Latest news with #ProfessionalWomen'sHockeyLeague
Ottawa Citizen
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
P.E.I.'s Abby Hustler one step closer to PWHL
It has been a month to remember for Abby Hustler. Article content The 22-year-old daughter of Paul and April Hustler of St. Louis, P.E.I., became the first Prince Edward Islander drafted in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) by the Minnesota Frost, in the second round, 14th overall, on June 24. Article content Article content Hustler, a forward, would then sign her first pro contract – a two-year deal – with the Frost on July 17. Article content Article content 'It's pretty cool, obviously,' Hustler told The Guardian in a phone interview. 'It's one thing to get drafted but to sign kind of secures your spot. Article content Article content 'I'm super pumped to get going to Minnesota and have the opportunity to make that my home for two years.' Article content On top of the PWHL excitement, Hustler concluded hosting a two-week successful hockey camp for females aged eight-to-15-years-old in North Rustico, P.E.I., last week. Article content 'It had a really great turnout and I'm looking to keep expanding it for the future years,' said Hustler. Article content Although now signed, Hustler is not letting up or taking anything for granted. Hustler is just as focused on preparing for the start of training camp in mid-November. Article content 'I still want to prove myself when I get there,' said Hustler. 'My training regimen will be the same still, but it's nice having the comfort of knowing the coaches will take the time to develop you because you are a two-year product of theirs and potentially more.' Article content Article content Hustler has also been looking into living arrangements and will live with forward Anna Segedi. Hustler and Segedi, a third-round selection of the Frost, 22nd overall, played together at St. Lawrence University. Article content Article content 'It's a bonus to know someone going in,' said Hustler. Article content Since the draft, Hustler has had the opportunity to have some discussions with the Frost. Article content 'They are super excited to have me,' said Hustler. 'The coaching staff is amazing and also the players on the team have been reaching out to me. Article content 'It's super cool to get to know them and find out what they think of me as a player.' Article content Hustler is excited to join the Frost. Not only are the Frost winners of the first two Walter Cups as PWHL champions, the team plays out of the Xcel Energy Centre – home of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild – in St. Paul, MN.
Ottawa Citizen
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Goaltender the first UNB alum to earn a shot at PWHL
Article content When Kendra Woodland's collegiate hockey career at the University of New Brunswick ended in 2024, the next step was in the direction of the newly founded Professional Women's Hockey League. Article content But that path took a turn when she was not selected in either the 2024 or 2025 PWHL drafts. But now, she has her shot. Article content Article content Woodland has been invited to the Ottawa Charge training camp in November. She said in an interview Thursday she spent the past year and a half staying ready. Just months away from training camp, that patience has paid off. Article content Article content 'Getting that call was awesome. Working with my agents and making sure that this is the best opportunity moving forward was important,' said the Kamloops, B.C. native, who has been training with junior and pro players at home for the offseason. Article content Article content 'It was rewarding to just get an opportunity to get my foot in the door, and (I'm) just really excited.' Article content The 25-year-old netminder's invite to Ottawa is a historic one for UNB's women's hockey program, which was revived in 2018 following a decade-long absence from varsity status. During her time at UNB, Woodland helped rebuild the women's hockey program, backstopping the team to back-to-back Atlantic University Sport titles in 2022 and 2023. Article content Hilworth said Woodland was a key piece in the revival. Article content 'She definitely gave us just a strong backbone right from the start,' the coach said. 'I'm not surprised just knowing how dedicated and determined she is, and I'm really excited for her to get that opportunity at the highest level.' Article content Article content In 2023, Woodland won the Brodrick Trophy as USPORTS' player of the year in women's hockey. Internationally, she won bronze at the 2018 International Ice Hockey Federation U18 Women's World Championship and gold with Canada at the 2023 FISU World University Games. Article content Woodland's plan for her hockey career didn't originally include a stop in Fredericton. In high school, she committed to playing NCAA hockey for the University of North Dakota, a program that was disbanded in 2017 before she could even step on the ice. Article content 'There's not a lot of goalies that can say they could come in and in their rookie year start, ultimately, for five years of their eligibility,' said Woodland. 'I was really lucky that opportunity came knocking on my door.'
Canada Standard
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Canada Standard
Rookie of Year Sarah Fillier signs extension with Sirens
Field Level Media 10 Jul 2025, 23:35 GMT+10 (Photo credit: Daniel DeLoach/Utica Observer-Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK) Reigning Professional Women's Hockey League Rookie of the Year Sarah Fillier signed a two-year extension Thursday with the New York Sirens. The 25-year-old Canadian forward was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 PWHL Draft. Fillier tied for the league lead with 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) in 30 games, earning PWHL First Team All-Star and All-Rookie honors. 'A milestone day and a true privilege for the New York Sirens organization and our fans to know that we'll be building the future here in New York with Sarah,' general manager Pascal Daoust said. 'She brings exceptional talent, leadership and a relentless will to win -- qualities that will elevate every teammate and ignite excitement in every fan. A unique person in a unique market, united by shared goals and driven by a standard of excellence.' Fillier's five power-play goals topped the PWHL and her 16 assists matched the young league's single-season record. 'I'm so excited to re-sign in New York for two more years,' Fillier said. 'It's a special city to play in, and I feel lucky to be part of this team. I'm really looking forward to what's ahead and continuing to build something great with the Sirens.' Fillier tallied 194 points in 120 games at Princeton from 2018-24. Internationally, she has won gold medals with Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and the World Championships in 2021, 2022 and 2024. --Field Level Media
Montreal Gazette
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
Marie-Philip Poulin wins PWHL's MVP award
Montreal Victoire Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin was named the winner of the Professional Women's Hockey League's Billie Jean King Award as league most valuable player during an event Wednesday in Ottawa. She beat out finalists Renata Fast (Toronto Sceptres) and Hilary Knight (Boston Fleet) for the honour. Poulin had 19 goals and 26 points in 30 games this season. Poulin was also named forward of the year. Victoire teammate Ann-Renée Desbiens was named goaltender of the year, and Victoire coach Kori Cheverie received coach of the year honours. Forward Laura Stacey was given the Hockey for All Award, which honours 'the player who made the greatest impact in their community.'
Winnipeg Free Press
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
CP NewsAlert: Marie-Philip Poulin wins PWHL's Billie Jean King MVP award
Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. OTTAWA – 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. More coming.
