10 Players Who Are Setting New Standards In PWHL

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The Professional Women’s Hockey League started with a bang on January 1, 2024. The historical combo of two-time Olympic silver medalist Alex Carpenter and Canadian teammate Ella Shelton resulted in the league’s first-ever goal. These two and several other gifted athletes are among some iconic players who have contributed to the PWHL’s growing popularity.

Marie-Philip Poulin

 Courtney from Vancouver, Canada/Openverse

Marie-Philip Poulin is Canada’s ultimate hockey hero. She earned the nickname “Captain Clutch” after her game-winners sank Team United States in the 2010, 2014, and 2022 Olympic finals. Poulin has also netted four IIHF World Championship golds. The Montréal captain is Canada’s most experienced and decorated player and the first hockey player to score in four Olympic finals.

Hilary Knight

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Nine World Championship golds and an Olympic gold are enough to cement Hilary Knight’s spot as a true icon in the PWHL. Besides leading the US to their first Olympic gold since 1998 in 2018, the Boston captain was the inaugural IIHF Female Player of the Year. She caps her storied career as a proud #ForTheGame advocate.

Alex Carpenter

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As the daughter of NHL legend Bobby Carpenter, Alex Carpenter was born with her hockey skills. Regardless, she carved out her impressive path. Alex went from winning the Patty Kazmaier Award at Boston College to bagging international medals (two Olympic silver and six IIHF gold). Carpenter now shines as an alternate captain in the PWHL.

Natalie Spooner

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If “performing under pressure” was a PWHL player, it would be Natalie Spooner. She completely owned the inaugural season. After scoring Toronto’s first goal of the season, Spooner led the league with 20 goals, bagged five game-winners, and was crowned MVP. She then put the cherry on top by winning the 2024 IIHF Female Player of the Year title.

Ella Shelton

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Ella Shelton made history as the first-ever goal scorer in PWHL, kicking off 2024 with a bang. The Canadian superstar from Ingersoll followed that up with 21 points in 24 games, leading all defense in scoring. Add Olympic gold and World Championship titles to her resume, and you have a bona fide rising star.

Ann-Renée Desbiens

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Montreal’s PWHL goaltending star has one of the most inspiring stories in women’s hockey. She miraculously got drafted into Quebec Junior AAA, then got cut (thanks, coach). However, she later set multiple NCAA records, including 56 career shutouts, before winning Olympic medals. The Canadian also fought exhaustion and aced a master’s in accounting during her 18-month hiatus.

Jillian Dempsey

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You can’t write the PHF’s history without mentioning Jillian Dempsey, Boston Pride’s all-time leader in games, goals, assists, and points. Now, Montreal’s got this net-finding phenomenon. Dempsey left Harvard with a spot on their all-time top-10 scorers board. Today, she has three Isobel Cups, IIHF U18 gold, and a 2011 Four Nations Cup gold.

Emma Söderberg

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After saving 51 in 54 shots against one of the best women’s national hockey teams, Emma Söderberg got the world’s attention. Her heroics against Canada in the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship got her on the tournament’s All-Star spot, and she won the Swedish Player of the Year. Now, Boston’s got her, and the PWHL better watch out!

Kendall Coyne Schofield

 John Mac/Openverse

Kendall Coyne Schofield, the speedy forward with a trophy cabinet that could use a bigger shelf, had a record-breaking performance in the inaugural PWHL league. The three-time Olympic medalist scored 18 points with 13 assists to lead her team to the Walter Trophy. Watch out, PWHL—Minnesota’s got a captain who’s a gold medalist, record-setter, and a formidable force!

Sarah Nurse

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After becoming the first Wisconsin Badgers player to score an NCAA hat trick, the sky became the starting point for Sarah Burse. In 2022, she became the first woman on the cover of the EA Sports NHL video game (NHL 23). Today, the Olympic gold medalist uses the PWHPA platform to raise awareness and support for women’s hockey.

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