Season Preview: PWHL New York

PWHL New York plays with speed, they have scoring depth, and one of the best bluelines in the league. Can they put it all together to equate to wins?

PWHL New York might be one of the most underrated rosters heading into the inaugural PWHL season. Here's a look at their strengths, and what question marks remain with PWHL New York.

Team speed is definitely a big attribute in New York who was attacking in waves in Utica. Whether it's top line talent, or players like Jill Saulnier who will move up and down the lineup, New York has good team speed. The real strength in New York begins in their own end. Corinne Schroeder and Abbey Levy will be a top tandem in the league despite their lack of international experience. They'll provide steady, and sometimes game stealing goaltending. The quality of shots they end up facing could be beneficial to that as New York's top four of Jaimie Bourbonnais, Ella Shelton, Micah Zandee-Hart, and Brooke Hobson are mobile defenders who will provide two solid units. Zandee-Hart will be delayed for a few weeks on her return due to injury. New York also has depth down the middle in Alex Carpenter, Abby Roque, and Jade Downie-Landry. 

Watching New York's third line of Downie-Landry, Emma Woods, and Saulnier consistently generate chances and scoring in Utica, shows the depth New York is wielding up front. Carpenter, Roque, Jessie Eldridge, and Elizabeth Gigeure will be two-third of New York's top lines, while youngsters Chloe Aurard and Paetyn Levis will aim to earn their spots in those units. When you look at that roster and realize a player like Madison Packer could as easily end up on the fourth line as she does on the second line, you realize the depth of this team.

It's deep. The blueline group of Bourbonnais, Shelton, Zandee-Hart and Hobson are an incredible start. Olivia Zafuto is next in, with Taylor Baker and Johanna Fallman fighting for the final spot. Knowing they have a top four they do, New York won't have many worries in tight games. Up front, team speed will help on the forecheck, and in coming back for support. Players like Alex Carpenter and Emma Woods will play important roles in this effort, and New York signed Savannah Norcross as a fourth line spark plug that can play a valuable two-way game. Behind it all, Schroeder, Levy, and Lindsey Post can clean up the odd mess.

Howie Draper has been one of Canada's most respected coaches for decades. It's not just his knowledge of the game, it's the way he communicates the game to his players, and teaches. Draper takes a cerebral and holistic approach to the game, and instead of the generalities and cliche sayings we hear parroted in various levels of pro hockey, Draper is going to give insightful responses and analysis to his players. His assistants of Colton Orr, Laura Brennan, and Mike Sommer add a wealth of experience, and a player first mentality that will help build a special culture in New York.

How good can Corinne Schroeder be? Minnesota, Ottawa, Montreal, and Boston all have netminders with considerable national team playing experience. Schroeder, Levy, and Post have a combined zero games played at all levels for Canada and USA. Levy and Schroeder are in national team pools, but are seemingly a long way from playing, not because of a lack of ability, but likely more like the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" line of thinking. Many believe Corinne Schroeder, who was the PHF's Goaltender of the Year and was spectacular in limited showings at Canada's selection camp and the PWHL preseason, will be among the very best in the league. If Schroeder comes even close to those expectations, New York will be tough to beat.