Each month the PWHL releases their six stars. Cee Benwell's Stellar Six looks at the 'second team' of unsung heroes. Here's a look at January's Stellar Six.
Each month the PWHL releases their six stars. Cee Benwell's Stellar Six looks at the 'second team' of unsung heroes. Here's a look at January's Stellar Six.
The PWHL releases its monthly SupraStars, honoring three forwards, two defenders, and one goaltender at the conclusion of each month, “determined as the players who most excelled on ice throughout the PWHL.”
The Stellar Six is our “second team” of performers who have made an impression and a difference for their teams in January.
Hannah Bilka, Boston Fleet
The jump from the NCAA to the PWHL is larger than what many expected. This season, it has taken some time for players to break through, and although Bilka, who came from the national champions Ohio State, clearly has the talent, speed, and scoring to be a star, it took a few weeks for her to find her feet. She’s looked much more comfortable in Boston’s last six games, and has scored twice on the power play which is a vital component going forward for the Fleet to improve upon.
Taylor Heise, Minnesota Frost
Hampered by a knee injury at the start of the season, Heise has made noticeable progress in her speed and agility in 2025 already. She’s scored some highlight reel goals and looks to be back to the form that we are used to seeing. With Grace Zumwinkle still out, the Frost needs Heise’s offense and ability to play on the top line with Michela Cava and Kendall Coyne Schofield, who are also both having strong seasons.
Jennifer Gardiner, Montreal Victoire
While everyone is praising rookie Abby Boreen’s role on the Victoire, don’t forget about Gardiner, the second-round pick who has quickly picked up pro qualities in her game while playing on a line with Marie-Philip Poulin. In January, Gardiner had six points, including one goal and two assists in a game against Ottawa. Her smart game is a natural fit with Poulin’s, and their chemistry could also benefit Team Canada in the future. In addition, it allows Montreal to use Laura Stacey on a separate line, making their offense even more dangerous.
Renata Fast, Toronto Sceptres
Fast is becoming one of the most feared defenders in the league, based on the continuing progress she’s made in her physical game (which has always been underrated) and her offensive numbers. After Jocelyne Larocque was traded to Ottawa, the responsibility fell to Fast to take on power play, penalty kill, protect leads, and every other important situation for the Sceptres. (She’s played over 25 minutes in half of their games). And she responded with one of the best months of her career, including six points in seven games, and even continued into February with her second goal of the season.
Ella Shelton, New York Sirens
Shelton was injured for all but one game in the first month of the season, but hasn’t looked like she’s missed a beat. She was one of the most consistent defenders all last season and the team benefited from her return. In January, Shelton played a couple of games of sheltered minutes, then paired with Allyson Simpson and contributed four goals and three assists in eight games. More importantly, she gives them a stabilizing presence and leadership in everything she does.
Ann Renee Desbiens, Montreal Victoire
It was hard not to give Corinne Schroeder the nod for the Supra Stars, with her .955 save percentage and two shutouts, but Desbiens was just a whisper behind in January. Montreal’s star goaltender also had two shutouts (both against Ottawa), and .943 save percentage. And she did it on Takeover Tour stops in Seattle, Vancouver, and Quebec City, a heavy workload with all of the travel involved. She’s quietly been a huge part of the Victoire’s success this season.