We break down the final roster decisions for each of the PWHL's Canadian teams. Here's a look at the rosters and looming decisions for Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal.
We break down the final roster decisions for each of the PWHL's Canadian teams. Here's a look at the rosters and looming decisions for Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal.
The chances are over, and it's not time for coaches and general managers across the league to sit down and finalize their inaugural PWHL rosters.
Teams are required to make their final training camp releases today, but there is still a waiver period between December 8 and December 10 before final rosters are due to the league December 11. Here's a look at Canada's three PWHL teams.
Montreal
Goaltenders: Montreal is set at the position going with Ann-Renee Desbiens, Elaine Chuli, and Marlène Boissonnault.
Defenders: Without Erin Ambrose, PWHL Montreal is without a true number one at the position. Kati Tabin was also absent from Montreal's lineup at the Preseason Camp which exasperated the situation. Once they return, the stress at this position will be alleviated. Dominiki Laskova played the role of number one in camp and did an admirable job. She was joined by Maude Poulin-Labelle and Madison Bizal as Montreal's core on the blueline. With Mariah Keopple also signed, the remaining blueline roster spot will be decided between Leah Lum, Brigitte Laganière, and Catherine Daoust. All three have their benefits, but it would not be surprising to see the team take right show Daoust to deepen the right side. Laganière had some extremely strong moments in the Preseason Camp as well, and Lum would provide versatility as a player who can contribute at forward and on defence. Lum plays an intelligent game and adds a layer to Montreal's roster that will be hard to find without a development loop if injuries occur.
Forwards: There's a crew of Montreal players who are locked in including Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey, Tereza Vanisova, Maureen Murphy, Kristen O'Neill, Jillian Dempsey, Kennedy Marchment, Ann-Sophie Bettez, and Claire Dalton. That looks to be a top nine. Montreal also has Gabrielle David and Sarah Bujold who will factor into the group. What remains is a group including Lum, Catherine Dubois, Alex Poznikoff, and Sarah Lefort. If the Preseason camp is any indication, taking Lum as a rover who can play any position, and Catherine Dubois could be the final two. Dubois added size to the bottom six this week, and brings elements to the bottom half of the lineup others cannot.
Ottawa
Goaltenders: Ottawa is also set in net with Emerance Maschmeyer the assumed starter with Sandra Abstreiter backing up, and Rachel McQuigge playing the third string role.
Defenders: When Ottawa didn't sign a defender, it left them vulnerable, but the team did a good job at the draft, which showed at the Preseason Camp. Ashton Bell, Savannah Harmon, Jincy Roese, and Aneta Tejralova are a formidable top four. What they lack in that group in size and physicality, they make up for in mobility. Zoe Boyd fills out the core of this blueline and although she had her ups and downs in Utica, Amanda Boulier is slotted in as Ottawa's sixth defender. That leaves Tori Horwan and Taylor Davison vying for the final defensive spot. Horwan may have entered with the edge, but Davison proved herself capable of playing in the league. As both are Ontario products, it's not inconceivable one ends up a reserve, but this will come down to personal preference by Carla MacLeod and staff, not a distinct difference in play.
Forwards: Based on the Preseason Camp alone, Akane Shiga may have punched her ticket to Ottawa, with the same said for Mikyla Grant-Mentis. If those predictions hold, it would give Ottawa a forward group that includes Emily Clark, Brianne Jenner, Hayley Scamurra, Daryl Watts, Katerina Mrazova, Gabbie Hughes, Becca Gilmore, Lexie Adzija, Kristin Della Rovere, and the aforementioned Shiga and Grant-Mentis. That leaves two positions for Fanni Garat-Gasparics, Malia Schneider, Natalie Snodgrass, Liliane Perreault, and Rosalie Demers. From this group, Snodgrass may have the edge on scoring, but she's not as mobile as other players on the bubble, which looking at this as a fourth line role, might be a negative. Garat-Gasparics is the most veteran of the group with an array of professional and international experience which cannot be overlooked, while the remaining three are younger, and could provide more upside over the year. The only saving grace in the group would be if Ottawa used a reserve spot with McQuigge and kept an extra forward, but there's no guarantee that's even being considered.
Toronto
Goaltenders: Toronto has Kristen Campbell and Erica Howe signed, but there's reason for concern at the position. Toronto was the only team not to play three or four goaltenders in the Preseason Camp, which presumably means they're confident in their choice. Between Carly Jackson and Amanda Makela, Jackson has played more in recent seasons and may be the more game ready of the two if needed, but there's a marked CWHL feel across Toronto's roster, so you can't count out Makela. Either way, Toronto's goaltending will be a season long point of discussion.
Defenders: Renta Fast, Jocelyne Larocque, and Kali Flanagan are the obvious top three, followed by Allie Munroe. Next in for Toronto is Olivia Knowles, but beyond this, it's a roll of the dice for Toronto. Mellissa Channell has the inside lane as a Toronto draft pick, while Emma Kennan looked to be Toronto's best option in the Preseason Camp. While Lauriane Rougeau has obvious upside in terms of her smarts and puck skills, her mobility in this league will be an issue. Jessica Kondas is the youngest of the bunch, but may not have done enough to separate herself. That said, she also did nothing to hurt her chances.
Forwards: Toronto was one of the most difficult teams in the PWHL Preseason Camp, largely because players who many expected big things from remained quiet in the small sample size. That group included Emma Maltais and Jesse Compher, as well as Natalie Spooner who only drew in for a single game. That trio however are key pieces to Toronto's top nine and will certainly find their groove. The wildcard in Toronto's lineup is the availability of Victoria Bach who played well for Toronto this week, but was largely absent from their training camp. Assuming Bach plays, the remainder of their top nine will be filled out by Maggie Connors, Blayre Turnbull, Brittany Howard, Hannah Miller, and Sarah Nurse. Rebecca Leslie had a strong camp locking in her role as a player who can move up and down the lineup, and Alexa Vasko is signed and will provide speed on the fourth line. That leaves two spots for either Samantha Cogan, Kaitlin Willoughby, and Jess Jones vying for two spots. As a bottom six forward, Kaitlin Willoughby was effective using her speed on the forecheck. Between the other two, the edge goes to Cogan who has a step on Jones and perhaps at this stage, more upside.