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Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Montreal captain Marie-Philip Poulin wins PWHL's Billie Jean King MVP award
Montreal Victoire head coach Kori Cheverie is named as the Coach of the Year during the PWHL women's hockey awards in Ottawa, Ontario,, Wednesday June 25, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Montreal Victoire's Ann-Renee Desbiens speaks after being named the Goaltender of the Year during the PWHL women's hockey awards in Ottawa, Ontario,, Wednesday June 25, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Cheryl Pounder, left, presents Toronto Sceptres' Renata Fast with the Defender of the Yearduring the PWHL women's hockey awards in Ottawa, Ontario,, Wednesday June 25, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Montreal Victoire forward Marie-Philip Poulin speaks after being named as the Forward of the Year during the PWHL women's hockey awards in Ottawa, Ontario,, Wednesday June 25, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Montreal Victoire's Marie-Philip Poulin accepts the Billie Jean King MVP Award during the PWHL women's hockey awards in Ottawa, Ontario,, Wednesday June 25, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Montreal Victoire's Marie-Philip Poulin accepts the Billie Jean King MVP Award during the PWHL women's hockey awards in Ottawa, Ontario,, Wednesday June 25, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Montreal Victoire head coach Kori Cheverie is named as the Coach of the Year during the PWHL women's hockey awards in Ottawa, Ontario,, Wednesday June 25, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Montreal Victoire's Ann-Renee Desbiens speaks after being named the Goaltender of the Year during the PWHL women's hockey awards in Ottawa, Ontario,, Wednesday June 25, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Cheryl Pounder, left, presents Toronto Sceptres' Renata Fast with the Defender of the Yearduring the PWHL women's hockey awards in Ottawa, Ontario,, Wednesday June 25, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Montreal Victoire forward Marie-Philip Poulin speaks after being named as the Forward of the Year during the PWHL women's hockey awards in Ottawa, Ontario,, Wednesday June 25, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Montreal Victoire's Marie-Philip Poulin accepts the Billie Jean King MVP Award during the PWHL women's hockey awards in Ottawa, Ontario,, Wednesday June 25, 2025. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin has won the Professional Women's Hockey League's Billie Jean King MVP Award for the 2024-25 season. Poulin, who was also named forward of the year, was presented the awards at a ceremony Wednesday in Ottawa. Advertisement The 34-year-old Poulin led the league with 19 goals and finished fourth with 26 points in 30 games. Poulin was also a finalist for the MVP and top forward awards in the inaugural 2024 PWHL season. Both awards were won by Toronto's Natalie Spooner. The awards capped another year of major achievements for Poulin, who was named the IIHF's Female Player of the Year earlier this month after taking MVP honors at the women's world championship in April with a tournament-leading 12 points (four goals, eight assists). Toronto Sceptres defender Renata Fast and Boston Fleet captain Hilary Knight (now with Seattle) were the other MVP finalists, while Knight and New York Sirens forward Sarah Fillier were up for forward of the year. Advertisement Fast and Fillier did not leave empty-handed. Fast took home defender of the year honors while Fillier was named the league's top rookie. The 30-year-old Fast tied for first in scoring among defenders with 22 points in 30 games, led the league with 63 hits and led all skaters with an average of 24 minutes, 39 seconds of ice time per game. Sophie Jaques and Claire Thompson of the PWHL champion Minnesota Frost (both now with Vancouver) were the other finalists. Fillier, 25, tied for the league lead with 29 points in 30 games and led the league with five power-play goals. Montreal forward Jenn Gardiner (now with Vancouver) and Ottawa goaltender Gwyneth Philips also were finalists. Advertisement Montreal's Ann-Renée Desbiens took goaltender of the year honors. The 31-year-old led all goalies with 15 wins and her 1.86 goals-against average and .932 save percentage were top marks among all starters. Philips and Boston's Aerin Frankel also were finalists. Montreal's Kori Cheverie won coach of the year after leading the Victoire to first place in the PWHL standings with a 12-7-3-8 record. Ottawa's Carla MacLeod and Toronto's Troy Ryan, who won the award last year, were also in the running. Victoire forward Laura Stacey won the Hockey For All Award given to the player 'who made the greatest impact in their community.' Advertisement Poulin, Fillier, Knight, Fast, Jaques and Desbiens were named to the league's first all-star team. Minnesota's Kendall Coyne Schofield, Ottawa's Tereza Vanisova (now Vancouver), Toronto's Daryl Watts, New York's Ella Shelton (now Toronto), Thompson and Frankel were named to the second all-star team. Fillier, Gardiner, Minnesota's Britta Curl-Salemme, Montreal's Cayla Barnes and Anna Wilgren (both now with Seattle) and Philips made up the all-rookie squad. ___ AP women's hockey:
New York Times
25-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin wins PWHL MVP, Forward of the Year
OTTAWA — Montreal Victoire forward Marie-Philip Poulin was named MVP of the 2024-25 PWHL season on Wednesday afternoon, finishing ahead of now-former Boston captain Hilary Knight and Toronto's No. 1 defender Renata Fast. The Victoire captain was the favorite to win the award — named the Billie Jean King MVP — after she led the league in goals (19) and finished fourth in points (26), just three off the lead. Poulin was critical to Montreal's success in the regular season, where she scored 26 percent of the team's goals and factored into 34 percent. She never went more than two games without a point this season, and no player scored more game-winning goals (6), first goals (5) or insurance goals to put a game out of reach (3) than Poulin. Advertisement She also won Forward of the Year, beating out Knight and New York rookie Sarah Fillier, who finished tied with the most points in the league's regular season (29). Poulin was a runner-up for last year's MVP last year, which went to Toronto forward Natalie Spooner after a dominant inaugural season. She's the only two-time finalist for the award in the PWHL's two-year history. Now, Poulin adds an MVP award to a trophy case that already includes three Olympic gold medals, four world championships, multiple MVP and scoring awards during her time in the now-defunct Canadian Women's Hockey League and a Canadian Athlete of the Year award, among many other accolades over a career destined for Hockey Hall of Fame enshrinement. Poulin already won the league's goal title at the conclusion of the regular season. And Ottawa goalie Gwyneth Philips won the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP after she led the Charge to the Finals and had an unbelievable .952 save percentage over the postseason. The PWHL announced the winners of four other major awards at a ceremony on Wednesday afternoon. Here are the results and the finalists. Rookie of the Year: Sarah Fillier (New York) Fillier, 25, was one of the best forwards in the league this season after being selected first overall in the 2024 PWHL Draft. She finished her rookie season tied for the league lead in scoring. Her 16 assists were the most by a forward, and her 13 goals ranked fourth. Fillier led rookies in all three categories. Finalists: Jennifer Gardiner (Montreal) and Gwyneth Philips (Ottawa) Coach of the Year: Kori Cheverie (Montreal) Cheverie was a finalist for the award last season and beat out Toronto's head coach, Troy Ryan (the inaugural winner,) this year after leading Montreal to a first-place finish in the regular season. 🏆 2025 Coach of the Year: Kori Cheverie Behind every great season is a brilliant mind.—🏆 Entraîneuse de l'année 2025 : Korie Cheverie Derrière chaque grande saison se cache un esprit encore plus grand. — PWHL (@thepwhlofficial) June 25, 2025 Finalists: Troy Ryan (Toronto) and Carla MacLeod (Ottawa) Goaltender of the Year: Ann-Renée Desbiens (Montreal) Desbiens was the very best goalie in the PWHL this season. Her 15 wins, 1.86 goals against average and .932 save percentage led all starters and were critically important to Montreal's success in the regular season. The Victoire lost in the first round of the playoffs, but Desbiens was excellent there too with a 1.55 goals against average and .943 save percentage that was only bested by playoff MVP Gwyneth Philips. Finalists: Aerin Frankel (Boston) and Gwyneth Philips (Ottawa) Advertisement Defender of the Year: Renata Fast (Toronto) Fast became the first defender to be voted a finalist for MVP, a credit to her impact at both ends of the ice for the Toronto Sceptres. No defender had more points (22) or hits (63) this season than Fast. With almost 740 minutes of play, Fast was on the ice more than any player in the league, averaging 24:39 per game. Finalists: Sophie Jaques (Minnesota) and Claire Thompson (Minnesota) PWHL All-Rookie Team Forwards: Sarah Fillier (New York), Jennifer Gardiner (Montreal), Britta Curl-Salemme (Minnesota) Defense: Cayla Barnes (Montreal), Anna Wilgren (Montreal) Goalie: Gwyneth Philips (Ottawa) PWHL Second Team All-Stars Forwards: Daryl Watts (Toronto), Tereza Vanišová (Ottawa), Kendall Coyne Schofield (Minnesota) Defense: Claire Thompson (Minnesota), Ella Shelton (New York) Goalie: Aerin Frankel (Boston) PWHL First Team All-Stars Forwards: Marie-Philip Poulin (Montreal), Hilary Knight (Boston), Sarah Fillier (New York) Defense: Renata Fast (Toronto), Sophie Jaques (Minnesota) Goalie: Ann-Renée Desbiens (Montreal) The PWHL provides performance bonuses as laid out in the collective bargaining agreement: Billie Jean King MVP: $5,000 Forward of the Year: $4,000 Defender of the Year: $4,000 Goalie of the Year: $4,000 Rookie of the Year: $4,000 'Hockey for All' award: $4,000 (Photo of Marie-Philip Poulin: Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images)
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Who was the biggest surprise omission for each PWHL team from their expansion protection list?
The PWHL unveiled the three players protected from each of the league's six inaugural teams. Three was a small number resulting in top players from every roster being exposed, and signalling that PWHL Seattle and PWHL Vancouver will almost certainly enter the 2025-26 PWHL season as the teams to beat. While the PWHL has yet to unveil if there will be changes to their playoff format with eight teams now in the league, it's highly likely Seattle and Vancouver will be playing playoff hockey next season, while the existing rosters will take a season or two to recover from the deep cuts the league decided to make to their cores. PWHL fans across the league reacted negatively to the lack of protection for the players they've grown to love, including the exposure of 40 of the 42 players selected in the 2024 PWHL Draft. Advertisement As baffling as the PWHL's plan for expansion was, seeing the exposed players which includes finalists for league MVP, Defender of the Year, Forward of the Year, and Rookie of the Year, including the 2024 PWHL Rookie of the Year, Defender of the Year, Goaltender of the Year, three First Team All-Stars, three Second Team All-Stars, and four of five members of the All-Rookie team. In essence, Seattle and Vancouver are picking all-star rosters without reservation. There were some exposures that surprised more than others. Here's a look at the most shocking omissions from each PWHL team's protected list. Boston Fleet - Hilary Knight Knight is a finalist for the PWHL's MVP award this season and top forward. She tied for the league lead in scoring and was the captain of the Boston Fleet, and remains the captain of Team USA. She's a first ballot Hall of Famer who holds every scoring record at the World Championships. Hilary Knight however, is nearing the end of her storied career, although no one is questioning if she can remain a star in the PWHL for a few more seasons. She would be the ultimate face for the game in Seattle to help the league hit the ground running on the west coast, but it doesn't soften the shock and dismay Boston fans feel having one of the legends of the game potentially stolen from their roster. Minnesota Frost - Sophie Jaques Minnesota made a trade for Sophie Jaques during season one and it paid dividends. She tied for the PWHL lead in scoring by a defender, helped the Frost win back-to-back Walter Cup titles, and has seen her role grow. She's only getting better and is a finalist for the PWHL's Defender of the Year. Few are as dangerous off the rush and jumping into the play as Jaques, and she'll bring her ever improving game to the west coach and make a significant impact there as well. She flourish in Minnesota, and alongside Claire Thompson, the loss of two elite defenders is going to sting. Minnesota will pray that Nicole Gosling or Rory Guilday can be had in the PWHL Draft. Montreal Victoire - Erin Ambrose Montreal loves Erin Ambrose, and Erin Ambrose loves Montreal. She was the 2024 PWHL Defender of the Year, and remains one of the best in the league on and off the ice. Montreal rolled the dice exposing both Ambrose and rookie standout Cayla Barnes on their blueline. Their only hope is that Vancouver picks up Jennifer Gardiner. If the expansion teams pick Ambrose and Barnes, Montreal is going to significantly struggle, and the defensive depth available in free agency and the draft won't be able to recoup what they've lost if the worst case scenario happens. New York Sirens - Alex Carpenter A 2024 First Team All-Star and widely acknowledged as a top 10 forward in the world, Alex Carpenter is a game changer on the ice and was half of the PWHL's most dangerous duo alongside rookie sensation Sarah Fillier. Many New York fans couldn't wrap their head around this one, and in terms of on-ice performance, it's a hard pill to swallow. What this omission shows however, is that teams were looking far beyond the scoresheet when considering their options. New York needs a culture change, they need to shake up their roster to get more out of their depth, and this move plays into that decision. Carpenter's skill will be missed if she's selected. Ottawa Charge - Ashton Bell Without Ashton Bell, it's hard to imagine the Ottawa Charge get to the Walter Cup finals this year. Bell was part of Ottawa's top pairing that played heavy minutes. She blocked shots, transitioned pucks up ice, and was key to their attack. But Ottawa went with the unique toolkit possessed by Ronja Savolainen. Savolainen has a more club friendly contract with two years remaining, and there's belief she's just scratching the surface of her potential in North America. She got better as the season went on. Toronto Sceptres - Sarah Nurse A 2024 PWHL Second Team All-Star, Sarah Nurse was one of the top scoring threats in the league in year one, and if not for an injury in year two, the same could be said. Toronto is lucky to have the depth they do up front, but depending how this process plays out, the Sceptres are likely to lose not only Nurse, but three of Savannah Harmon, Julia Gosling, Emma Maltais, Allie Munroe, or Izzy Daniel as well. It's not a pleasant prospect for the team, but there's perhaps no loss that would hurt more than that of Nurse.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hilary Knight signs with PWHL Seattle after going unprotected in expansion
One day after being left unprotected for PWHL expansion, Hilary Knight has signed with the league's new Seattle franchise. The league, which launched in January 2024 with six teams, is adding two franchises in Seattle and Vancouver. PWHL expansion rules allow unprotected players and free agents to negotiate with either of the new teams during a five-day window that opened Wednesday morning. Advertisement As expected, the Boston Fleet protected star goalie Aerin Frankel and No. 1 defender Megan Keller ahead of Tuesday's deadline. But the team opted to protect 27-year-old forward Alina Müller in a surprising move that left Knight, the team's captain, exposed. Knight will turn 36 this summer and she's already announced that the 2026 Milan Olympics will be her fifth and final trip to the Games. She's also said she plans to continue playing in the PWHL. Still, if Boston general manager Danielle Marmer were to protect Knight, she'd run the risk of losing three top forwards in short order — Müller and rookie forward Hannah Bilka to expansion, and Knight to retirement. Protecting Müller — even if it likely means losing Knight — ensures the team keeps at least one of its core forwards for more than a few years. Advertisement For Seattle, however, making one of the greatest women's hockey players of all-time the team's first signing is an easy win. Especially considering Knight is an all-time great who is still a high-end player. 'Signing Hilary Knight was an absolute no-brainer,' said PWHL Seattle general manager Meghan Turner in a press release. 'Her proven leadership and drive, the way she elevates everyone around her, those are qualities you can't teach. 'Hilary's not just a game-changer on the ice, she's the kind of person who defines a culture, and we're incredibly proud to have her as the first-ever player to join PWHL Seattle.' Knight was one of the best players in the PWHL in 2024-25, with a league leading 29 points in 30 games. Knight finished second in goals (15), behind only Montreal captain Marie-Philip Poulin, and was named a finalist for league MVP and Forward of the Year. Advertisement She was also (once again) among the top scorers at women's world championships in April, where she won her record 10th gold medal with Team USA. Off the ice, very few have anything close to the cachet that Knight has in women's hockey, particularly in an American market. As a cornerstone player in Seattle – and perhaps captain – she should undoubtedly help grow the fan base and market swiftly, much like her star counterparts in soccer (Megan Rapinoe) and basketball (Sue Bird) have done. Turner, who spent the first two seasons as Boston's assistant general manager, is obviously familiar with Knight, and the kind leadership and experience she can add to a brand-new franchise. Signing in Seattle also offers Knight, who is from Sun Valley, Idaho, a chance to be closer to family. 'I'm incredibly proud to be part of bringing professional women's hockey to the Pacific Northwest,' said Knight. 'Seattle holds a special place in my heart, and I'm beyond excited to join PWHL Seattle in such a storied sports city. I'm grateful to Meghan Turner for believing in me and bringing me on board as part of this new chapter.' Advertisement The PWHL's Seattle team will debut in the fall of 2025 and will play at Climate Pledge Arena, home of the NHL's Seattle Kraken. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. NHL, Women's Hockey 2025 The Athletic Media Company
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Pittsburgh Penguins eye roster refresh: Young stars like Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen lead NHL action
Pittsburgh Penguins (via Getty Images) The Pittsburgh Penguins are preparing for a pivotal 2025–26 NHL season, one that could take them in a fresh era led by rising stars like Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen. With a handful of veteran contracts locked in and several pending free agents uncertain to return, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas appears ready to open the door for youth. Top candidates for Pittsburgh Penguins At the front of the pack is top prospect Rutger McGroarty, who made an impressive contribution last season with three points in five NHL games before a foot injury ended his progression. Having played on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust, his combination of pace and pugnacity makes him a good bet to make the roster out of camp. Ville Koivunen, who collected seven helpers in eight games of NHL action in the 2024–25 season, is versatile and cool, playing with Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby, and this gives him a good shot at cementing a full-time spot. On the blue side, Owen Pickering and Jack St. Ivany are serious challengers. St. Ivany recovered from slow starts and injuries early in the season to stay strong in the AHL late, while Pickering played top-four minutes in the NHL last season alongside Kris Letang. Forward Avery Hayes is making waves following an impressive 60-point AHL season. Recently signed to an entry-level deal, he's recognized for his tireless pace and scoring potential. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software Esseps Learn More Undo Filip Hallander, who won Swedish Hockey League Forward of the Year, might finally bring his European success over to the NHL if he impresses in camp. And as for the longer shots, Sam Poulin, Mikhail Ilyin, and Atley Calvert are still worth mentioning. Though they might not make the opening night roster, their excellent play in the AHL or overseas could bring mid-season call-ups. And let us not forget goaltender Joel Blomqvist, whose NHL readiness would be thwarted only by the presence of Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic. Also read: 'Thank you, Pittsburgh': Mike Sullivan leaves Pittsburgh Penguins with emotional billboard message With the Pittsburgh Penguins seeking to close the gap between a veteran-rich core and the future stars, training camp looms as pivotal. With roster room and a clear desire for new energy, the likes of Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen are presented with the golden chance to take the franchise in a certain direction right away. What is certain is that the Penguins are set to provide youth with an opportunity—now it is a matter of waiting for the prospects to seize it.
