The PWHL is filled with the top stars in the world. Players like Marie-Philip Poulin, Hilary Knight, and Renata Fast regularly, and deservedly get their due. While the league was founded on the excitement of big name stars from Canadian and American national teams, it's also allowed for some of the world's lesser known stars to step forward and earn their accolades.
Without the PWHL, players like Daryl Watts and Hannah Miller likely would have never found their way to Team Canada.
There's another group however, that remains outside of the spotlight many nights, but make considerable contributions to their teams. Whether they're overshadowed by big names, or they just don't get the recognition they deserve, here's a look at some of the most valuable, yet underrated players in the PWHL.
First Team All-Underrated
Forwards: Shiann Darkangelo - Alexandra Labelle - Michela Cava
When she was traded from Boston to Ottawa last year, few fans knew what they were getting in Shiann Darkangelo. The truth is, she just wasn't being utilized in Boston. It's a common trend around the league, which in some markets remains, where coaches ride the big name stars even when they aren't performing. In Ottawa however, Darkangelo found her groove this season scoring 17 points. She uses her size well, and some forget she's a former gold medalist with Team USA, and captained the Toronto Six to a PHF title in 2023. Michela Cava got a taste of the spotlight last season after putting together another predictable performance in the playoffs helping the Minnesota Frost to a Walter Cup title. She remains one of the most underrated two-way players in the game, and her ability to elevate in crucial moments is uncanny. She had 19 points in 30 games this year. Alexandra Labelle hasn't set the scoresheet on fire, but she makes her impact felt in a number of ways. While Montreal's stars did the scoring, Labelle lifted in other ways. Her impact on Montreal's bottom six has been considerable making them a more difficult team to play against, and providing a spark whenever she's on the ice. It's perhaps no coincidence that Montreal's worst stretch of the season came during Labelle's injury.
Defenders: Kali Flanagan - Emily Brown
Nobody talks about Kali Flanagan and Allie Munroe enough in Toronto. While Toronto's top pairing is often unencumbered to run free, Flanagan and Munroe face key match ups, and play vital minutes. Early in the playoffs, when you looked at Toronto's time on ice leaders, Flanagan was always there. Toronto might not be able to keep her via expansion, and it would be a bigger loss than many would predict. Perhaps even quieter in her impact is Boston Fleet defender Emily Brown. Brown is a prototypical defensive defender. She plays the game without a ton of flash, but in terms of matching up against top opponents, Boston relies on her heavily. She blocks shots, plays physical, and plays a reliable game the Fleet can consistently count on.
Goaltender: Elaine Chuli
When Ann-Renee Desbiens was hurt, Elaine Chuli stepped in and played well. She's done that since day one, and is one of, if not the best backup in the league. There are few netminders you could feel as comfortable with in a pinch, and it's an aspect that gives Montreal, including starter Ann-Renee Desbiens, more confidence to do their job.