Five takeaways from the first week of PWHL action — five questions with Sandra Abstreiter

From Sarah Fillier’s electrifying debut for the New York Sirens to Toronto’s gritty win over Boston, the opening week had everything: dramatic finishes, standout goaltending performances and a passionate fan presence that shows how much this league continues to grow. Whether you’re tuning in as a longtime supporter or diving into the PWHL for the first time, there’s no better time to be a fan of women’s hockey. Let’s break down this exciting week’s top moments, players and storylines!

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1. Sarah Fillier steals the show

Fillier, the New York Sirens’ first overall pick, wasted no time showcasing her exceptional talent in the opening week. The highly anticipated forward made an immediate impact, tallying two assists and creating numerous scoring opportunities in New York’s impressive overtime win over the defending champion Minnesota Frost. Fillier’s quick thinking, precise passing and ability to control the pace of play highlighted why she was selected first overall in the 2024 draft. Her chemistry with her linemates was evident, and her knack for delivering in high-pressure moments has already cemented her as a player to watch. It’s only Week 1, but the buzz around Fillier as an early MVP contender is growing, as fans and analysts alike can’t stop talking about her electrifying debut.

2. New York Sirens come out swinging

The New York Sirens didn’t just rely on Fillier to make waves in their opening week — they came out firing on all cylinders. Their 4–1 victory over Montréal showcased a complete team effort, blending offensive firepower with airtight defense and stellar goaltending. Veteran forwards like Alex Carpenter and Jessie Eldridge brought experience and leadership, while the Sirens’ blue line stifled Montréal’s high-powered attack, limiting them to just one goal. In net, Corrine Schroeder was rock-solid, making clutch saves to preserve the lead. This debut win sends a clear message: the Sirens have the depth, talent and determination to be serious contenders this season.

3. Goaltending will dominate this season

The PWHL’s opening week made one thing clear: goaltenders are going to be a driving force this season. Boston’s Aerin Frankel set the tone with back-to-back standout performances, stopping 64 of 68 shots across two games and proving her ability to keep her team in any contest. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s Emerance Maschmeyer dazzled with acrobatic saves, particularly in a tense shootout loss against Montreal, where she singlehandedly kept the Charge competitive. Across the league, netminders are showcasing a blend of skill, composure and athleticism that is setting a high standard for success.

4. Rivalries are reignited

If there’s one thing heating up the PWHL’s second season, it’s the return of intense rivalries. Toronto’s gritty 3–1 win over Boston set an early tone, with hard hits, end-to-end action and a battle for every inch of the ice. The game marked the continuation of what promises to be a fierce season-long rivalry between these two teams. Meanwhile, Montreal’s thrilling shootout victory over Ottawa had fans on the edge of their seats, as both teams fought tooth and nail until the final buzzer. These rivalries, fueled by playoff ambitions and competitive pride, are already shaping the league’s identity in its sophomore year. With each matchup carrying implications for standings and bragging rights, the stakes have never felt higher.

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5. Fans are fueling the excitement

The PWHL’s second season kicked off with impressive fan engagement, both in the stands and online. A total of 26,144 fans attended games across three venues during opening weekend, a testament to the league’s growing popularity.

• 10,033 fans packed Place Bell in Montreal, where the Victoire thrilled their home crowd with a dramatic shootout win.
• 8,089 fans filled Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto to see the Sceptres battle the Boston Fleet in a gritty matchup.
• 8,022 fans at Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota cheered on the defending champion Frost, though they couldn’t overcome a strong New York Sirens squad.

The energy and passion from fans are a clear sign of how far women’s hockey has come — and where it’s headed.

Around the hockey world

Five Questions with Sandra Abstreiter — The Ice Garden
In this interview, Montreal Victoire’s goaltender Sandra Abstreiter discusses her transition to the PWHL, her experiences with the German national team and her aspirations for the upcoming season. She also shares insights into her training regimen and the challenges of adapting to a new league.

Sweden Announces Roster for Upcoming Women’s Euro Hockey Tour — The Hockey News
Sweden has unveiled its roster for the upcoming Women’s Euro Hockey Tour, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. The article provides a detailed look at the selected players and analyzes Sweden’s prospects in the tournament.

PWHL Opens Second Season with New Faces and Expansion Plans — AP News
The PWHL has commenced its second season, introducing new team identities and logos. The league is also considering expansion, with potential new teams in cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. This piece explores the league’s growth and future plans.

Nicole’s NCAA Notebook: December 2, 2024 — The Victory Press
This notebook offers a comprehensive overview of recent developments in NCAA women’s hockey, highlighting standout performances, surprising outcomes and key players to watch as the season progresses.

Top 10 PWHL Player Ratings on NHL 25 — Daily Faceoff
With the inclusion of PWHL teams in EA Sports’ NHL 25, this article lists the top 10 player ratings, featuring stars like Marie-Philip Poulin and Hilary Knight. It provides insights into each player’s virtual attributes and their real-life counterparts.