While the PWHL is filled with players loaded with elite skill, those skill sets will need to be diversified to include role players of all types. It's a feature of the PWHL's top teams already, and others will be looking for role players at the draft.
While the PWHL is filled with players loaded with elite skill, those skill sets will need to be diversified to include role players of all types. It's a feature of the PWHL's top teams already, and others will be looking for role players at the draft.
It's fun hockey watching four lines of players accustomed to being top line scorers roll out onto the PWHL ice this season, but it's not always winning hockey. The teams who are rising to the top have more diverse skill sets, and role players accustomed to checking responsibilities.
While Toronto struggled early as they tried to keep up with the run and gun style of the league, as soon as they settled into players, including captain Blayre Turnbull, doing what they do best, Toronto's rise was meteoric. Toronto has benefitted not only from the two-way game of their captain, but also from players like Sam Cogan, Rebecca Leslie, Emma Maltais, and Maggie Connors. They might not all be lighting up the scoresheet, but they're helping Toronto light up the win column
Some teams continue to struggle to defend and with structure, particularly when games tighten up. In part, it's because we're seeing teams attempting to saddle forwards used to top six roles with bottom six responsibilities.
When the 2024 PWHL Draft rolls around, we'll certainly see a good number of offensive players selected, as scoring has remained low across the league, but we'll also likely to see teams targeting players in the later rounds who can contribute more to their bottom six.
There are players in the 2025 Draft who will immediately add two-way punch in Natalie Mylnkova, Sara Hjalmarsson, and Anne Cherkowski but they aren't coming to the league this year.
Here are some names to watch for the 2024 PWHL Draft that have offensive upside, but also are known for their defensive acumen.
Klara Hymlarova - The St. Cloud State grad split time this season between St. Cloud's forward group, and on their blueline. We've seen several forwards in the PWHL, players like Montreal's Leah Lum, asked to jump between positions. Hymlarova can do it in folds and would be a fantastic checking line addition to any PWHL roster. The Czech national team forward brings elements to her game few can duplicate.
Emmy Fecteau - With the PWHL on the rise, scouting is going to need to improve as there are players, like Emmy Fecteau, who can do it all, but just aren't in the spotlight of the NCAA or national programs. Fecteau is going to make a PWHL team very happy contributing night in and night out on both sides of the puck, blocking shots, and as a positive community member and leader. She is the captain of Concordia in USports.
Lauren Bellefontaine - The back-to-back winner of College Hockey America's Best Defensive Forward Award in 2022 and 2023 with Syracuse, Bellefontaine isn't going to light up the scoresheet, but she can center a third or fourth line and chip in offensively, while also taking care of business on the other side of the puck. She recently finished her first season in Sweden playing for MoDo.
Peyton Anderson - The Northeastern forward was Hockey East's runner up for best defensive forward this season, and she also scored 26 points in 37 games for an underpowered Northeastern Huskies team. Behind the Alina Muller's, Maureen Murphy's, and Chloe Aurard's the past four seasons, Anderson has quietly been helping her team win, and could do the same in a depth role in the PWHL.
Elle Hartje - To be perfectly clear, Elle Hartje has top six offensive abilities, and will likely slot into a role there at some point, but she might also start as a third line checking center to keep her at her natural position. Why? Hartje is far and away one of the best at the face-off dot in the game. She topped all players in the NCAA this season with a win percentage of 60.9%. The Yale star is an intelligent player at both ends of the ice, but her ability to start her team with possession is sometimes the best defence a player could hope for.
Dara Greig - She's not overly defensive, but behind Colgate's top line, Grieg got some different looks and isn't afraid of physical play. She's a player who can contribute secondary scoring, and while there's no guarantee she's picked, Greig should challenge for a roster spot and could grow into a mutli-faceted role in the PWHL.