Elisa Holopainen scores a pair of goals for Frolunda in the team's first ever win over Lulea. The 2025 PWHL Draft is still months away, but through the opening weeks of the 2024-2025 season, players are already beginning to showcase what they're capable of doing. Whether it's the NCAA or SDHL in Europe, the early games have shown that some PWHL prospects used their summer to get stronger and faster, and that stepping into new roles, they're capable of more. Here's a look at three players who have used the early season to rise in the 2025 PWHL Draft Rankings [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/2025-pwhl-draft-preseason-rankings]. SKYLAR IRVING, F, NORTHEASTERN Perhaps the biggest riser through the opening weeks of the season, Irving has stepped into her role with Northeastern and impressed. Irving is a solid two-way player, but is showing she can also score consistently. A good skater, who uses her hockey IQ and feet to find space, Irving looks capable of sliding into a middle six role in the PWHL and contributing in multiple ways. ELISA HOLOPAINEN, F, FROLUNDA Leading the SDHL in scoring, Holopainen is proving her game can continue to translate to higher levels. She was dominant last year in Naisten Liiga, and has been dominant against stronger competition in the SDHL with Frolunda. Her shot is the highlight, but she's also capable of finding space using her hands and vision. Originally it was believed Holopainen would stay in Europe until the Olympics, but if her game continues to flourish, there will be pressure to come to the PWHL sooner. CLARA VAN WIEREN, F, MINNESOTA-DULUTH The big Michigan product has been doing it all this season. She's shifted to the wing and has been a driving force behind Minnesota-Duluth's strong start. Van Wieren uses her frame to her advantage finding pucks in traffic and winning battles. While she's capable of producing off the rush, Van Wieren is most effective creating havoc out front, and generating under pressure.
