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Yahoo
6 days ago
- 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
6 days ago
- 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.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
USA hockey's Hilary Knight plans to make 2026 Milan final Olympics appearance
Hilary Knight, one of the most decorated female hockey players in the history of the sport, plans to make the 2026 Milan Olympics her fifth and final appearance at the event. 'It's time,' Knight told USA TODAY Sports. 'I have grown up in this program and it's just given me so much. I'm at peace. I just have this feeling that it's time. And I'm grateful that — hopefully I can stay healthy and everything — I can go out when I'd like to be done. That is such a privilege that only a handful of competitors get.' Advertisement Knight, 35, is still one of the best women's hockey players in the world. She led the PWHL in scoring this season (29 points) and was recently named a finalist for Forward of the Year. At women's world championships back in April, Knight led Team USA in scoring en route to her record-10th gold medal at the tournament. She also broke the all-time assist record at women's worlds, where she was already the all-time goals (67) and points (120) leader at the tournament. Knight still plans to play in the PWHL after Milan, according to USA Today. And she could continue playing with Team USA — where she's been captain since 2023 — at worlds. But Knight does not intend to play all the way through to the next Olympic cycle in 2030. Knight currently has four Olympic medals, which is tied for the most by an American woman. Should the U.S. win a medal in Milan, Knight will become the most decorated American women's hockey player and the only five-time Olympian in U.S. women's hockey history. Advertisement 'I've had an incredible career at the Olympic stage,' Knight said in the interview. 'And (in Milan) I will have the same mission and the same purpose, and that's to win an Olympic gold.' This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Olympics, Women's Hockey 2025 The Athletic Media Company
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ottawa Charge eliminate Montreal Victoire in Game 4 to reach PWHL Finals: Takeaways
The Ottawa Charge will advance to the PWHL Finals after a 2-1 win over the Montreal Victoire in Game 4 of the semifinals on Friday night. Rebecca Leslie — an Ottawa-native — opened the scoring just two minutes into the game, giving the Charge an early lead they wouldn't relinquish. Maureen Murphy made things interesting late in the third period, cutting the Ottawa lead in half with five minutes remaining. But the Charge — backed by strong goaltending from Gwyneth Philips — were able to secure the win and pull off the upset. Advertisement Montreal entered the playoffs as the No. 1 team in the league and got to choose its semifinal opponent, the third-ranked Charge. Montreal was heavily favored to win the series, according to Dom Luszczyszyn's model, with 63 percent odds. But the Victoire mustered only one win — 3-2 in quadruple overtime — en route to another early exit from the postseason. 'We had to grind for every win. That's a great hockey club over there that gave us a great challenge,' Ottawa captain Brianne Jenner said. 'I think we're playing our best hockey at the right time of year, so it's exciting.' As the top remaining seed, Ottawa will have home-ice advantage in the PWHL Finals against the Minnesota Frost. Game 1 will be Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET at TD Place Arena. Here are some takeaways from Friday's deciding game. A quick opening goal Ottawa had about as good a start as they could have hoped for, scoring just two minutes after puck drop. That it was Leslie, a local product, who started the two-on-one, and buried the rebound that kicked out off Ann-Renée Desbiens' pad, was a nice touch. The Charge are known for strong starts, with the most games scoring first (21) in the league through the regular season and into playoffs. At times during the regular season, maintaining leads was perhaps Ottawa's biggest issue with a modest 10-1-3-4 record when scoring first. Advertisement But, in the first round, Ottawa has been able to gain and hold a lead much more effectively, scoring first three times and winning each time — including on Friday night. Montreal's top line One of the reasons to believe Montreal could get the job done against Ottawa was that it has the best forward in the world (Marie-Philip Poulin) and arguably the best top line in the PWHL (Poulin, Laura Stacey and Jennifer Gardiner). Poulin led the league in scoring this season with 19 goals and has been named a finalist for Forward of the Year, and is sure to be one for MVP whenever that is announced. No duo combined for more goals than Poulin and Stacey during the regular season. Gardiner fit in on the top line perfectly, putting together an excellent rookie season bested only in points by Sarah Fillier. Advertisement But Ottawa did an excellent job shutting that line down, with Ottawa's top line of Gabbie Hughes, Emily Clark and Mannon McMahon getting most of the head-to-head minutes. The trio played Poulin tough and did well to stop her from getting the puck, especially in high-danger areas of the ice, keeping Montreal's captain off the score sheet in Games 2 and 3 and for most of Friday's game — until Poulin's secondary assist on Murphy's late third period tally. It's a credit to Poulin that, despite the stingy defense, she still found pockets of open space and got more shots off in the series than anybody (27), save for Stacey (28). But she was only able to beat Philips once all series. Similarly, Stacey only had one goal. It's the second year in a row that Stacey and Poulin have been completely shut down in the first round of the playoffs. Advertisement On Friday, Montreal head coach Kori Cheverie made some tweaks to the top line, replacing Gardiner with Lina Ljungblom, last year's Swedish Women's Hockey League MVP. Then, in the second period, she moved Dara Greig to that line. None of those moves could get Montreal's stars going with the season on the line. Clark scores her first As excellent as Clark's line is on the defensive side of the puck, they also added a ton of value offensively over the last two games. In Game 3, it was McMahon who scored the lone-goal in a 1-0 win to give Ottawa a 2-1 series lead. On Friday, the top line combined again for a massive goal just 31 seconds into the third period to give Ottawa a much more comfortable 2-0 lead. Advertisement It was Clark's first goal of the playoffs, and the 8,011 fans at TD Place Arena erupted with 'Clarky' chants for the fan favorite player. Throughout the semifinals, the Charge have been at their best in the third period, with five of their seven goals scored in the final frame. In Game 1, it was Shiann Darkangelo with a game-winner. In Game 2, Aneta Tejralová and Jenner scored two goals in the final five minutes to force overtime – and ultimately quadruple overtime. It's been quite the departure from Ottawa's issues earlier in the year (and last season) with closing out games. And it's come at the right time. Philips wins the goalie battle This series was far different than the Toronto versus Minnesota semifinal, which featured 32 goals scored between the two teams and a league record for goals scored in a single game. Advertisement Goaltending was at times optional. That was not the case between Ottawa and Montreal. All four games were close, decided by one goal. Both teams only combined for 12 goals – the same amount as the record-breaking 7-5 Minnesota win on Sunday. And it's not because the games were low-event. In fact, there were more shots on goal in the Ottawa-Montreal series than Toronto-Minnesota. The low scores were largely due to excellent goaltending by Desbiens and Philips, who lead the PWHL postseason in shots against, saves, save percentage and goals against average. Philips – the rookie goalie who has been thrust into the starters crease with Emerance Maschmeyer on LTIR – has the edge in nearly every category. In her last two games, Philips has made 36 saves on 37 shots for back-to-back wins to lead Ottawa to the Finals. Advertisement This article originally appeared in The Athletic. NHL, Women's Hockey 2025 The Athletic Media Company
