy ended the season with 16 points. The 2023 Patty Kazmaier Award (Top D1 Women's Ice Hockey Player of the Year) winner Sophia Jaques was named the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP. In fact the PWHL has Patty Kazmaier award winners from the 2023 winner to 2015 in consecutive years, those players are PWHL are: 2022 Taylor Heise currently on the PWHL Walter Cup Champions Minnesita and the leagues first ever overall draft selection, Boston goalie Aerin Frankl the 2021 recipient, 2020 New York’s Elizabeth Giguere 2019 Loren Gabel, Boston, 2018 Daryl Watts Ottawa, 2017 Ann-Renee Desbiens, 2016 Kendall Coyne, Minnesota, Alex Carpenter New York, 2015.

Attendance

On April 20th in Montreal 21,105 fans came out to see Montreal take on Toronto. In neutral site games Detroit had 13,736 fans turn out while Pittsburgh drew 8,850. During the league's 72 games 392,259 fans watched in person.

Records

The PWHL set six attendance records for women’s hockey,


40 Partnerships, some of them were Woody Creek Distillers, Air Canada, elf Cosmetics Barbie just to mention a few.

Social Engagement with over 1,000,000 followers the first month the PWHL was top trending womens sport, more than 100,000 subscribers to their Youtube Channel.

Draft

A total 167 players applied for a mere 42 spots available which demonstrates how the rest of the world see the PWHL as a hockey league that is built for long term success.

Notes of interest

The Patty Kazmaier Award winners from the 2023-2015 all currently play in the PWHL here is the list of winners:

2022 Taylor Heise currently on the PWHL Walter Cup Champions Minnesita and the leagues first ever overall draft selection,

Boston goalie Aerin Frankl the 2021 recipient,

2020 New York’s Elizabeth Giguere

2019 Loren Gabel, Boston,

2018 Daryl Watts Ottawa,

2017 Ann-Renee Desbiens,

2016 Kendall Coyne, Minnesota,

2014 Alex Carpenter New York


Other rink news

The PWHL was the first league to have the number one and two seeds select who they wanted to face in the playoffs.

88 countries viewed the PWHL by streaming.

1.04 million social media followers.

The league is looking strong for the upcoming years, will expansion be looming in the future? If so, what cities? Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Quebec. One can assume so with the number of players who made themselves available for the draft, to the number of fans attending and to watching games on the Youtube channel. If you have never watched a PWHL game on the Youtube channel give it a try. The commentators Daniella Ponticelli, Kenzie Lalonde, Cheryl Pounder, Becky Kellar and Claudine Douville are fantastic; they are knowledgeable of the game and players, and offer insights to the game without taking away from the enjoyment of watching the game.

In closing I have been covering sports since 1998, I have worked with some of the best Media Relations Directors in professional and college sports I need to add the PWHL’s Paul Krontz and his staff to the list, his press releases are prompt, his response to inquiries are equally as prompt, which has made covering the PWHL as great experience.

We will keep you updated as news breaks from the PWHL during the offseason.



The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) celebrated the 2024 PWHL Awards ceremony, presented by Woody Creek Distillers. PWHL Toronto forward Natalie Spooner earned two individual honors, the Billie Jean King MVP Award recipient and Forward of the Year, was recognized for her achievements as the league’s Points Leader and Top Goal Scorer. The event was held in downtown Saint Paul, MN, inside the Great River Ballroom at the InterContinental Hotel.

photo credit PWHL

2024 PWHL AWARDS WINNERS AND ALL-STAR TEAMS

Billie Jean King MVP Award and Forward of the Year: Natalie Spooner (PWHL Toronto)

Spooner, a 33-year-old from Scarborough, ON, led the league with 20 goals and 27 points in 24 games for a league-high points-per-game average of 1.13. Finalists for both awards were Alex Carpenter (PWHL New York) and Marie-Philip Poulin (PWHL Montréal).

Defender of the Year Award: Erin Ambrose (PWHL Montréal)

Ambrose, a 30-year-old from Keswick, ON, recorded 18 points in 24 games including 14 assists which tied for the league-lead at her position. Finalists for the award were Megan Keller (PWHL Boston) and Ella Shelton (PWHL New York).

Goaltender of the Year Award: Kristen Campbell (PWHL Toronto)

Campbell, a 26-year-old from Brandon, MB, led the league with 16 wins, including three shutouts, while posting a goals-against-average of 1.99 and save percentage of .927. Finalists for the award were Aerin Frankel (PWHL Boston) and Corinne Schroeder (PWHL New York).

Rookie of the Year Award: Grace Zumwinkle (PWHL Minnesota)

Zumwinkle, a 25-year-old from Excelsior, MN, led her team in scoring with 11 goals and 19 points in 24 games which tied for the lead among first-year professionals. Finalists for the award were Emma Maltais (PWHL Toronto) and Alina Müller (PWHL Boston).

Coach of the Year Award: Troy Ryan (PWHL Toronto)

Ryan, a native of Spryfield, NS, coached his team to first place in the regular-season standings with a 13-4-0-7 record, powered by an 11-game winning streak and a plus-19 goal differential. Finalists for the award were Kori Cheverie (PWHL Montréal) and Courtney Kessel (PWHL Boston).

Hockey For All Award presented by Scotiabank: Maureen Murphy (PWHL Montréal)

Murphy, a 24-year-old from Buffalo, NY, volunteered more than 200 hours at several Montréal organizations, where she and her dog Bean helped elderly people cope with, and recover from, various physical and mental health conditions through pet therapy. She also volunteers for Miriam Home in Montréal, the Canadian Red Cross, and the North American Elite Girls Hockey program. The award recognizes the player who had the greatest impact in their community during the season.

FIRST ALL-STAR TEAM:

Forwards: Alex Carpenter (NY), Marie-Philip Poulin (MTL), Natalie Spooner (TOR)
Defenders: Ella Shelton (NY) and Erin Ambrose (MTL)
Goaltender: Kristen Campbell (TOR)

SECOND ALL-STAR TEAM:

Forwards: Brianne Jenner (OTT), Sarah Nurse (TOR), Grace Zumwinkle (MIN)
Defenders: Renata Fast (TOR) and Megan Keller (BOS)
Goaltender: Aerin Frankel (BOS)

ALL-ROOKIE TEAM:

Forwards: Emma Maltais (TOR), Alina Müller (BOS), Grace Zumwinkle (MIN)
Defenders: Ashton Bell (OTT) and Sophie Jaques (MIN)
Goaltender: Emma Söderberg (BOS)

PWHL 2024 Draft Recap

New York owned the first overall selection which they tabbed Sarah Fillier the pick was announced by Advisory Board member Billie Jean King. Fillier is a three-time Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist from Princeton University.

Danielle Serdachny, a forward from Colgate University, was chosen second overall by PWHL Ottawa. Claire Thompson the first of 15 defenders was selected was third overall to PWHL Minnesota. 2024 NCAA champion

Ohio State University saw the PWHL draft high eight selections saw forward Hannah Bilka went fourth overall to PWHL Boston and defender Cayla Barnes went fifth overall to PWHL Montréal. Forward Julia Gosling from St. Lawrence University was chosen sixth overall by PWHL Toronto to complete the first round.

The first-ever trade of PWHL draft picks took place at the commencement of the second round. Boston acquired the seventh overall pick and the 37th pick from New York in exchange for the 10th overall pick, the 16th overall pick, and the 28th overall pick.

With the pick Boston acquired they used to select defender Daniela Pejšová seventh overall. The 21-year-old is the youngest player to be selected and the first of nine international players. Boston also used their seventh-round pick from New York to take another 2002-born player, forward Ilona Markova, making her the first Russian player ever selected. New York’s acquired picks featured defender Maja Nylén Persson at number 10, she was the first of two players from Sweden to be selected. With the picks New York’ obtained from Boston they used their third and fifth round, with those picks New York selected defender Allyson Simpson and goaltender Kayle Osborne who both played for Colgate University which was guided by New York's new head coach Greg Fargo.

Ottawa selected defender Ronja Savolainen with the eighth overall pick, making her the first of two players from Finland chosen in the draft. Ottawa would later select the first of three goaltenders Gwyneth Philips from Northeastern University in the third round, 14th overall. Ottawa also chose the first and only Austrian player in the draft, forward Anna Meixner, in the sixth round, 32nd overall.

Walter Cup champion Abigail Boreen, a forward who spent the 2024 season as a Reserve Player for PWHL Minnesota, chosen in the third round, 17th overall, by PWHL Montréal. The 2024 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner, Izzy Daniel, a forward from Cornell University was selected by PWHL Toronto in the third round, 18th overall. New York opened the sixth round by selecting Emmy Fecteau with the 31st overall pick, making the Concordia University forward the first and only player from U SPORTS to be picked. Team USA Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion Amanda Kessel was selected in the seventh round, 41st overall, by PWHL Montréal.

2024 PWHL Draft Fast Facts:

  • 42 players selected including 24 forwards, 15 defenders, 3 goaltenders.

  • 28 players selected from NCAA, 13 from professional teams, 1 from U SPORTS.

  • 28 NCAA players selected represent 12 programs including Ohio State (8), Colgate (5), Northeastern (3), Clarkson (2), St. Lawrence (2), Wisconsin (2), Cornell (1), Minnesota (1), Minnesota-Duluth (1), Princeton (1), St. Cloud State (1), Yale (1).

  • 13 professional players represent 4 leagues including SDHL (9), PWHPA (2), PWHL (1), ZhHL (1).

  • 1 U SPORTS player represents Concordia University.

  • 7 countries represented including the United States (20), Canada (13), Czechia (3), Finland (2), Sweden (2), Austria (1), Russia (1).

  • 20 United States players represent 10 states including Minnesota (5), Wisconsin (3), California (2), New York (2), Ohio (2), Texas (2), Illinois (1), Michigan (1), North Dakota (1), Pennsylvania (1).

  • 13 Canadian players represent 6 provinces including Ontario (6), Alberta (3), British Columbia (1), Manitoba (1), Nova Scotia (1), Quebec (1).

2024 PWHL Draft Results:

Round 1:

  1. New York - Sarah Fillier, F (Princeton University) CAN*

  2. Ottawa - Danielle Serdachny, F (Colgate University) CAN*

  3. Minnesota - Claire Thompson, D (PWHPA) CAN*

  4. Boston - Hannah Bilka, F (Ohio State University) USA*

  5. Montréal - Cayla Barnes, D (Ohio State University) USA*

  6. Toronto - Julia Gosling, F (St. Lawrence University) CAN*

Round 2:

  1. Boston (via New York) - Daniela Pejšová, D (Luleå HF) CZE*

  2. Ottawa - Ronja Savolainen, D (Luleå HF) FIN*

  3. Minnesota - Britta Curl, F (University of Wisconsin) USA*

  4. New York (via Boston) - Maja Nylén Persson, D (Brynäs IF) SWE*

  5. Montréal - Jennifer Gardiner, F (Ohio State University) CAN

  6. Toronto - Megan Carter, D (Northeastern University) CAN

Round 3:

  1. New York - Noora Tulus, F (Luleå HF) FIN*

  2. Ottawa - Gwyneth Philips, G (Northeastern University) USA*

  3. Minnesota - Klára Hymlárová, F (St. Cloud University) CZE*

  4. New York (via Boston) - Allyson Simpson, D (Colgate University) USA

  5. Montréal - Abigail Boreen, F (PWHL Minnesota) USA

  6. Toronto - Izzy Daniel, F (Cornell University) USA

Round 4:

  1. New York - Gabby Rosenthal, F (Ohio State University) USA

  2. Ottawa - Stephanie Markowski, D (Ohio State University) CAN

  3. Minnesota - Brooke McQuigge, F (Clarkson University) CAN

  4. Boston - Sydney Bard, D (Colgate University) USA

  5. Montréal - Dara Greig, F (Colgate University) CAN

  6. Toronto - Lauren Bernard, D (Ohio State University) USA

Round 5:

  1. New York - Elle Hartje, F (Yale University) USA

  2. Ottawa - Mannon McMahon, F (University of Minnesota-Duluth) USA

  3. Minnesota - Dominique Petrie, F (Clarkson University) USA

  4. New York (via Boston) - Kayle Osborne, G (Colgate University) CAN

  5. Montréal - Anna Wilgren, D (University of Wisconsin) USA

  6. Toronto - Noemi Neubauerova, F (Brynäs IF) CZE*

Round 6:

  1. New York - Emmy Fecteau, F (Concordia University) CAN

  2. Ottawa - Anna Meixner, F (Brynäs IF) AUT*

  3. Minnesota - Mae Batherson, D (St. Lawrence University) CAN

  4. Boston - Shay Maloney, F (Leksand IF) USA

  5. Montréal - Anna Kjellbin, D (Luleå HF) SWE*

  6. Toronto - Anneke Linser, F (Djurgårdens IF) USA

Round 7:

  1. Boston (via New York) - Ilona Markova, F (Agidel Ufa) RUS*

  2. Ottawa - Madeline Wethington, D (University of Minnesota) USA

  3. Minnesota - Katy Knoll, F (Northeastern University) USA

  4. Boston - Hadley Hartmetz, D (Ohio State University) USA

  5. Montréal - Amanda Kessel, F (PWHPA) USA*

  6. Toronto - Raygan Kirk, G (Ohio State University) CAN

*Senior National Team experience

Follow the league on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial plus all six team accounts @pwhl_boston, @pwhl_minnesota, @pwhl_montreal, @pwhl_newyork, @pwhl_ottawa, and @pwhl_toronto for more PWHL Draft content.

All Sports Journalism Selections For PWHL All League

Our choice for the PWHL All League Team,All Rookie Team, Players of The Year Offense, Player of the Year Defenser, Coach of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Players must have played in 16 games to be considered for our All League and Rookie Teams


All League Team












photo credit Alex D'Addese/PWHL

Natalie Spooner Toronto. Spooner led the league with 20 goals, nearly twice as many as the second place goals scorer, 27 points, power play goals seven, points per game 1.13, game winning goals (5) tied for third in plus/minus with 11.












photo credit Alex D'Addese/PWHL

Sarah Nurse Toronto. Nurse saw action in all 24 games this year her 11 goals scored placed her second in the PWHL, 23 points she accumulated during the season tied her for second place, she was tied for sixth in assist (12), she [posted a plus six in plus/minus
















photo credit PWHL

Marie-Philip Poulin Monreal. Poulin played in 21 games with Montreal where she score 10 goals and dished out 13 assists, she had a plus/minus of +6, she finished second in the league for average points per game with 1.10.












photo credit Kelly Hargenson PWHL

Ella Shelton New York tied for third in the PWHL in assist with 14, the assist total tied for first among defenders, Shelton totaled 21 points which ranked her fifth, her 21 points lead all defenders, she posted a plus/minus was -8.












photo credit Arianne Bergeron/PWHL

Erin Ambrose Montreal. Ambrose recorded 18 points in the 24 games she played in which tied her for ninth, her 14 assist landed her tied for third, tied for first among defenders, Ambrose plus 5 ranked her seventh among defenders.














photo credit PWHL

Kristen Campbell Toronto, the net minder lead the league in wins with 16, among qualified goalies she was second with a 1.99 goals allowed average per game, minutes played 1293:57, she had a win percentage of of 72.7 percent.

All Rookie Team



photo credit Kelly Hargenson/PWHL

Grace Zumwinkle Minnesota. Zumwinkle paced the rookies in goal scoring with 11,game winning goals (4) her games winning goals ranked her second overall in the PWHL tied for first among rookie with 19 points,points per game, the plus minus/minus of +6 put her in a tie for third, placed fifth in assist with eight.












photo credit PWHL

Emma Maltais Toronto. Maltais ranked number one among rookies in assist (15) tied for points (19), points per game plus/minus of seven, second in game winning goals, fourth in goals, she also registered 16 penalty minutes which put her in third place.












photo credit Micheal Riley/PWHL

Alina Muller , Boston.. Muller tied for first with a +7, tied for second in assist with 11, her 16 points placed her third in points,finding lighting the goal lamp five times putting her fourth in goals. She averaged .67 points a game which ranked her fourth among rookies










photo credit PWHL

Sophia Jaques Minnesota, Jaques 10 points, eight assist. 45 points per game led all rookie defenders. Overall her 10 points landed her in the number eight slot of all overall rookie skaters, ninth in points per game












photo credit Arianne Bergeron/PWHL

Ashton Bell Ottawa. Bell tied for first in rookie defenders goals, her seven points, five assist was second amongst rookie defenders. Overall her assist total placed her in eighth place, her plus/minus +3 score landed her in the 10th overall

Player of the Year Offense












photo credit

Natalie Spooner Toronto.


Defensive Player of the Year












photo credit Alex D'Addese/PWHL

Kristen Campbell Toronto Campbell


Rookie of the Year












photo credit Arianne Bergeron/PWHL

Grace Zumwinkle, Minnesota.

Coach of the Year



photo credit PWHL

Courtney Kessel, Boston. Do not let the record fool you, Kessel guided Boston from a team looking that was on the outside looking in to qualify for the playoffs, she lead the Boston squad to the Water Cup Finals.

In closing it is interesting to see that our All Rookie Team had four (Zumwinkle, Maltais,Muller and Jaques) of the five players selected advanced to the playoff, of those four players three (Zumwinkle, Muller and Jaques) are on the ice in the Walter Cup Finals


PWHL News and Notes From The Rink

Overall, the total attendance for the PWHL during the 72-game regular season was 392,259. Since its launch in January, the league has broken six attendance records, reaching a pinnacle on April 20 when a record-setting 21,105 fans gathered to watch PWHL Montréal host PWHL Toronto at the Bell Centre, setting the global attendance record for a women's hockey game. Additionally, the PWHL saw extremely strong fan engagement and attendance in non-team markets, including significant attendance at neutral-site games in Pittsburgh (8,850) and Detroit (13,736).   

“It couldn’t be a more exciting time to launch our inaugural PWHL Playoffs on the heels of the milestones we’ve seen in our first year,” said PWHL Senior Vice President of Business Operations Amy Scheer. “The successes of this season speak to how quickly our players and teams have resonated with our dedicated fan base, and the pioneering women who are at the heart and soul of our league have shown that the sky is the limit for the PWHL and the future of women’s hockey.” 

Additional record-breaking highlights and fan engagement for the PWHL’s 2024 regular season included:

Record Partnerships

The PWHL has partnered with more than 40 notable brands including Canadian Tire, AIRSUPRA, Woody Creek Distillers, Air Canada, Discover, elf Cosmetics, Barbie and many others. 

Social Engagement

PWHL social engagement since the start of the season has reached over one million total followers and garnered 238 million total impressions. In its first month of competition, the PWHL was the top-trending women’s sports search globally on Google. The PWHL also saw a 2,557% increase in YouTube subscribers throughout the season to reach over 100,000 total subscribers and more than 40 million views. Viewers tuned in from 88 different countries.

PWHL Playoffs

Four PWHL teams are Chasing the Championship, with the inaugural PWHL Playoffs set to begin tonight. The two best-of-five semifinal series will feature PWHL Toronto against PWHL Minnesota, and PWHL Montréal against PWHL Boston. The league implemented an innovative playoff format that allowed first-place Toronto to select its opponent – choosing between the third- or fourth-place teams.

PWHL Spotlight Natalie Spooner

Natalie Spooner

Born 10/71990

Position Center

Shoots Right


photo from PWHL

Natalie Spooner is one of women’s hockey greatest goal scorer of all time. Currently Spooner leads the PWHL in goals with 15 and points with 20 as a member of the Toronto team. Her 80 points in 3 Stars of the Week currently places her atop of the standings. Spooner has recorded four single goal games, four two goal games, one hat trick. Her best offensive performance has occurred three times when has registered three points in a game, the first was against Minnesota on February 3rd when she netted two goals and one assist, next three-point game was her hat trick game vs Boston on 2/14, Spooner’s last three-point game was on March 8th vs Montreal this game was similar to the Minnesota game she tallied two goals and added one assist.

Spooner began her career in the 05/06 season with Durham West, where she played three seasons scoring 71 goals and added 41 assists, in a 77 games career with Durham West.

Stats from eliteprosects.com

Next was being part of Canada's under 18 team where she netted three goals and assisted on eight in her lone season on the squad.

Spooner took her talents to Ohio State University where she laced up her skates 148 times in her four seasons with the Buckeyes. She found the back of the net 100 times, passed out 63 assists for a staggering point total of 163 points, an average of 40 points a season. Natalie was inducted into the Buckeyes Hall of Fame in 2019.

stats from ohiostatebuckeyes.com

After her college career concluded she would be drafted by the Toronto Furies of the CWHL. Spooner demonstrated her scoring skills once again with 69 goals, assisting on 48 other goals during her career with the Furies that spanned 115 games.

Stats from eliteprospects.com

Spooner would capture the Olympic Gold and win the Clarkson Cup with the Toronto Furies when they defeated the Boston Blades in overtime when Spooner assisted on the game winning goal. According to usanaatheltes.com Natalie became the first player to win the Olympic Gold and Clarkson Cup in the same year.

Spooner has participated in the World Championships nine times. According to eliteprospects.com Spooner has brought home a bronze (18-19) six silvers (10-11,12-13,14-15,15-16,16-17, 22-23) and two gold’s (11-12-20-21). She would be voted as a Top Three Player on the team in 14-15 and 20-21. Spooner has been part of the three Olympics where she has won a silver in 17-18 and two gold medals (13-14, 21-22)

During Spooner’s illustrious career she has appeared in 487 regular season games (professional, World Championships and Olympics) lighting the goal lamp 233 times while dishing out 166 assists for a total of 399 points. In the playoffs she has seen the ice 30 times netting 11 goals and assisting on seven others. As of press time Natalie has skated in 517 total games, 244 goals and 173 assists for a grand total of 417 points.

Stats from eliteprospects.com.

When Natalie decides to hang up her skates, she will undoubtedly be one of the greatest goal scorers in women’s hockey of all time.