The PWHL Preseason Camp is already beyond the halfway point, and a number of players have already jumped off the page as key contributors for their teams.
The PWHL Preseason Camp is already beyond the halfway point, and a number of players have already jumped off the page as key contributors for their teams.
The PWHL Preseason Camp passed the midway point with each team only having one game remaining Thursday. Teams still have important roster decisions to make, but across the league, players, media, coaches, general managers, and eventually fans got a first look at how players stack up in the new best-on-best format.
Despite the small sample size, there were several players who stood out early in the preseason. Many of those players were non-national team athletes, who as a wider fanbase get to see their contributions, could rapidly become new stars and fan favorites. Here's a look at the team-by-team standouts among already signed players.
Boston
Boston went with vastly different lineups their first two games, taking turns sitting star players Hilary Knight, Megan Keller, Alina Muller, and Jamie Lee Rattray to give their remaining free agents ample time and opportunities. One player teams across the league will be kicking themselves for passing on in the 2023 PWHL Draft is Kaleigh Fratkin. Fratkin's mobility, physical play, and crisp puck movement was clearly valued by Boston who gave her top four minutes in both games. When she was on the ice, her steadying presence and ability to jumpstart the attack, and shut down opponents was evident. Fratkin was miles better than several defenders chosen in the draft through her first games. In terms of a two-way contribution, Shiann Darkangelo will quickly endear herself to Boston fans this season. Darkangelo found herself on the ice for special teams, won the bulk of her puck battles, and was strong on pucks throughout the week both offensively and defensively. Of Boston's young players, there was a lot to like about Sophie Shirley's first games as a pro. She outshone some of the veterans around her, scoring her first goal, but more importantly, showcasing her hockey IQ and defensive acumen. Many young players struggle with new expectations in the pro game, but Shirley seemed ready for that challenge.
Minnesota
Prior to their injuries, Grace Zumwinkle and Susanna Tapani brought an element to Minnesota's attack that helped drive play. Zumwinkle showed why she's considered a hard line player with power forward tendencies, and unfortunately one of her drives resulted in being taken down by a Toronto defender sending her awkwardly into the end board. Similarly, Tapani flashed a big shot, poise with the puck, and veteran savvy, and it was a strong net drive of her own that resulted in another Toronto player sending her into the goalpost resulting in an injury. On the back end, Maggie Flaherty had many moments where she grabbed attention. Notably, Flaherty didn't shy away from physical play, taking on national team veterans and pro rookies alike without hesitation. When Minnesota was most effective, their young players, including Flaherty, were playing with unabashed enthusiasm, and indifference to the star power on the ice. While it will come as no surprise to fans, Taylor Heise was one of the best players on any team each time she touched the ice.
Montreal
After a dismal first game, Montreal showed signs of life in their second outing, but there were still signs of frustration among Montreal's star players as offense was hard to come by, and some line combinations seemed out of sync with each other. Playing on a line with Marie-Philip Poulin and Maureen Murphy, Tereza Vanisova led Montreal in shots through the opening games, but it was her puck pursuit that stood out. That said, the line itself misfired at times and some of the shots they managed were of the low-danger variety. Fellow Czech Dominika Laskova showed her versatility scoring Montreal's prettiest goal through the opening games, but also logged minutes on the back end in all situations, including as a backbone to Montreal's powerplay. While she didn't score through her first games, Canadian veteran Laura Stacey showed why she'll be a player few will look forward to facing in this league. She's big, powerful, and at top flight, backed off defenders, or bowled them over if they were unwilling to give. She will be one of the league's best power forwards.
New York
There was a lot to like about New York's first two appearances. From a pair of spectacular goaltending performances by Corinne Schroeder and Abbey Levy, to their mobile blueline, and a team that will obviously play fast and get under opponents' skin, win or lose, this team will be exciting to watch this season. While New York's trio of Canadian national team defenders got a lot of hype, deservedly so, it was the play of Brooke Hobson on the backend that grabbed early attention. She's mobile, aggressive on the puck, jumpstarted seamless transitions, and at times showed her ability to both transport the puck herself, and join the attack. Ella Shelton and Jaime Bourbonnais also had strong starts, but Hobson will make this top four fun to watch. Through the opening games, Jessie Eldridge hinted that she'll be one of the top offensive players in the league this season, alongside New York's top line players of Alex Carpenter and Abby Roque. What really drove play for New York up front however, was their third line of Jade Downie-Landry, Jill Saulnier, and Emma Woods. Saulnier has speed to burn, and the complete games of Woods and Downie-Landry frustrated opponents. There was a lot to like about New York's start.
Ottawa
Some of Ottawa's better performers were free agents, but their signees also looked sharp. Similar to New York, Ottawa will approach the season with a top four that will flash oodles of mobility, so much so that Ottawa's defenders at times may be leading the rush, not just joining it. The group of Jincy Roese, Savannah Harmon, Ashton Bell, and Aneta Tejralova all came to Ottawa through the draft, as did Zoe Boyd, and made Ottawa's brass look savvy in the selections through the preseason. Up front, it's only a matter of time before Emily Clark explodes. She was one of the more dynamic players on the ice showing her creativity and speed. As she continues to shed her national team role in favor of a bigger offensive responsibility, she could emerge as a league leader. In terms of young forwards, the hype Ottawa has created around Gabbie Hughes looks valid, and Kristin Della Rovere was one of the more noticeable players in her first appearance.
Toronto
Toronto was another team that had a top tier of defenders that were noticeable. While many would expect Renata Fast and Jocelyne Larocque to take the bulk of the praise, perhaps the player who jumped off the sheet and earned the most attention early was Kali Flanagan. Her skating skills were evident, and she controlled the pace and puck with ease, often providing another offensive option for her team. Troy Ryan deployed her early and often in all situations. Up front, Blayre Turnbull showed why she's so much more than a checking line forward. She jumped out with a hat trick to open the week, but was Toronto's most consistent threat. Also, she made no friends anywhere on the ice levelling a few opponents and playing fast and physical every time she stepped on the ice. As an addition to the blueline on the powerplay, Brittany Howard looked like a player who other teams will need to be aware of. Not only does she have a cannon of a shot, but she has quick hands and evades checkers well. After a somewhat lacklustre Rivalry Series in November, Sarah Nurse looked ready to breakout in the PWHL as well. The final Toronto player who earned mention is Hannah Miller. When Miller moves a puck, it comes with pace and pinpoint accuracy. She has few flaws in her game, and always looks like she's calculating and on the prowl on the ice. In the right situation, Miller could be a breakout player. At worst, she's going to be one of the best two-way players that makes Toronto better in other ways.