Five Predictions To Open The PWHL Season

Who will be a surprise scorer? Who will force their way onto a national team? Team names? Attendance? Here's five predictions to open the PWHL season.

Puck drop on the inaugural PWHL season is almost here. Fans have been scrambling for tickets, and there's certainly excitement in the air. It's also a time of year for speculation, predictions, and debate. 

Here are five predictions to open the PWHL season to get the conversation started.

1. Loren Gabel Will Lead Boston In Goals

Yes, we're aware Boston is also home to the World Championship's all-time leading goal scorer in Hilary Knight. Gabel however, can flat out score. Scoring on the IIHF level is a little different than scoring in a pro league, and Gabel has proven she can score against the best pros in the game, and is of course a former Patty Kazmaier winner herself. We could have the same conversation about Jessie Eldridge in New York, who could open eyes in that market as well.

2. Schroeder Forces Canada's Hand

You've seen this said before, but Corinne Schroeder is not just knocking on Team Canada's door, she's kicking it down. She was nearly unbeatable in the PHF last year, did not allow a goal at Canada's Fall Festival, and was first star in her lone preseason performance. The 24-year-old hasn't represented Canada at any level, but even appearing on a Rivalry Series roster this year was a step forward. If she comes out of the gate strong through January and February, it would be almost impossible to leave her off Canada's World Championship roster. We're betting on her. If you'd like a second bet, it's that Brooke Hobson also sees national team interest. Yes, she could be that good.

3. Ottawa Leads The League In Attendance

This might not be a bold prediction given the sales Ottawa saw for their home opener, but the hype in Ottawa, the location of the arena, and the exciting blend of players on their roster are sure to bring the fans in. In the NHL, players often shy away from Canadian markets, Don't expect that to be the case in the PWHL, and Ottawa could become the most sought after market in the league for star players. If Toronto had a bigger rink, they might stand a chance, and Montreal should draw well. Don't count out the American cities either, but Ottawa feels like the right answer here. Toronto certainly will be a contender with 3850 seats sold out for all 12 home games.

4. A Canadian Team Will Finish Last

Before you jump to defend your favorite team, there's a lot of variables here. Toronto's loss of Victoria Bach will play a factor in their offense, and there are items on their roster, like a slight lack of foot speed here and there, that could burn them. The key for Toronto will be putting younger players like Emma Maltais, Jesse Compher, and Maggie Connors in positions to thrive. Depth in their d-zone, whether it's the blueline or net are also a concern. In Montreal, it would seem ridiculous to predict any Marie-Philip Poulin team to finish last, as she can single handedly win games. What Montreal lacked in the preseason was chemistry. They were misfiring here and there, but the return of Erin Ambrose should solve some of those problems. If Melodie Daoust can get into the lineup, it would be a game changer. Finally, Ottawa is young, and will be fun to watch, and should get better by the game, but youth can be unpredictable. They don't feel like a last place team and they'll certainly be hard to play against.

5. Team Names Don't Emerge Before Worlds

Once the puck is down, some of the items fans have focused on early might become less important. In Europe, professional sports teams have long gone by community names, whether it's Chelsea FC in soccer, or Lulea in hockey, it's the norm. It's not the norm in North America, and team names are certain to be in the works, but the rush will wane. The league has stated they may still use some or all of the initially leaked names that were met with fervent resistance from fans. If the league does land on any of those names, or new names, it would make sense to do so after any other hiccups are ironed out, and once the league has a few months under their belt. The league has discussed the World Championships as a target for major announcements for years, and this time, that timeline might stick when it comes to team names. It would be surprising to see names come sooner.