Michelle Pasiechnyk took the 2024-25 season away from hockey instead of declaring for the PWHL Draft. After winning the NCAA Goaltender of the Year honor that season, Pasiechnyk returned to the game this season and is now aiming to make her mark in the PWHL.
Michelle Pasiechnyk was the hottest goaltender in NCAA women's hockey in 2023-24. Finishing a spectacular career at Clarkson University, Pasiechnyk was named the NCAA Goaltender of the Year that season.
It made her departure from hockey, bypassing the PWHL Draft where she was certain to be picked, puzzling. Now however, Pasiechnyk is back. She played this season with Boston University, and intends to take a stab at the 2026 PWHL Draft where the goaltending pool is shallow.
"The PWHL represents a major step forward for professional women’s hockey, providing elite players with the visibility, resources and stability the sport has long deserved," Pasiechnyk said. "It’s exciting to see a league that’s helping grow the game and inspire the next generation."
"The opportunity to play in the PWHL would be an honour and a chance to compete at the highest level while contributing to the continued growth of women’s hockey."
In her final season with Clarkson, Pasiechnyk posted the best numbers in her NCAA career with a 1.34 GAA and .945 save percentage, along with eight shutouts. Her 25-5-1 record made the Clarkson Golden Knights one of the top teams in NCAA hockey. In the post season, she took WCHA powerhouse Minnesota to quadruple overtime, stopping 62 shots in Clarkson's stunning 3-2 win.
This season, Pasiechnyk took time to find her form but still managed a .919 save percentage with Boston University. The Ottawa product hopes to get the opportunity to showcase her calm in crease demeanour, as well as the tracking, positioning, and compete level that made her one of the best in the game in 2023-24.
"Next season, my goal is to continue improving my consistency and technical skills so I can be a reliable presence in the net every game," she said. "Long term, I want to play professionally, reach my full potential and help grow the game."