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Cheverie Stands In Defence Of Her Team Against Perceived Negativity
In the course of a season, there are small battles, and large battles fought on the ice, and sometimes off. In the eyes of Montreal Victoire head coach Kori Cheverie, her team is still winning their share of those on-ice battles.
When asked repeatedly about what her team needs to improve, and if they'd feel more positive heading into the international break having not lost four of their last five, along with questions of there being enough time following the break to turn things around, Cheverie fired back. Cheverie addressed the messaging from outside sources, when she asserted her team is built around positivity and lifting each other up.
"My vibe in the room is I celebrated so many positive things, and I think that's what we need to focus on a little bit, instead of being negative all the time, it's constant," Cheverie said of the negative questioning.
The questions came following Montreal's most recent loss, a 1-0 defeat to the desperate New York Sirens, who have won four of their last six as they fight for their slim playoff hopes.
"The vibe in the room...[Jennifer] Gardiner misses an empty net on a 6-on-5, we lift her up, we don't take her down. Our PK was amazing, [Elaine] Chuli was amazing. Our power play had great looks, that's what we're celebrating in the room. We're not down on ourselves, because that room and that locker room, is really really special and there's really great things that are happening in that dressing room," continued Cheverie.
"Do I hate to lose? 100% I hate to lose so that is where my mood is at right now. But in terms of being proud of that team, it's through the roof. So I hope when they come in here, that maybe you guys could celebrate some of their positive things, it would be nice."
Cheverie was criticized for her comments by RDS, TSN's French language arm, following the game. The article, in an English translation, stated that "Cheverie foolishly confused the work of journalists with that of Maude Lanteigne, the bubbly crowd-pleaser who keeps Place Bell on its toes at every Victoire home game."
Lanteigne is the Montreal Victoire's in game host at Place Bell.
In the article written by RDS' Nicolas Landry, Cheverie was described as having a "murderous gaze," and as "growing impatient" with media. Landry also said that in previous interviews Cheverie had appeared "in a sour mood" and was not the "generous woman we'd met a few weeks earlier..."
Comments Lost In Translation
Media in the post game press conference stated there may be some misunderstanding due to the differences between French and English. Some of those discrepancies were also apparent in the translation of Cheverie's own comments back from French to English.
Translating the RDS article to English, using Google Translate, Cheverie's comments were made to target media directly. For example, Cheverie's statement saying "I celebrated so many positive things, and I think that's what we need to focus on a little bit, instead of being negative all the time," was shifted to more explicitly target media in the translation reading "I celebrated a lot of positive things in the locker room today and I think that's what we should all be focusing on, rather than always being in the negative like you all are."
Cheverie did not refer to "vous" (you) in the comment as identified in the printed quote. When asked to clarify if Cheverie was referencing media related to negative comments, she did however, confirm, "yes."
There were other inaccuracies in the translation. In a later comment Landry inserted words not spoken by Cheverie. For example, Cheverie stated "Do I hate to lose? 100% I hate to lose so that is where my mood is at right now. But in terms of being proud of that team, it's through the roof. So I hope when they come in here, that maybe you guys could celebrate some of their positive things, it would be nice."
The RDS article stated "Est-ce que je déteste perdre? À 100%. C'est ce qui explique mon humeur présentement. Mais ma fierté pour ces filles est sans limite et j'espère que quand elles se présenteront devant vous, vous pourrez célébrer quelques-unes de leurs réussites avec elles. Ça serait bien."
The inclusion of words like "filles" ("girls" in English) was not a term Cheverie used to refer to the adult women on her team. The RDS frequently used the term, "équipe," which translates to "team," which is the term Cheverie used when referring to her roster.
The Montreal Victoire remain first overall in the PWHL standings with three games remaining. Second place Toronto is only three points behind the Victoire, who remain the only team in the PWHL to clinch a playoff berth.
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Five PWHL Players Who Could Benefit From A Boost At Worlds
The PWHL has provided new opportunities for players from across the globe in the last two seasons. Just as often, however, players have gone from college or international stars, to struggling in the PWHL. For some it's a lack of opportunity, or a poor fit with the team and coach. Others have just not found their groove playing each night against the strongest, fastest, and most skilled players in the world.
The three week international break for the IIHF World Championships however, could provide an opportunity for some players struggling in the PWHL to hit the reset button with their national teams.
There are players who have seen their season impacted by injuries including Grace Zumwinkle, Katerina Mrazova, Dominika Laskova, and others who will look to use the Worlds to regain their confidence and return to their previous form, but for others it's bigger.
Here's a look at five players who could benefit from a strong World Championship.
1. Daniela Pejsova, Boston Fleet / Czechia
Seeing Daniela Pejsova, the defender Boston traded up for at the 2024 PWHL Draft, and who many believed (including Boston) would be one of the best blueliners in the league by now, buried on their roster has been confusing. Boston did the same with Sophie Jaques last year, crushing her confidence and ultimately sending her to Minnesota where she's flourished. Pejsova recently took reps as a left wing. It's asset mismanagement from the Fleet's coaching staff. She won Best Defender at the 2022 World Championships, and was stellar again last year. Back alongside Aneta Tejralova, Pejsova can find the mentorship she's needed all year, and hopefully it will follow her to Boston.
2. Noora Tulus, New York Sirens / Finland
New York spent the season deploying one of their most talented forward like one of their least, and Tulus' stats reflected that. While New York was able to clean up most of their locker room issues from last year, they weren't able to get all the way there and it has left many players in their organization feeling like outcasts. Tulus will get plenty of chances to play an offensive role with Finland. The New York Sirens have been hot, but they'll need to find new ways to remain dominant if they want any chance to stay in the playoff race. A confident Noora Tulus would go a long way.
3. Danielle Serdachny, Ottawa Charge / Canada
The second overall pick in the PWHL entered on a high. She'd scored the gold medal winning goal in overtime for Canada last year against USA. In the PWHL, that type of confidence has yet to be instilled in Serdachny. Her skills are there, it's finding a place where she clicks that has yet to hit. Any kind of team or individual success at Worlds could help Serdachny take her next step professionally. Sometimes just getting the chance to listen to a new coach and play with new players again can be the spark needed.
4. Kristin O'Neill, Montreal Victoire / Canada
Last year O'Neill had a strong World Championship and it translated into reinvigorated play with the Montreal Victoire. You would not expect a forward from Team Canada to sit tied for 68th in the PWHL with only five points in 27 games, but that's exactly where O'Neill is. Recently she found herself on Montreal's fourth line. It was a surprise to see O'Neill named to Canada, and she may not play much. If she can replicate her past success however, the Worlds could be a big boost for her personally, and for Montreal heading to playoffs.
5. Hayley Scamurra, Toronto Sceptres / USA
It took Scamurra 15 games this season to register a point. It took her 21 games to score a goal. Those are stat lines from a typical North American national team forward. Add in an injury and a trade from Ottawa to Toronto, and it's been a forgettable season for Scamurra. A gold medal and the opportunity to contribute in an environment where she feels comfortable, under familiar coaching who obviously has confidence in Scamurra despite her play this year, and who knows what kind of boost her game will see. The last thing PWHL opponents need is another Toronto Sceptres forward to find their groove.
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15 Teenagers To Watch At The 2025 IIHF Women's World Championships
There are plenty of young faces representing their nation at the 2025 IIHF World Championships in Czechia. More than two dozen players born in 2006 or later will suit up.
The only team without a teenager in this bracket is the United States. They have 2005 born Joy Dunne on the roster, who will turn 20 in June.
Here's a look at the best 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 born players set to compete at the women's World Championship.
Adela Sapovalivova, 2006, Czechia - We won't be able to talk about the up and coming Sapovalivova for long because she's already arrived as an elite player on the World stage. Headed to Wisconsin next year, Sapovalivova is slippery. She's quick and agile, making her a difficult player to defend.
Tereza Plosová, 2006, Czechia - Heading to Minnesota next season, Plosová has size and reach that set her apart. The 5-foot-10 forward has shown steady progression in her two-way game.
Jenna Raunio, 2006 , Sweden - Good size, and likes to activate from the back. Headed to Ohio State net year. The right shot blueliner has fine tuning to do, but the raw potential is through the roof.
Hilda Svensson, 2006, Sweden - Much like Sapovalivova, it's nearly impossible to consider Svensson anything but a veteran. She's been one of Sweden's top offensive players for the past two World Championships. Heading to Ohio State, she'll get to test herself with and against better competition next year. Great puck control, and willing to change the pace of the game with the puck on her stick. Sweden's teens including Mira Hallin, and Ebba Hedqvist are some of the best in the tournament.
Chloe Primerano, 2007, Canada - There's not a player on the planet with more hype following her than Primerano, and it's earned. She finished her rookie season at Minnesota as one of the top blueliners in the WCHA as an underage player. Primerano sees the ice so well, and is able to use her skating and puck skills to change the on ice plane instantly.
Boglárka Báhiczki-Tóth, 2007, Hungary - The 5-foot-11 blueliner is heading to Brown University next year. Hungary's captain and leader at the U-18 level, Báhiczki-Tóth is Hungary's future on the blueline. It's her second World Championship, but first at the top division.
Réka Hiezl, 2009, Hungary - Did not look out of place at Olympic qualifying. Her impact might be reduced against the calibre of talent at this tournament, but Hiezl is the best young offensive prospect Hungary has.
Laure Mériguet, 2008, Switzerland - The 16-year-old is going to face a significant challenge against the best players in the world. It will be a learning experience for a defender Switzerland is counting on for the future.
Emma Ekoluoma, 2006, Finland - The youngest player on Team Finland where there simply isn't a lot coming down the pipe. Good numbers in Auroraliiga this year. Can it translate in these fast and physical games?
Kajsa Bråten, 2007, Norway - Norway's best young player should get a shot in the SDHL next season with Farjestad. Norway's roster has several teens, but Bråten may be the one who gets the most opportunities to make an impact.
Umeka Odaira, 2008, Japan - Didn't play for Japan in Olympic qualifying, but for a nation starved for talent, Odaira's U-18 play has been hard to ignore. No one is expecting her to be a leader, but she's Japan's best bet at a future impact player.
Ivana Wey, 2006, Switzerland - This might sound familiar, but a Swiss star heading to Northeastern in the NCAA? Wey is following Alina Muller's path. She's already one of Switzerland's best players in the PostFinance League, and Switzerland will look for more than participation this time around from Wey, it's time she contributes.
Naemi Herzig, 2007, Switzerland - Herzig will play at Union College next year. She's a gritty two-way player with offensive upside. An on and off-ice leader for the Swiss, Herzig will make this team more difficult to play against as she gets stronger.
Charleen Poindl, 2009, Germany - Germany has shown their understanding of where theirs offensive hopes rest by fast tracking the two best young talents they have to their seniorn national program. Has scored well in Germany's boys' U-15 league. Even if it's for experience alone, bringing Poindl along is a wise move for Germany along with fellow 15-year-old Alexandra Boico.
Kohane Sato, 2006 - Even though she only recently turned 19, this will be Sato's fourth World Championship with Japan's senior national team. She's proven herself a reliable defender capable of playing at this level. She'll be Japan's anchor for the next decade.
More Teens Competing At Worlds
Barbora Juříčková (2006, Czechia), , Ebba Hedqvist (2006, Sweden), Mira Hallin, (2006, Sweden), Lili Hajdu (2009, Hungary), Haruka Kuromaru (2007, Japan), Petra Polonyi (2008, Hungary), Krisztina Weiler (2008, Hungary), Ida Haave (2006, Norway), Tilde Simensen (2007, Norway), Nora Haugerud Morset (2007, Norway), Tiril Arntzen (2007, Norway), Thea Rustbakken (2006, Norway), Alena Lynn Rossel (2006, Switzerland)
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Breaking Down The PWHL's Playoff Scenarios Heading Into The Break
The PWHL is headed into a three-week break, and the playoff race has never been tighter.
Each of the PWHL's six teams enters with three games remaining, and currently, only two points separates third through fifth in the PWHL standings.
What do we already know?
What do we already know?
The Montreal Victoire have secured a playoff spot. That's truly the only guaranteed thing in the entire PWHL playoff picture. Montreal has 48 points, three points ahead of the Toronto Sceptres.
When the Ottawa Charge beat the Boston Fleet in regulation, it kept Toronto from clinching. A Boston win, or an Ottawa win in overtime would have secured Toronto a spot. Now, it's back to the drawing board for the Sceptres who have a plethora of pathways to the playoffs.
At the other end of the spectrum, it remains highly unlikely that the New York Sirens make the playoffs. With three games and a possible nine points available, they sit six points behind Ottawa and five behind Minnesota. A regulation win for Minnesota, or a win of any type for Ottawa, would end the Sirens' season.
The problems for the New York Sirens however, is that Ottawa and Minnesota play on April 30. New York would need to beat Minnesota on April 26 in regulation, and Minnesota would need to beat Ottawa in overtime for New York's chances to continue. It's a long shot.
The Path For Boston, Ottawa, and Minnesota Is Filled With Roadblocks
Had the Ottawa Charge held onto a 3-0 lead in the third on March 25 against last place New York, they'd already have a stranglehold on a playoff spot.
What has the potential to make this a sprint to the finish is the fact that Boston sits at 40 points, Ottawa with 39, and Minnesota with 38. Ottawa plays Minnesota April 30, and Boston plays Minnesota in the final game of the regular season.
To complicate that matter on the final day of the season, Toronto and Ottawa will be an hour into their last game of the season when the puck drops on Minnesota and Boston's game May 3. It could come down to an overtime point, a team pulling their goalie while tied because they need a regulation win, or any number of scenarios.
Currently, the Ottawa Charge have one distinct advantage over both Boston and Minnesota. Ottawa hold the first tiebreaker with 11 regulation wins compared to eight each for the Frost and Fleet. Given the Fleet and Frost play each other once, that tiebreaker will hold for Ottawa against at least one of the two teams, and the only way the other team could catch Ottawa in the tiebreaker is if they won all three of their games in regulation.
Looking at the remaining schedule, on paper, Minnesota has the easiest path as the only team avoiding Toronto and Montreal. Toronto and Montreal however, have been backing into the playoffs, and aren't playing for their lives.
What will be the impact of Worlds?
It's the ultimate x-factor. Will there be an injury to one of Minnesota's 10, Ottawa's 9 or Boston's 7 players at Worlds? An injury to Boston netminder Aerin Frankel, or Ottawa's Gwyneth Philips could end their year quickly. Or what about Minnesota's offensive core that will be in action?
With only three games remaining, all occurring in a single week, an injury could change the postseason outlook for the three teams in the middle. The PWHL wisely allowed for six days following the bronze and gold medal games on April 20 before play resumes for the PWHL April 26.
Whoever cracks the PWHL playoffs, it will come down to the tiniest of margins.
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World Championship Record Watch: Here's The Marks That Could Fall In 2025
At the 2025 World Championship, records are set to fall and a number of nations will see new leaders in their all-time scoring rankings.
Here's a look at some of the records that are likely to fall at the 2025 IIHF women's World Championships in Czechia.
USA's Kendall Coyne Schofield will look to become the tournament's all-time assists leader. The Minnesota Frost captain has 47 assists. She's only two behind Hayley Wickenheiser for the most all-time at the World Championships.
Another all-time mark that will likely be broken is the all-time penalty minutes mark. Switzerland's Lara Stalder has 75 penalty minutes, only two behind Russia's Yekaterina Smolentseva for most ever at Worlds.
Canadian netminder Ann-Renee Desbiens needs one win to pass Florence Schelling as the winningest goaltender in tournament history. They are currently tied with 20 wins each. Czechia's Klara Peslarova sits at 18, and could pass Kim St. Pierre (19) and Schelling by tournament's end as well.
When it comes to individual national team records, Michelle Karvinen is tied with Hockey Hall of Famer Riikka Sallinen for the most points by a Finnish player. They both have 60.
Denisa Krizova and Katerina Mrázová will both look to become Czechia's new all-time scoring leader. Krizova has 25 points, tied for Czechia's all-time lead with Alena Polenská. Mrázová sits only one point behind at 24, trailed by Tereza Vanisova at 22, and Natlalie Mlynkova at 21.
While it will take a bigger performance, even the Canadian all-time mark is within reach. Marie Philip-Poulin is nine points behind Hayley Wickenheiser for most all-time by a Canadian. Poulin has 77 while Wickenheiser had 86 in her career. Poulin is one point behind Cammi Granato for fourth all time at the tournament from any nation, and six points back of Jayna Hefford's (83). Hilary Knight is miles ahead for the all-time lead.
Toronto Sceptres forward Laura Kluge needs only a single point to pass Julia Zorn as Germany's all-time scoring leader. They are currently tied with 16 points each.
Positionally, Caroline Harvey is only eight points behind Hall of Famer Angela Ruggiero to become USA's all-time leading scorer from the blueline. The incredible part of this record would be that Ruggiero appeared in 10 World Championships playing 50 games. Harvey is entering her fifth World Championship and has played 27 games.
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Worlds Preview: Czechia Brings Best Roster Ever
Czechia has appeared in three straight bronze medal games. They won two of the bronze medals, and lost the third last season in a shootout against Finland.
For Czechia's women's hockey program, it's unprecedented success. This season however, Czechia is bringing what can only be seen as their best roster ever to the 2025 IIHF World Championships.
It's fitting timing for the nation to bring all of their top players to an event however, for the first time, in Czechia. When the puck drops in České Budějovice, here's a look at Czechia's hopes.
Roster Notes
For the first time ever, Kristyna Kaltounkova will play for Czechia at the IIHF World Championships. It's a significant moment considering she might already be the nation's best offensive player. Czechia has lacked players with game changing offensive ability, but Kaltounkova brings a net front presence, power forward attributes, and can shoot off the rush, or opportunistically around the net to beak games open. When you consider Kaltounkova is a newcomer, and last season Czechia played without Katerina Mrazova and Dominika Laskova, who are both expected to be in the lineup this year, it's clear Czechia has their best ever roster coming to the tournament. With nine players coming from the PWHL, and Kaltounkova and Natalie Mlynkova set to join the league as top ten draft picks, this roster is ready to push back against Canada and USA in a way they haven't experienced recently.
Czechia's X-Factor
Czechia's x-factor is their youth and newcomer Kaltounkova. We know Czechia can hold on against Canada, USA, and Finland with their nine current PWHL players and Natalie Mlynkova, a World Championship All-Star last year, all healthy and in the lineup. But Czechia's x-factor in how far they can actually go is in their youth. Adéla Šapovalivová is their best young player, and any development from Šapovalivová or Tereza Plosová, Barbora Juříčková and Tereza Pištěková are Czechia's greatest areas where they can tangibly close the gap. Even in the defensive trio of Andrea Trnková, Sára Čajanová, and Tereza Radová. All have PWHL upside, but all remain in the NCAA or Europe and continue to develop. They'll need to attempt the jump to the PWHL at some point, but even the tiniest growth from Czechia's non-PWHL core has the potential to pay dividends in a short tournament.
One To Watch For Czechia
Daniela Pejsova has been one of the best defenders in the world in international competition she she exploded onto the scene being named the Best Defender at the World Championships in 2022. Still only 22, Pejsova is the youngest player in the PWHL, and despite the fact she hasn't been utilized as anticipated in Boston this year, she's still a player with sky high potential. If Boston supports her development instead of burying her as a 6-7 defender or more recently, playing her as a winger, they've got a future star. The Worlds, with Pejsova returning to a prominent role alongside the veteran mentors who have helped grow with the national team, should help Pejsova thrive yet again in this tournament on both sides of the puck. When the restrictions are removed, it will be interesting to see how quickly Pejsova can recoup her confidence in a short event.
Eyes On 2026
Next season Czechia's roster will get another developmental boost as some of their young players including Adéla Šapovalivová and Tereza Plosová will head to the NCAA with Wisconsin and Minnesota respectively. They'll likely be joined next season, or shortly after by national team members Barbora Juříčková and Tereza Pištěková who are both looking at the NCAA. These players need to go to the NCAA to keep Czechia building. The nation will see a large group of younger players left off this group including Anezka Cabelova, Julie Jebouskova, Adela Pankova, Aneta Senkova, Linda Vocetkova, and Barbora Proskova join the NCAA in the next two seasons as well. Czechia's roster has a few seasons left with their current veteran core, and the team looks like they'll continue to improve in that window.
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Darkangelo's Three Goals Gets Ottawa Three Important Playoff Points
In their final PWHL game before the international break, the Ottawa Charge delivered a dominant 4-0 shutout victory over the Boston Fleet, moving them back into fourth place in the standings. The win marks Ottawa’s second consecutive win over Boston, following their dramatic 2-1 late game comeback in St. Louis on March 29th. Shiann Darkangelo led the charge with her first career PWHL hat trick, while Gwyneth Philips turned in a stellar performance, stopping all 17 shots for her second career PWHL shutout.
“It’s kind of exciting to happen when I’ve been traded from here and to do it in the same building I used to play in,” Darkangelo said of her milestone performance. “But it was a great three points and a great team win. It’s huge going into the international break. It’s exactly what we needed.”
Special teams were once again a difference-maker for Ottawa. Their penalty kill held Boston scoreless for the second straight game (0-for-8 combined) and shut down all three of Boston’s opportunities on the night—including a three-minute stretch late in the game following Zoe Boyd’s game misconduct and five-minute major for an illegal check to the head of Alina Müller.
Meanwhile, Ottawa’s power play continued its steady improvement, converting twice in their last four chances. They capitalized early in this one, going 1-for-2 on the night, with their lone power-play goal opening the scoring just 45 seconds into the first period.
An area of concern for Ottawa this season has been their ability to string together a full 60-minute effort. Despite some minor speed bumps, this was another game where they managed to do just that. The entire team committed to playing on the defensive side of the puck, with strong backchecks from the likes of Alexa Vasko, Tereza Vanišová, and Anna Meixner helping to prevent Boston from getting set up in the offensive zone and swing momentum in their favour.
“There were some ebbs and flows for sure tonight,” Philips said. “But I think that Aneta Tejralová had three blocked shots in the slot, so the team did a lot to make my life as easy as possible. And then Shiann got a hat trick, so that made my life a lot easier, too.”
One area Ottawa will want to focus on during the international break is cleaning up their zone exits after winning face-offs. Despite dominating the dot with 28 wins in 38 draws, they still allowed Boston to generate chances off those lost face-offs. While their defensive commitment helped minimize the damage, tightening up their breakout will be crucial—especially with a playoff berth on the line.
“We have three games left, we have to be better,” Boston Fleet head coach Courtney Kessel said. “Took our foot off the pedal here thinking we’re in the playoffs and we’re not. Now it’s a race. Last year was a dark hole that we climbed out of. It’s different, you know, we are still sitting in third place. Have we performed the last three games? No, we’re not where we want to be, but sometimes when you lose before you head into playoffs, it can be a good thing, but we still need to get there.”
Following the international break, Ottawa will have three crucial games, starting with Montreal on April 26th, followed by matchups against Minnesota and Toronto. With the standings as tight as they are, Ottawa’s season could very well come down to the final day of the regular season.
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Ottawa’s Stars Set to Charge Into Women’s Worlds in Czechia
The 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, taking place in Czechia for the first time, will once again feature a strong Ottawa Charge presence, with current and former players competing across six national teams.
Canada’s roster includes four Charge standouts: veteran defender Jocelyne Larocque, along with forwards Brianne Jenner, Emily Clark and Danielle Serdachny. Goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer, a regular for Team Canada and Ottawa’s starter, was sidelined due to injury and placed on LTIR and was replaced by Ève Gascon.
Team USA will see rookie goaltender Gwyneth Philips join the team for the first time. Philips was outstanding during the most recent Rivalry Series and has looked stellar with Ottawa, especially in Maschmeyer’s absence. She’ll be joined by former Charge players Savannah Harmon and Hayley Scamurra.
Finland’s blueline will once again be anchored by Ronja Savolainen, a steady presence for both her national team and the Charge.
Czechia, the host nation, will feature defender Aneta Tejralová and forward Tereza Vanišová, along with Charge head coach Carla MacLeod, who returns behind the Czech bench. Katerina Mrázová has also been named to the roster, but has been battling injuries for much of the year.
Former Ottawa players Akane Shiga (Japan) and Fanni Garát-Gasparics (Hungary) will also represent their respective countries. Anna Meixner will also compete with Austria this week at the Division 1A World Championships.
Notably absent this year are Ashton Bell (Canada) and Gabbie Hughes (USA), both left off their national rosters despite their national team experience.
With one of the most internationally experienced lineups, Ottawa, who currently sit in the fourth and final playoff spot, will look to leverage the valuable lessons learned from the World Championship and bring that momentum back to the Nation’s Capital for a crucial final stretch of the PWHL season, with a playoff spot on the line.
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Worlds Preview: Germany Making Slow But Sure Progress
Germany is coming off an emotional Olympic Games qualifier, as well as some positive moments for the nation, including a pre-tournament win against Switzerland. Last year Germany took Switzerland to overtime in a game that would have put them into Group A, and truly, Germany outplayed Switzerland from start to finish, missed a few golden opportunities in overtime, and came up unlucky.
Germany's continue improvement will get them through the preliminary round and should keep them out of harm's way of relegation.
Roster Notes
Nina Jobst-Smith is a key player to this roster, and the Minnesota-Duluth defender is headed to the PWHL. Germany has a lot of players on their roster, from Luisa and Lilli Welcke, to Ronja Hark, Emily Nix, Franziska Feldmeier, Carina Strobel, and Daria Gleissner who play solid, hard working two-way games. While there's not a lot of higih end firepower, there are also no easy shifts against Germany. Sandra Abstreiter is the reigning World Championship Best Goaltender, and she'll need to be even better this time around as the talent level continues to improve at Worlds.
The other point of note for Germany is their inclusion of 15-year-old Alexandra Boico and 16-year old Charleen Poindl on their roster. The pair are two of the best offensive talents to come out of Germany in recent years and still have multiple seasons left with Germany's U-18 team let alone decades ahead with their senior national program.
Germany's X-Factor
When you watched the 2024 World Championships, Laura Kluge stood out. When Germany threatened, she was there. When the game tightened and they needed a big defensive draw or a zone clear, Kluge was there. It was a moment that propelled Kluge into international focus and onto the PWHL radar. Last year, Kluge just did it. This year, she'll be expected to do it again, and should bring some swagger to the tournament after spending the second half of her season with the PWHL's Toronto Sceptres.
One To Watch For Germany
Franziska Feldmeier is one of Germany's top forwards. There's a belief she also wants to be the next Laura Kluge with the intention of jumping from the DFEL to the PWHL. She spent 2022-23 in the SDHL, and this season scored 26 points in 20 games with Eisbaren Berlin in the DFEL. She's been one of Germany's most consistent players for years, and there's nothing to say Feldmeier couldn't contribute in a bottom six role somewhere in the PWHL. She's going to want to have a big tournament.
Eyes On 2026
Germany added youth in teenagers Alexandra Boico and Charleen Poindl. There's a larger percentage of Germany's core currently playing in the NCAA, and the nation will need to find ways to get more of their players into stronger leagues, or to sink more money into the DFEL to bring in import players to up the calibre of competition. Germany squeaked into 2026, but the real eyes for this nation will be 2030. Can they make steps in talent development? Right now Germany has plenty off good players coming up, but no great players. Skill development for the German's at a much younger are needs to improve.
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World Preview: Sweden Continues To Climb
Sweden continues to be women's hockey's most improved nation. Despite the fact the World Championships are set to get rid of the tiered Group A and Group B, Sweden is playing for higher placement. They've consistently been among the best five nations this year surpassing Switzerland in their development and play. They will face Norway, Japan, Hungary, and Germany in Group B when the 2025 World Championships kick off on April 9 in Czechia.
Sweden's SDHL remains the second best pro league in the world, and the waves of young talent continuing to come out of Sweden, including players like Hilda Svensson, Mira Hallin and Ebba Hedqvist who are current members of their roster. Sweden's NCAA cohort has improved each year with players like Mira Jungåker, Josefin Bouveng, and Thea Johansson now developing beyond consistent contributors into impact players. Here's a look at Team Sweden ahead of the IIHF 2025 women's World Championships.
Roster Notes
There's no denying the injury to Maja Nylén Persson that will keep her off Sweden's roster is a monumental loss for this team. She's their best defender, and many games best player. Sweden has Lina Ljungblom, Anna Kjellbin, and Emma Söderberg from the PWHL, but it's their roster beyond this group that will make or break their tournament. Bouveng, Thea Johansson, Hanna Thuvik, Hanna Olsson, Sara Hjalmarsson, Sofie Lundin, and company will need to find the net. More importantly, their defensive core will need to be a sum greater than their parts. Sweden's blueline oozes potential, so having some of that click into place with players like Emma Forsgren and Jenna Raunio to compliment their veterans will go a long way.
Sweden's X-Factor
She hasn't been great in the PWHL, but Emma Söderberg has a history of coming up big in tournament games. She's Sweden's x-factor. If the Söderberg who nearly shocked Canada out of the 2023 World Championships returns, Sweden's outlook is good. It's rumoured Söderberg is planning to return to the SDHL next season to get more starts ahead of the Olympics. The world knows she can play. And it seems obvious at this point she's best suited to play more often, as the random 1-2 games per month has not allowed her game to grow.
One To Watch For Sweden
Sara Hjalmarsson is Sweden's top prospect for the 2025 PWHL Draft. She could be joined by Hanna Olsson, Paula Bergstrom, or Emma Forsgren, but right now, she's the only sure thing. Hjalmarsson is big and plays with an edge. She's a strong net front presence and likes to mix things up along the wall. She can also score. Skating has been her lone question mark, but Hjalmarsson gets where she's going, and when she arrives it's with an impact. PWHL scouts will be watching her closely, particularly in whatever quarter-final matchup Sweden gets.
Eyes On 2026
Sweden's roster for the 2026 Olympic Games won't look drastically different from the one they're fielding at the 2025 Worlds. With Raunio and Svensson joining the NCAA next season at Ohio State, the development pathway continues to get re-stocked. With Kjellbin, Nylén Persson, and Ljungblom in the PWHL, and others on the way, this roster should be stronger and more experienced yet again. They have more talented teens coming, but not likely in time for 2026.
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Preview: IIHF Division 2A Women's World Championships
Two days before the top division of the IIHF women's World Championships drops the puck in Czechia, only four and a half hours east, the IIHF Division IIA women's World Championships will get underway in Bytom, Poland.
The tournament will feature hosts Poland, along with Spain, Mexico, Chinese Taipei, DPR Korea, and Iceland. Poland is the top ranked team in the Division after being relegated from the Division 1B tournament last year.
Poland hopes to win the Division on home ice and begin climbing up again.
"Now we have another challenge ahead of us," said head coach Arkadiusz Sobecki in a translated news release. "We are the favorites, our goal is to triumph in the Bytom tournament, which means promotion to a higher division and the culmination of a successful season."
Earlier this season, Poland defeated Chinese Taipei and Mexico in Olympic qualifying action. DPR Korea earned promotion from Division 2B.
At last year's Division 2A tournament, Kazakhstan earned promotion narrowly defeating Spain. Spain will remain as Poland's top challenger in the group. Poland has the most firepower led by Wiktoria Sikorska.
On April 7 to open the tournament, Spain places Iceland, Mexico faces Poland, and Chinese Taipai takes on DPR Korea. The tournament closes April 13.
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Elander's Expectations Could Lead To Refreshed SDE Roster, Skelleftea Looking For Positives
Peter Elander, who recently re-signed as head coach of SDE is carrying high expectations into the 2025-26 season that could lead to a very different SDE roster. Meanwhile, Skellefteå should reap rewards of positive rumours.
Here's a look at what's happening with the two SDHL clubs this offseason.
SDE HF
SDE recently announced the re-signing of head coach Peter Elander. 65-year-old Elander, who replaced previous head coach Emelie O’Konor in November 2024, engineered a regular season turnaround and a shocking first round upset of MoDo before the team succumbed to Luleå in the semi finals. Known for his unforgiving style that demands performance in both games and practice, Elander is rumoured to be on the market for a handful of new import players. The 2024/25 roster already had an international flair, with players from Sweden, Hungary, Germany, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands and the United States. Now, as the SDHL prepares to reduce the number of import players per team to nine, SDE will need to be more picky about which players, foreign and domestic, are offered contracts.
Swedish star Lisa Johansson, the type of talented rat that every team covets, is locked up until 2026. Signed too is big Hungarian defender Lotti Odnoga, who saw an increase in ice time and responsibility as the season progressed. Talented if inconsistent German forward Emily Nix will return, and should produce more in her sophomore SDHL season. Captain Mathea Fischer also has one year left on her current contract. Despite playing only 10 games for the club this season due to injury, Fischer was a sight to behold in the playoffs: she battled every shift, created offense out of nothing, and relished playing in the roughest parts of the ice. Though already 27-years-old, the hard-nosed Norwegian has yet to hit her ceiling and could become one of the league’s best power forwards in the coming year.
There are also, however, a slew of SDE players without contracts: Americans Liliane Perrault and Madison Bizal may not return after a rather underwhelming season where they struggled to find their identities on the ice. Import defenders Emma Bergesen and Dominique Kremer are also currently in limbo and without contracts for the 2025-26 campaign. It would seem prudent for the club to re-sign Swedish talent Michelle Löwenhielm: she is a non-import veteran with a ton of international experience, and though she had an off year (recording only 18 points in 30 games), she is still capable of being a point-per-game player, as she had been for her previous five SDHL seasons.
Elander has the reach and network to pull some very good NCAA and international veterans over to Sweden if he so chooses. Competition will be fierce, and SDE will doubtlessly favour players who are willing to outwork and out-compete anyone, in games and in practice. While the roster is not yet set, one thing is certain: SDE will be a very challenging team to play against, and perhaps play for, next season.
Skellefteå AIK
Skellefteå had one job in the 2024/25 season: to stay up in the SDHL after winning promotion from the NDHL the previous Spring. The team achieved their goal, even after being deducted points in the standings in January for fielding too many import players. Expectations will be higher in 2025/26 as the squad’s young core has a year of experience under their belts, and any new additions will be required to produce.
SAIK is set in goal, as number one goalie Camryn Drever recently signed a two-year extension, and backup Miranda Dahlgren has a year remaining on her deal. The team’s situation on defense is a little bit more precarious. While captain Malou Berggren will return, top scoring defender Aino Karppinen (15 points and +9 in 30 games) has yet to reach an agreement with the club for the coming season. Fellow Finn Sini Karjalainen is signed for 2025/26, and will be expected to contribute more offensively: this is a player who captained the University of Vermont in her senior year while registering 27 points and a +25. She has played well in the SDHL, but has yet to score more than 11 points in a season since her debut two years ago.
Two of the team’s top five scorers, Ida Kuoppala and Nicoline Söndergaard Jensen, are signed, while the other three, Mikayla Lantto, Karppinen, and Marah Wagner, remain in limbo. GM Ulrika Dahlgren took a great step towards securing the team’s future when she re-signed young Danish phenom Nikita Bergmann to a two year deal in 2024 — the lanky Dane has begun to build the muscle and confidence that could see her have a breakout year in 2025/26. Dahlgren has some more work to do, of course, but she has one important thing on her side: widely shared rumours that players enjoy playing for Skellefteå. That’s the kind of advertising that money can’t buy.
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Hungary Final Nation To Name World Championship Roster
Hungary was the 10th and final nation to finalize their roster ahead of the IIHF 2025 World Championships.
"It's always a difficult decision to cut the squad, and this time was no different," said Hungary's head coach Pat Cortina in a translate news release. "Everyone worked hard, gave it their all. I would also like to thank those who were ultimately left out for their effort and work. We have made a lot of progress in the last two days, we have done high-intensity training, and we have also worked a lot on tactics. From now on, we will continue to hone our game in the Czech Republic to be ready for the start of the World Cup."
Hungary went with a decidedly younger roster including 15-year-old rising star Réka Hiezl and eight other teenagers. Big 17-year-old defender Boglárka Báhiczki-Tóth who will play for Brown University next season is another notable younger player on the roster.
Up front, Hungary will hope the youth can be supported by their veterans including Fanni Garát-Gasparics, Alexandra Huszák, Alexandra Huszák, Réka Dabasi, and Madie Leidt. Hungary's forward lineup also includes a group of NCAA players including Emma Kreisz, , Regina Metzler, Zsófia Pázmándi, and Míra Seregély. Rounding out their offense are Imola Horváth, Kinga Jókai-Szilágyi, Petra Polónyi, and Krisztina Weiler.
On the blueline veterans Taylor Baker, Franciska Kiss-Smion, and Lotti Odnoga will guide the way. Bernadett Németh, Fruzsina Mayer, Alexandra Cservyachenko, Lili Hajdu, Lorina Haraszt, and Isabel Lippai complete the blueline.
In net, Anikó Németh, Zsuzsa Révész, and Noémi Zoé Takács will fill the crease.
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Holopainen Named SDHL's Most Valuable Player
Finnish forward Elisa Holopainen is the SDHL's Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 season.
Holopainen finished the season tied for the league lead in points with 45 in 36 games while playing for the SDHL champions in Frölunda. She was second in the SDHL with 24 goals in that span, sitting only one behind Petra Nieminen in the mark.
Holopainen was also named the SDHL's Best Forward.
This was Holopainen's first season in Europe's top league. Prior to the SDHL, Holopainen was the six-time reigning Best Forward in Finland's Naisten Liiga, and was named the league's Most Valuable Player four times in that span while averaging more than two points per game.
Holopainen is under contract in Frölunda through next season. She is believed to be considering the PWHL following the 2026 Olympic Games.
In 11 playoff games this season en route to Frölunda final upset over Luleå, Holopainen recorded 11 points.
Mattivi Named SDHL's Best Defender
Italian defender and former Boston University captain Nadia Mattivi was named the SDHL's Best Defender for 2024-25. Shortly after earning the honor, Mattivi announced she was re-signing with Luleå for the coming season. It's uncertain if her new contract has a PWHL out-clause as Mattivi was considered a prospect for the 2025 PWHL Draft.
"Nadia is a player who joined our team last season and has done incredibly well," said Luleå's Oskar Häggström. "She grew throughout the season and it feels great that our coaches will continue to work with her. She has her strength in the game with the puck but has also developed a lot in the rest of the game. And it was very fun when we found out that she was named the SDHL's best defenseman last season."
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Worlds Preview: Looking To Finnish With Another Medal
Finland got back to the podium last year winning bronze after watching Czechia win two straight bronze medals at the IIHF Women's World Championships. Finland will have an even tougher task this time around as Czechia is brining, what is being considered their best roster ever to the World Championships.
Finland has the world's best players currently competing outside North America in Petra Nieminen, Elisa Holopainen, and Michelle Karvinen, and their roster has good depth. The absence of future Hall of Famer Jenni Hiirikoski due to a mysterious illness will be a factor to watch, but Finland has the veteran leadership to step up in the absence of their captain.
Roster Notes
No Jenni Hiirikoski, who has played in 16 World Championships for Finland is a roster change that cannot be overlooked. She's not only played in 16 Worlds and is the all-time leader in World Championship games played, but Hiirikoski has been named the Best Defender at the IIHF women's World Championships seven times. Even at 38-years-old, it's a noteworthy loss. Only four players on Finland's current roster played in Finland this season in Auroraliiga, which has devolved into one of Europe's weakest women's leagues. Finland has three players returning from the PWHL to compete, a number which should grow by a player or two in 2026, and significantly following the 2026 Olympics. Finland's roster is one of the most experienced at the tournament, which could help them weather the storm.
Finland's X-Factor
She hasn't been a major impact at recent international competitions, but it would not be surprising to see Elisa Holopainen, recently named the SDHL's MVP, take a major step forward this year at Worlds. The 23-year-old made the jump to the SDHL where there's body checking. Prior to this season, she was well known for her hockey IQ and shot, but Holopainen was a player easily pushed off pucks. With a year of seasoning in a better, more physical league, it would not be surprising to see Holopainen's game take a step forward. Their forward depth including Susanna Tapani, Noora Tulus, Karvinen, Nieminen, Emili Vesa, Viivi Vainikka, Jenniina Nylund and others is impressive, but Holopainen may be ready to become a leader in this instead of a bit piece.
One To Watch For Finland
It may sound strange to say a 35-year-old is one to watch, but when it comes to a world view, Michelle Karvinen has global attention at the moment. All signs point to the belief that Karvinen, a Finnish legend and future Hall of Famer is heading to the PWHL. It's the only adventure she has yet to take in her storied career. Typically a player like Karvinen enters with nothing to prove, but this year, that might be different for the veteran who will hope to join national team compatriots Ronja Savolainen, Noora Tulus, and Susanna Tapani in the world's best league. Aside from Karvinen, netminder Sanni Ahola is the main PWHL target for the 2025 PWHL Draft from Finland.
Eyes On 2026
Finland's core will remain intact through 2026. If we were looking forward to 2030, there could be some concern as there's a gap at the U-18 level where Finland has struggled to produce elite players. One position where that gap could be felt in 2026 is on the blueline where beyond Savolainen, Nelli Laitinen, Sanni Rantala, and Krista Parkonnen there is a steep drop off. Siiri Yrjola may be able to help with another season of NCAA seasoning under her belt, but the cupboard is bare and it's a position, particularly without Jenni Hiirikoski in the mix, where Finland can easily be exposed.
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