Monday, December 2, 2024

PWHL Opening Night Rosters Dominated by College Hockey Alumnae

90 Percent of League’s Players Played NCAA Hockey

PWHL Opening Night Rosters Dominated by College Hockey Alumnae
Princeton’s Sarah Fillier was selected No. 1 overall by the New York Sirens in the 2024 draft. (photo: Shelley Szwast)

The six franchises of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) unveiled their 2024-25 opening night rosters ahead of the league’s second season. 

Each team can roster 26 players, including three signed to Reserve Player Contracts. Additionally, teams can carry players on long-term injured reserve (LTIR). Of the 159 players listed for opening weekend, 143 are former college hockey standouts. Notably, the Minnesota Frost roster is made up entirely of NCAA alumnae. 

The 143 NCAA alumni in the PWHL represent 34 schools across nine countries. Twelve NCAA programs have at least five former players on league rosters, led by Ohio State and Wisconsin with 15 each, followed by Minnesota Duluth (13), Clarkson (12), Northeastern (11), and Quinnipiac (10). 

The PWHL dropped the puck on its sophomore season this past weekend, with all six teams in action. To see the full 2024-24 schedule, visit here.  

Visit ThePWHL.com for complete league rosters and additional information. 

2023-24:  

In the league’s inaugural season, the Walter Cup was awarded to PWHL Minnesota after a hard-fought 5-game series against PWHL Boston. Both teams in the finals featured rosters composed entirely of NCAA alumnae. 

The playoff MVP award was given to PWHL Minnesota’s Taylor Heise, the first player ever drafted into the PWHL. The Red Wing, Minnesota, native played five years for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, amassing 227 points and winning the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2022 as the nation’s top player.