Kirsten Simms combines edge work, hands, puck control, on-ice vision, and an accurate shot in what is potentially the best skill set in all of NCAA hockey.
Kirsten Simms combines edge work, hands, puck control, on-ice vision, and an accurate shot in what is potentially the best skill set in all of NCAA hockey.
We see it all the time, highlight reels of players dangling through opponents, using their edges and hands to make defenders look foolish. Kirsten Simms, a second year star for the University of Wisconsin, perhaps combines quick hands and agile feet better than anyone in women's hockey.
As a member of USA's U-18 national team and this year at the Summer Select Series against Canada's Development team, Simms has shown the ability to control the pace of play in the offensive zone, circling like a shark waiting for her moment to attack. All the while the puck is on a string and she's opening her hips to the play to keep all options available. With USA's Collegiate Select team, Simms led all players at the Summer Series scoring four goals and six points in three games. No player at the U-18 series or Collegiate series managed to come close
This season with Wisconsin, the skilled right winger has seven goals and 16 points in six games for the Badgers.
When it comes to skill like Simms', seeing is believing, so here are a few clips from recent seasons showcasing Simms' hands, puck control, vision, and skating.
Goal for Wisconsin this season:
Puck control in the offensive zone:
Puck control, edge work, and the shot. It's all here in this goal from this season:
Simms' shot is lethal as shown in this goal against Canada:
And this shot in the NCAA finals against Ohio State:
And last but not least the hands on this shootout goal from a much younger Simms in 2019: