The 2025 PWHL Draft saw 26 goaltenders throw their names into the hat for possible selection. While many bring professional and NCAA experience, the pool itself will be largely passed over.
Goaltending remains a central topic in the PWHL as the calibre of netminders the league saw in the first two seasons was strong enough to give shooters nightmares. While there are no prospects at the level of Gwyneth Philips last season, there are a few goaltenders who will likely hear their names called, and after addressing their roster needs, more teams could dip into the goalie pool in the final rounds of the draft to secure their depth at the position.
Who are the top netminders available?
If there are two goalies anticipated to hear their names called, Sanni Ahola from St. Cloud State and Colgate's Hannah Murphy are the duo. Ahola is a member of Finland's senior national team, and Murphy was a member of Canada's national development team this season.
They aren't alone however, as there's a group of goalies including Kaley Doyle (Quinnipiac), Callie Shanahan (Boston University), Amanda Thiele (Ohio State), and Ena Nystrom (Brynas) who conceivably could challenge for third positions, and in some cases, even a backup role.
The talent continues with others like Tindra Holm, Jorden Mattison, Jessie McPherson, and Allie Kelley.
Are there any hidden gems in net?
Goalies always take longer to develop, but the path for most runs out with the lack of roster availability at the position. Tindra Holm should have a route to continue her development in Sweden, which extends her window making her one to watch. Canadian goalie Kaitlyn Ross who played for Mount Royal University is an intriguing prospect who could turn into something if she can find a place to play. Fellow U Sports goalie Kendra Woodland was another name that drew attention last year, but she didn't play this season making her comeback attempt improbable. Jane Gervais is an interesting name who came from Vermont after multiple seasons backing up in Wisconsin. Perhaps the biggest name of intrigue is Kimberly Newell. Newell was considered an elite netminder when she stepped away from the game two years ago following the 2023 World Championships. She's a west coast based goalie and could be a worthwhile reclamation project for one of the expansion teams looking for stability in their crease.
What goalies are returning to the PWHL?
At the moment, it's only expected that Emma Soderberg will not be returning to the PWHL, but until a signing is announced in Europe, the door isn't full closed. Otherwise, it's expected that Ann-Renee Desbiens, Elaine Chuli, Emerance Maschmeyer, Gwyneth Philips, Aerin Frankel, Raygan Kirk, Kirsten Cambpell, Corinne Schroeder, Kayle Osborne, Maddie Rooney, and Nicole Hensley are all returning as starters or back ups. Chuli and Rooney are free agents in the bunch, and two of the above will almost certainly head west in expansion. The league had a solid crop of third goalies who will look to step into a more prominent role. Klara Peslarova claimed that spot with Boston at the end of the season and there will be teams looking to bring in the veteran stability. She's joined by Sandra Abstreiter who started the inaugural season as a back up as goalies, and Carly Jackson who performed well in a pinch with Toronto who might look to move up the depth chart. Other returning third goalies who will look to secure a spot include Abbey Levy, Logan Angers, Kassidy Sauve, Lucy Morgan, and Marlene Boissoinault.
Are their free agent goalies who will take spots?
To be a free agent, you must have declared for a previous draft or been signed by a team. Sauve is a netminder who joined late last season who could challenge for a backup opportunity given her professional experience. There weren't many active netminders outside North America last season who are eligible to sign in the PWHL. Camryn Drever is a name to watch when her season in Sweden ends. She likely would have drawn interest immediately but is under contract. Lauren Bench is another who spent a season as a third goalie with Minnesota, who is returning to Europe this season and could get a late season call for depth. Alice Philbert could put herself on the map if Russia is excluded from the Olympics giving France a spot. Overall, the pool outside the PWHL is shallow for eligible goalies, so each team will be looking for every possible advantage with their third goalie spot.
Full List Of Goaltenders Declared For The 2025 Draft
- Ahola, Sanni - St. Cloud State
- Coe, Sarah - RIT
- Doyle, Kaley - Quinnipiac
- Frank, Calla - St. Thomas
- Fryer, Erica - SDE HF
- Fujimagari, Mariah - DNP
- Gervais, Jane - Vermont
- Holm, Tindra - Minnesota-Duluth
- Hulslander, McKenna - DNP
- Kelley, Allie - Syracuse
- Kuntz, Quinn - Wisconsin
- Mattison, Jorden - Mercyhurst
- McPherson, Jessie - Minnesota State
- Murphy, Hannah - Colgate
- Newell, Kimberly - DNP
- Nystrøm, Ena - Brynas
- Philbert, Alice - Wasquehal
- Räisänen, Meeri - Gladiators HT
- Ross, Kaitlyn - Mount Royal
- Shanahan, Callie - Boston University
- Shelly, Sonjia - DNP
- Stuart, Kate - SDE HF
- Thiele, Amanda - Ohio State
- Thompson, Abbie - Long Island
- Warrener, Megan - Connecticut
- Woodland, Kendra - DNP