The five most improved players in the PWHL — Women’s hockey news and notes
The IX: Hockey Friday with The Ice Garden, Feb. 7, 2025
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Elisha Côté here from The Ice Garden, bringing you the latest edition of Hockey Friday. With the PWHL now in its second season, we’re seeing a clear picture of who’s elevated their game compared to last year. Some players have made massive jumps in production, while others have taken on bigger roles and thrived.
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Here are the five players who have improved the most from the PWHL’s inaugural season to now.
1. Marie-Philip Poulin — Montréal Victoire
Poulin is one of the greatest to ever play the game, but she’s taken things to another level in the PWHL’s second season. Last season, she had 10 goals and 13 assists (23 points) in 21 games while dealing with injuries. This year, she’s already at 10 goals and 2 assists (12 points) in just 14 games and has been the heartbeat of Montreal’s offense. She’s back to her dominant, clutch self, and it’s showing in her production.
2. Hilary Knight — Boston Fleet
Knight had a respectable first season in the PWHL but has been even better in Year 2. She’s already tied her point total from last season, where she had 6 goals and 5 assists (11 points) in 24 games. This year, she’s stepped up with 5 goals and 6 assists (11 points) in just 13 games and is making a bigger impact for Boston in all situations.
3. Jessie Eldridge — New York Sirens
New York needed offensive production this season, and Eldridge has delivered. Last season, she finished with 7 goals and 7 assists (14 points) in 24 games. This year, she’s already at 4 goals and 8 assists (12 points) in just 14 games, making her one of the league’s most improved scorers. Her ability to create chances and finish plays has been crucial for New York in its push for the playoffs.
4. Abby Boreen — Montréal Victoire
Boreen played a limited role last season but has been one of Montréal’s most noticeable improvements in Year 2. Last season, she had 4 goals and 1 assists (5 points) in just 9 games with the Frost. This year, she’s already surpassed those numbers with 5 goals and 5 assists (10 points) in 14 games. With increased ice time and confidence, she’s proving to be a reliable secondary scorer for Montréal.
5. Taylor Heise — Minnesota Frost
Heise had a solid rookie season, but it was clear she had another level to reach. After posting 4 goals and 9 assists (13 points) in 19 games last season, she’s taken a leap this year with 4 goals and 10 assists (14 points) in just 14 games. She’s not just producing more — she’s controlling play, using her speed more effectively, and looking like the future superstar many expected.
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Around the hockey world
Poulin and Stacey finding their stride in Montreal — The Ice Garden
Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey are leading PWHL Montreal as they push for playoff positioning. Their performances have been key in keeping Montreal competitive in the second PWHL season.
WCHA weekly roundup: The playoff push begins — The Ice Garden
The NCAA’s WCHA conference is entering its final stretch, with teams battling for postseason seeding. This roundup highlights standout performances and key matchups to watch.
Blayre Turnbull returns home for the Rivalry Series — CTV News Atlantic
PWHL Ottawa’s Blayre Turnbull will play in front of her hometown crowd in Nova Scotia as Team Canada faces Team USA in the Rivalry Series. She discusses the excitement of playing on home ice.
Vancouver Avalanche: First women’s hockey team to win the Alpine Cup — Vancouver is Awesome
A look back at the Vancouver Avalanche, the first B.C. women’s hockey team to win the Alpine Cup in 1922. This piece dives into the history of the team and their lasting impact on women’s hockey in Canada.
Projecting Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster — CBC Sports
With a deep talent pool, Team Canada faces tough decisions ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. This article examines the likely roster selections and key players who could shape Canada’s Olympic campaign.
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