Canada and USA's next wave of national team players showcased themselves at the 2023 Collegiate Series. Here are five players who stood out from each nation.
It was clear that USA had the upper hand on Canada in this series. They were older, stronger, and executed with more precision. It wasn't just USA's veteran NCAA stars that stood out, however, their younger core was dominant as well. While Canada didn't muster a win, there were sparks of potential, and the roster grew better each game. Here's a look at the top five players from both nations.
Top Five American Players
Kirsten Simms - If there were a Collegiate Series MVP award, it would go to Simms. Her hands, edgework, vision, and ability to break games wide open were on display. Watching Simms score the game winner in the final game of the series was reminiscent of Simms scoring the national championship winning goal for Wisconsin as a rookie. She's a clutch performer, and she likely just knocked down the door to USA's senior national team and proclaimed she's coming in.
Ally Simpson - There was a lot to like about USA's blueline, one which is already filled with youth at the senior national level. If and when USA is looking to infuse another talent to their blueline, Simpson is first in line. She was solid in each game of the Collegiate Series on both sides of the puck. From the offensive blueline, she distributed the puck and found openings with ease. In her own zone, Simpson was able to control Canada's best. She's mobile, she's reliable, and she has offensive upside.
Casey O'Brien - Already with a U-18 gold and NCAA title, O'Brien is waiting in the wings for USA's older leaders to step away. When they do, the American's are getting a highly skilled two-way player who can dazzle on the powerplay or off the rush, and is also an effective defensive zone player and penalty killer. She's a star with Wisconsin, and her line alongside Simms and Joy Dunne was one to be reckoned with.
Joy Dunne - The only 2005 born player on Team USA looked dominant. At the U-18 level, speed was an item Dunne needed to work on. A year later, she looks strong, faster, and more confident. The definition that fits best is power forward. She uses her frame to out muscle opponents, to lean on defenders and drive the net. Dunne likes to play at the net front and she'll do anything to get there.
Emma Peschel - USA's roster at the senior national level has been trending bigger and bigger in recent years, and the five-foot-ten Peschel fits that model. She was on the ice in all key situations for USA during the Collegiate Series. Peschel had 12 points in 41 games for Ohio State last season, but if she can transfer the confidence she showed at this series, including a willingness to shoot and jump into the play, those numbers will double...or more, next year.
USA's attack didn't stop there. Makenna Webster, Kiana Zanon, Sydney Morrow, Elyssa Biederman, Elle Hartje, and Grace Dwyer were among the second wave of talent that all left lasting impressions .
Top Five Canadian Players
Jocelyn Amos - Canada had a crop of players who have never stepped on collegiate ice playing in the collegiate series. It resulted in three consecutive losses...and three straight games of growth. Amos, who will play for Ohio State was one of those players, and she showed flashes of what's to come. Amos showed her speed, and was the top scorer for the roster. She's a scorer with leadership ability, and despite her youth, did not look out of place competing against the USA's best.
Sara Swiderski - This was Swiderski's second go-round at the Collegiate Series and she played like a veteran. Early in the series it felt like she was trying to carry the team on her back, overcompensating for the nerves and inexperience of her teammates. Her push and pull brought the rest of the team to a higher level as the event progressed. Swiderski never shied from a physical battle, transitioned the puck tell, and was poised on the offensive blueline. It will be exciting to see what she has in store at Clarkson during year two.
Anne Cherkowski - Cherkowski had a breakout NCAA season with Clarkson scoring 52 points in 40 games. With Canada, where Cherkowski went, so did the flow of play. Following the opening game of the series, Canada shuffled Cherkowski's linemates and it made an immediate impact. She was one of the most veteran players on Canada's roster and her experience showed. Cherkowski is vying for a spot with Canada's national team.
Hannah Murphy - Eve Gascon and Murphy are both 2003 born players. Gascon joined a historic group playing in the QMJHL and will join Minnesota-Duluth, but Murphy is the type of goaltender Canada has never deployed. Murphy is five-foot-ten, and plays a calm and composed style. She's a modern goalie, who uses positioning to stifle shooters. It's an asset that's been the downfall of Canada's smaller, athletic netminders. With Colgate, Murphy has been spectacular and she's trending toward bigger things.
Maddi Wheeler - There wasn't a lot of flash, but Wheeler was a driver of play. She engaged physically, closed lanes defensively and opened them offensively. The Wisconsin Badgers forward is poised for a breakout offensive season in the NCAA. Canada has relied heavily on one type of player at the senior national level, but Wheeler can provide that, and another dimension.
Canada also saw glimpses of the future from Abby Newhook, Alyssa Regalado, Jade Iginla, Emmalee Pais, Madison Palumbu, and Sarah Wozniewicz.